Feb. 7, 2007

TEMPE, Ariz. - Arizona State University Head Football Coach Dennis Erickson signed 23 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent to study and play football, ASU announced Wednesday. The 2007 class, Erickson's first as Sun Devil head coach, is comprised of 18 freshmen and five junior college transfers, four of which were mid-year transfers and are already enrolled at ASU.

Arizona State University's 2007 signing class includes:

• 23 total signees, including 18 freshmen.
• Five junior college transfers (four on defense already enrolled in school and one three-for-three sophomore on offense in Jarrell Woods).
• Athletes from 10 different states including Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Oregon and Texas.
• 10 total offensive and defensive linemen.
• The only team in the nation to sign two top-20 quarterbacks (Chasen Stangel, No. 16 and Samson Szakacsy, No. 20).
• The top center in the West region and two of the top three offensive guards in the West (Garth Gerhart, No. 1 center, Po'u Palelei, No. 1 guard and Adam Tello, No. 3 guard).
• The state of Arizona's top two wide receivers (Kerry Taylor and T.J. Simpson).
• Two of the top-10 junior college defensive ends in the nation (Luis Vasquez, No. 4 and Eric Tanner, No. 10).
• Two 2006 NJCAA All-Americans (Luis Vasquez, first team and Morris Wooten, second team).
• The past two NJCAA Region-1 Defensive Players of Year (Morris Wooten, 2006 and Luis Vasquez, 2005).

*-redshirt year utilized

Oliver Aaron S Fr. 6-2 205 Gainesville, FL (Gainesville HS)

Incredible athletic specimen and versatile player that played linebacker and defensive end in high school, but projects as a safety at the college level...regarded as an energetic and tough competitor with impressive speed from sideline-to-sideline...listed as the No. 24 outside linebacker in the nation, the No. 12 outside linebacker in the south and the No. 6 outside linebacker in the state of Florida by Scouts, Inc....ranked as the No. 44 weak side linebacker in the nation by Scout.com...totaled 240 tackles over the course of his junior and senior seasons...as a senior, he totaled 126 tackles, eight sacks, four forced fumbles and one fumble recovery...earned All-Area and All-State honors in 2006...was named The Gainesville Sun's Defensive Player of the Year and was named as one of Florida's top-50 players by the same publication...was recognized as Gainesville High's Linebacker of the Year as a senior...playing at defensive end as a junior, he recorded 114 total tackles, 10 sacks and seven additional tackles-for-loss, earning him first-team All-Area and second-team All-State honors...one of the most impressive physical standouts at Scout.com's 2006 Jacksonville Combine, he recorded a 39-inch vertical leap and a 10-foot, 4-inch broad jump, the top marks in those events by any camp participant...his broad jump and vertical leap scores were the fifth- and ninth-best among participants in all 13 combines held during the year...at other scouting combines, he recorded a 4.41 40-yard dash time and a 4.37 shuttle time...was named to the All-Combine Team at Scout.com's Jacksonville Combine...was named Gainesville High School's Defensive Lineman of the Year as a junior...recorded a 37-inch vertical leap at the Gainesville NIKE Training Camp in May, 2006, which ranked second among linebackers and third among all positions...lettered in football and track at Gainesville High School and also participated on the school's weightlifting team..."The main thing (in choosing a college) is I wanted to surround myself with good people, coaches and players, and put myself in a position to succeed academically," says Aaron. "I don't think there is a better option for me out there that gives me all of those."...coached by Eddy Moore at Gainesville High School.

Derrall Anderson LB Fr. 6-3 220 Tampa, FL (Armwood HS)

Collected 98 tackles, 15 quarterback hurries and six sacks as a senior...listed as the No. 102 outside linebacker in the nation by Scouts, Inc....Armwood posted a won-loss record of 13-2 in 2006...selected All-Western Conference as a senior...earned honorable mention All-Hillsborough County by The Tampa Tribune...chose ASU over Colorado State, Mississippi, North Carolina, Iowa State and Tulane...helped lead Armwood to the 2005 state championship game, in which the Hawks fell to Nease High School, then led by current University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow...coached by Sean Callahan at Armwood..."When I talked to (Anderson), he said the facilities (at ASU) blew him away," says Callahan. "He almost couldn't believe how good they were. Also, it's a warm and dry place and that was something that appealed to him very much I think, as well as being able to play at a very high level."

