Texas to Tempe pipeline expected to fuel Arizona State football with move to Big 12

Arizona State assistant football coaches Ra’Shaad Samples and Bryan Carrington know one of the keys to recruiting nowadays is meeting prospective players in their own space, and a big part of that is social media. Since the two are not that far removed from their playing days it is something that comes natural to them.

Samples, 29, heads up the Sun Devil receiving core while Carrington, 33, handles the secondary. But they have been instrumental in the success ASU has had in recruiting Texas, which was always important, but more so now with the school headed to the Big 12. The program will be competing against Texas schools, as well as others in that geographic area.

So each time they land a prospect from that talent-laden state, the message goes out on social media – “Texas to Tempe.”

“The Texas to Tempe thing is real. And it’s just getting started,” Samples said.

Dillingham’s priorities on the recruiting trail

The Sun Devils held their first of 15 spring practices on Tuesday and as was the case last year, several of the players hail from the Lone Star State, a total of 21 to be exact. Some of those Texas natives are among the veterans, who likely still have thoughts of the 3-9 season last year still in their heads.

Arizona State Sun Devils WR coach/passing game coordinator Ra’Shaad Samples instructs his players during spring football practice at the Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe on March 16, 2023.

Among those are defensive standouts Prince Dorbah and Clayton Smith and wide receiver Troy Omeire, who are starting their second years in the program after beginning their college careers elsewhere.

The state also is reflected in the transfers that were brought in this year as well as the high school signing class.

Head coach Kenny Dillingham has said on multiple occasions that Texas is a priority, and the success Samples and…


Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/texas-tempe-pipeline-expected-fuel-222218440.html

Author : AZCentral | The Arizona Republic

Publish date : 2024-03-26 22:22:18

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