Omar Bolden CB Fr. 5-11 200 Ontario, CA (Colony HS)

One of ASU's most highly-acclaimed signees of the 2007 class...has blazing speed and the ability to star either in the offensive backfield or the defensive secondary...most likely to play cornerback for the Sun Devils...one of the most exciting athletes in the state of California in 2006...praised for his ball skills as a defender, mainly resulting from his experience on offense...ran a 4.35 40-yard dash at the 2006 Scout.com Los Angeles Combine, the fastest by any player at the camp and the fourth-fastest among participants at Scout.com's 13 nationwide high school combines throughout the year...ranked as the preseason No. 37 player overall in the West and the region's No. 6 cornerback by Scout.com...also rated as a four-star prospect by Rivals.com and Scout.com...listed as a preseason All-American and the No. 43 cornerback in the nation by SuperPrep...also regarded as the No. 36 player in the state of California and the state's No. 6 cornerback by SuperPrep...rated as the No. 7 all-purpose back in the nation and the No. 31 player in the state of California by Rivals.com...regarded as the No. 5 running back in California by Rivals.com...listed as the No. 16 cornerback in the nation by Scout.com...named the No. 38 player in the Farwest in the postseason by SuperPrep...was named the C.I.F. Central Division Most Valuable Player and the Inland Valley Player of the Year after leading Colony to its first C.I.F. title as a senior in 2006...led the Mt. Baldy League in scoring and rushing yards in 2006...won the league rushing crown by over 1,000 yards...as a senior he ran for 2,003 yards and 26 touchdowns and amassed over 2,500 all-purpose yards...averaged 143.1 rushing yards-per-game as a senior...also caught nine passes for 150 yards (16.7 ypc.) and one touchdown...on defense, he totaled 80 tackles, two blocked punts and one interception...recorded over 700 rushing yards and six touchdowns as a junior, despite missing four games due to injury, but still earned All-Mt. Baldy League honors and was chosen as Colony High's Most Valuable Player...chose ASU over USC and received several other offers, from schools including Michigan, Nebraska, Oregon State and Washington...coached by Anthony Rice at Colony High School.

James Brooks DE Fr. 6-6 260 Flagstaff, AZ (Flagstaff HS)

Very athletic and could play on either side of the football at ASU...Listed as the No. 11 player in the state of Arizona by SuperPrep in the pre- and postseason...regarded as the No. 38 strong side defensive end in the nation and the No. 12 player in the state of Arizona by Rivals.com...earned first-team All-Region and first-team All-City honors...was named Flagstaff High's Offensive Player of the Year...caught 24 passes for 663 yards (27.6 ypc.) and five touchdowns as a senior...on defense as a senior he had 59 tackles, 15 quarterback sacks and 12 pass deflections...collected 30 receptions for 728 yards (24.3 ypc.) and five touchdowns as a junior...registered 68 total tackles (45 solo), 17 tackles-for-loss, 12 quarterback sacks, 12 pass deflections, one forced fumble and one fumble return for a touchdown as a junior..."I like the stadium and the campus (at ASU)," says Brooks. "I was really impressed with the academic staff and how they help with your studies. Academics are really important to me."...chose ASU over Oregon State and Arizona...coached by Craig Holland at Flagstaff High.

Jonathan Clark CB Fr. 6-1 185 Arlington, TX (Seguin HS)

Versatile defensive back who has the ability to play multiple positions in the secondary...can run stride-for-stride with receivers and is a solid tackler...listed as the No. 53 cornerback in the nation by Scouts, Inc....named honorable mention 2006 4A All-State by The Dallas Morning News and The San Antonio Express-News...during his prep career, he totaled 124 tackles (43 solo), five sacks, five fumble recoveries and two interceptions...also scored two defensive touchdowns during his career at Seguin High School...named to the All-District second team as a senior...collected 63 tackles, four fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles and five interceptions as a junior at Sequin High which finished 9-3 on the season...selected to the All-District 7-4A first team as a junior...named the Defensive Most Valuable Player at Seguin High School...runs a 4.4 40-yard dash with a 30-inch vertical leap...chose ASU over Oklahoma State, Tulsa and Wisconsin..."I've got a lot of family there and I've been down (to ASU) before and it's a great atmosphere, great weather, nice surroundings," says Clark. "I just thought it would be a good place for me."...coached by Ricky Albus at Seguin High School.

Jonathan English DT Fr. 6-0 330 River Ridge, LA (John Curtis Christian HS)

Massive, powerful defensive lineman...nicknamed "Tank" and can bench press 455 pounds and squat 600...played for one of the most prolific prep teams in the nation at John Curtis Christian High School in River Ridge, La....has shown the ability to gain overpowering penetration through interior offensive linemen...uses his hands well to gain separation from blockers...listed as the No. 38 defensive tackle in the nation by Scouts, Inc....regarded as the No. 65 defensive tackle in the nation, the No. 7 defensive tackle in the state of Louisiana and the state's No. 31 overall player by Rivals.com...ranked as the No. 28 player and the No. 10 defensive lineman in SuperPrep's postseason Louisiana-40...listed as the No. 30 player and No. 4 defensive tackle in Louisiana during the preseason by SuperPrep...second-team All-America honors by MaxPreps.com in 2006...earned as a senior, he earned All-District, All-State and All-Metro New Orleans honors...was also named the All-Metro Most Valuable Player...ranked 11th in the nation in total sacks as a senior (20.0), according to MaxPreps...played for back-to-back state championship teams as a junior and as a senior...totaled 232 tackles and 32 sacks between his junior and senior seasons...as a senior, he totaled 120 tackles, 20 sacks, 23 quarterback hurries, 11 additional tackles-for-loss, five forced fumbles, two pass deflections and two fumble recoveries...had six games with 10 or more tackles at defensive tackle in 2006...recorded 12 total tackles and three sacks against West Jefferson (Sept. 21, 2006) and posted 14 total tackles and three sacks against St. James (Oct. 27, 2006)...as a junior he recorded 112 tackles, 12 sacks, two interceptions and four pass deflections...totaled 100 tackles and nine sacks as a sophomore and 65 tackles and five sacks as a freshman...also lettered in basketball and track...captained his basketball and football teams as a junior and as a senior...chose ASU over Louisiana-Monroe, Memphis, Oklahoma State, Tennessee, Tulane and Wisconsin..."I just felt comfortable with the coaches, even though they are a new staff," says English. "But you would never know they are new because they seem to (work together) very well."...was coached by J.T. Curtis in high school..."My mom felt really comfortable, too," says English. "We both felt at home there and she feels like they will take care of me."

Garth Gerhart OL Fr. 6-2 300 Norco, CA (Norco HS)

Powerful, experienced blocker who joins prep teammate Adam Tello as members of ASU's 2007 signing class...joined prep teammate and fellow ASU signee Adam Tello as recipients of the 2006 Co-Most Valuable Player of the C.I.F. Eastern division, an award rarely presented to an offensive lineman...the top-rated center in the state of California and one of the very best in the country at his position...was named All-Inland Empire, All-Soutern Section and first-team All-State...listed as the No. 7 center in the nation and the No. 61 player overall in the state of California by Rivals.com...also ranked as the No. 7 center in the country by Scout.com...regarded as the No. 8 offensive lineman in the state of California by Rivals.com...ranked as the No. 8 center in the nation and the No. 1 at his position in the West region by Scouts, Inc....listed as the No. 85 player overall in the Farwest by SuperPrep...incredibly powerful, he bench presses 335 pounds, squats 585 and power cleans 315...as a junior, he recorded 130 pancake blocks, averaging 10-per-game...brother, Toby, now a sophomore running back at Stanford, established the California state career rushing record while at Norco, largely aided by Garth's blocking...an excellent student, he reports a 3.8 grade-point-average...also a standout baseball player at Norco...originally committed to Colorado before switching to ASU...also received offers from Boise State, Boston College, Colorado State, Hawaii and Utah...coached by his father Todd Gerhart at Norco High School.

Jarrell Holman CB Jr. 6-1 190 Las Vegas, NV(Phoenix College)

Enrolled at ASU this spring and will participate in spring drills...regarded as the No. 83 junior college player in the nation and the No. 20 junior college defensive back by Rivals.com...runs a 4.4 40-yard dash...as a sophomore, he totaled 50 tackles and seven tackles-for-loss in eight games...originally committed to Minnesota, to a staff which included current ASU defensive coordinator Craig Bray...also considered West Virginia, Kansas and Utah...played his freshman year at Arizona Western on the same defense as fellow signee Luis Vasquez...prepped at Cheyenne High School in North Las Vegas, Nevada...was named first-team All-State and first-team All-Northwest Conference as a senior...was recognized as Cheyenne's Most Valuable Defensive Player as a senior...earned second-team All-State honors by Scout.com as a senior at Cheyenne in 2004...set school records for single-season interceptions (10) and defensive touchdowns in a season (six) as a senior...added three offensive touchdowns, eight forced fumbles and one kickoff return for a touchdown in 2004...as a junior, he totaled three interceptions, six offensive touchdowns and four forced fumbles...lettered three times in football, basketball and track at Cheyenne...coached by Charles Anthony at Cheyenne High School...joins Phoenix College teammate Eric Tanner as members of ASU's 2007 signing class...will have three years to play two at ASU...coached by Dale Wolfley at Phoenix College.

Matt Hustad OL Fr. 6-5 260 Helena, MT (Helena HS)

Versatile lineman who played offensive guard and defensive tackle at Helena High School...likely to play offensive line at the college level...selected as the Gatorade Player of the Year in Montana...recognized as the top player in the state of Montana by Sports Illustrated...earned first-team All-Conference and first-team All-State recognition at offensive guard as a senior, and was named second-team All-Conference and honorable mention All-State at defensive tackle...earned Academic All-State honors and was presented with Helena's "Hog Award"...as a senior, helped guide Helena to an 8-3 record an a playoff semifinals appearance while recording 71 tackles (31) solo tackles, 17 quarterback hurries, five sacks and four pass deflections as a defensive lineman...earned first-team All-Conference honors and second-team All-State honors at offensive line as a sophomore...at the Nike Combine in Eugene, Ore., in June, he posted a camp-best 4.38 shuttle run among all defensive ends, and tied the camp-best for his position, recording a 28-inch vertical leap...his father, Bryon, and uncle, Ken played college football at Utah and Wyoming, respectively...also lettered in baseball at Helena...originally committed to play at Montana before switching to ASU..."I got down there (to Tempe) and I loved it," says Hustad. "I looked at Sun Devil Stadium and saw that it holds over 70,000 people. I got blown away by the whole thing. It is a dream to play in the Pac-10."...coached by Tony Arnston at Helena High School.

Dan Knapp TE Fr. 6-5 230 Reno, NV (Reno HS)

Ranked as the No. 8 player in the state of Nevada and the state's top tight end by Rivals.com...named to Scout.com's 2006 Nevada All-State Team...during his career at Reno High School, he totaled 45 catches for 750 yards (16.7 ypc.) and 10 touchdowns...earned first-team All-League, All-Region and All-State honors...as a senior, he caught 25 passes for 345 yards (13.8 ypc.) and five touchdowns..."I just liked (ASU), the coaches, all of the players," says Knapp. "It's a real nice environment down there, the weather is nice, and I think it's going to be a lot of fun."...lettered in football and track at Reno High...attended the same high school as current Sun Devils Josh Barrett and Wes Evans...chose ASU over Boise State, Fresno State, Nevada and Oregon State...coached by Dan Avansino at Reno High School.

Mike Marcisz OL Fr. 6-6 295 Livermore, CA (Granada HS)

The first offensive lineman to commit in the 2007 class...was the Most Valuable Player at the 2006 Arizona State University football camp and the University of California football camp...was a two-way lineman for Granada...listed as the No. 8 offensive tackle in the postseason by Scout.com...ranked as the No. 78 offensive tackle in the nation by Scout.com...regarded as the No. 20 offensive lineman in the state of California prior to the 2006 season by Scout.com...listed as the No. 6 player and top offensive lineman among the Contra Costa Times' "Cream of the Crop" top-20 players in the East Bay area...as a defensive lineman, he was listed as the No. 2 "Player to Watch" by The San Francisco Gate...earned first-team All-East Bay Athletic League honors as a senior...was named All-Herald News and All-Valley News in 2006...was Granada High School's Most Valuable Lineman and Most Valuable Player as a senior...started more games at offensive line than any player in school history (31) and allowed the fewest sacks in Granada history, surrendering only two in three years...once played four of five offensive line positions in one game as a senior...praised for his excellence in pass protection...lettered three times in football and twice in track at Granada...attended the same high school as former Sun Devil wide receiver Moey Mutz...chose ASU over California, Fresno State and Oregon...coached by Jerry Wicks at Granada High School.

Bo Moos DL Fr. 6-2 296 Eugene, OR (Sheldon HS)

Regarded as an exceptional athlete for his position...selected as a Co-Defensive Player of the Year in the Southwest Conference and first-team All-State as a senior...named a second-team All-State selection by Oregon Prep Sports...was a unanimous first-team All-Conference as a junior and senior...chosen as second-team all-state in the 6A Division...earned second-team All-State recognition as a senior...played in all 45 games during his high school career, helping lead Sheldon to an undefeated (29-0) conference record over that span...Sheldon High finished 11-1 in 2006...was also used as a fullback in short yardage and goal line situations...was a first-team Midwestern League honoree and an honorable mention All-State selection as a junior...son of current University of Oregon Director of Athletics Bill Moos..."(Arizona State University) is really nice, but I just love the coaching staff," says Moos. "They've proven that they can win - and I just want to keep winning."...chose ASU over Oregon, Oregon State, Washington and UNLV...coached by Marty Johnson at Sheldon High School.

Po'u Palelei OL Fr. 6-5 335 Las Vegas, NV (Bishop Gorman HS)

Physically huge prospect and one of the most dominant offensive linemen in the country...one of the stars of ASU's 2007 signing class...ranked as the No. 9 offensive guard in the nation and the top player in the state of Nevada by Scout.com...listed as the No. 23 player overall in the West by Scout.com...regarded as the No. 10 offensive guard in the country and the No. 1 offensive guard in the west region by Scouts., Inc....ranked as a preseason All-American, the No. 19 offensive lineman in the nation and the best player in the state of Nevada by SuperPrep...regarded as the No. 23 player overall in the west and the region's No. 7 offensive lineman by Scout.com...also ranked as a four-star prospect by Scout.com...listed as the No. 26 offensive guard in the nation, the No. 2 player in the state of Nevada and the state's top offensive lineman by Rivals.com...ranked as the No. 27 player overall and the No. 6 offensive lineman among players from California, Hawaii and Nevada in the postseason by SuperPrep...participated in the 2007 U.S. Army All-American Bowl, competing with and against the nation's elite senior prep football players...named to Scout.com's 2006 Nevada All-State Team...listed among the nation's Fab-50 Offensive Linemen...also played defensive line at Bishop Gorman High...in 2006, earned first-team All-State, All-Region and All-Conference honors...earned 2005 first-team All-State and 2005 first-team All-Sunset Region honors...a top performer at both the 2005 and 2006 U.S. Army All-American combines ...in 2005, he had 31 tackles, seven tackles-for-loss, one sack, three quarterback hurries and 16 pancake blocks, while grading out close to 90-percent on his offensive line blocking assignments...in 2004, he had 19 tackles, five tackles-for-loss, one sack, two quarterback hurries and 10 pancake blocks...began his high school career playing at Vista (Calif.) High School, where he was teammates with current Sun Devils Thomas Altieri and Travis Goethel..."When I visited (ASU) officially, right when I walked off campus, I just knew that was my new home. It felt like I belonged there. I wasn't nervous or anything the whole time I was there," says Palelei. "Coach Erickson is so down to earth...he's won a national championship and I want to help him win another one. I want to do it together."....Palelei is regarded as a hard worker who loves the game of football and possesses extraordinary toughness and competitiveness...is applauded for being technically sound beyond his years...attended the same high school as former Sun Devil All-America offensive lineman and current New York Giant Grey Ruegamer...his uncle played for Dennis Erickson at Washington State during the 1987-88 seasons...chose ASU over Arizona, Oklahoma, Oregon, Oregon State and Texas A&M...."Football is big for me but the academics at ASU was really important," says Palelei. "(ASU's) academic advisers work hard with players and students to find them jobs after they graduate and that was really important to my mother and me."...was coached by David White at Bishop Gorman High.

Colin Parker S Fr. 6-1 205 Chandler, AZ (Hamilton HS)

Sun Devil legacy who played linebacker during an injury-shortened prep career, but projects as a safety at the collegiate level...ASU's first verbal commitment of the Class of 2007, pledging on April 16, 2006...regarded as the No. 35 outside linebacker in the nation, the No. 9 player in the state of Arizona and the state's top linebacker prospect in the preseason by Rivals.com...listed as the No. 12 prospect in the state of Arizona by SuperPrep in the preseason...ranked as the No. 14 player in the state of Arizona for the postseason by Rivals.com...listed as the No. 48 weak side linebacker in the nation by Scout.com...rated as the No. 51 outside linebacker and the top prospect at his position in the state of Arizona by Scouts, Inc....would have been rated higher were it not for an injury that prevented him from playing both as a junior and a senior...son of former ASU and NFL star Anthony Parker, who played cornerback for ASU between 1984 and 1987...joins Hamilton High teammate Kerry Taylor as ASU signees...Hamilton also produced current Sun Devils Gerald Munns and David Smith and former ASU All-American and current Baltimore Raven Pro Bowl defender Terrell Suggs...chose ASU over Florida, Michigan, California, Michigan State and Arizona..."ASU has always been my favorite school," says Parker. "I've always been an ASU fan. My dad went there and I have always wanted to go there, too."...coached by Steve Belles as a senior at Hamilton.

T.J. Simpson WR Fr. 6-2 185 Peoria AZ (Peoria HS)

Praised for being a reliable receiver and crisp route-runner...listed as the No. 7 prospect in the state of Arizona by SuperPrep in the preseason and the No. 8 player in the postseason...ranked as the No. 10 player in the state of Arizona and the No. 71 wide receiver in the nation by Rivals.com and the No. 73 wide receiver by Scouts, Inc....compares to former Sun Devil All-American and current Miami Dolphin Derek Hagan, according to Scouts, Inc....regarded by Rivals.com as Arizona's second-best prep wide receiver for 2006, only trailing fellow ASU signee Kerry Taylor of Hamilton High School...selected to The Arizona Republic's 5A second-team...earned Peoria High's "Golden Helmet Award" as team Most Valuable Player for 2006...totaled 74 catches for 1,621 yards and 16 touchdowns during his junior and senior years...speedy deep-threat receiver who averaged nearly 22 yards-per-catch over his junior and senior seasons...earned first-team All-Region recognition as a senior in 2006...snared 45 catches for 872 yards (19.4 ypc.) and nine touchdowns as a senior...also carried the ball eight times for 169 yards (21.1 ypc.) and two scores...earned second-team All-Region honors in 2005...caught 29 passes for 749 yards (25.8 ypc.) and seven touchdowns for Peoria as a junior...also had a 32.1-yard average as a kick return specialist, with a long return of 93 yards...won the 100-meter, 200 and 400 and ran on the winning 4x400 relay at the 5A-II state track meet in May, 2006...chose ASU over Boise State, Hawaii, Oregon and Oregon State...lettered four times in track, three times in football and twice in basketball at Peoria High School..."I'm looking forward to playing in a spread offense like Coach Erickson's," says Simpson. "It's going to be fun."...attended the same high school as current Sun Devil tailback Keegan Herring..."I did a lot of research on Coach Erickson, and his spread offense is pretty receiver-friendly," says Simpson. "He has sent a lot of receivers to the pros and I think I'll be a good fit in that system."...coached by Doug Clapp at Peoria High School.

Chasen Stangel QB Fr. 6-2 190 San Jacinto, Calif. (San Jacinto HS)

One of the top quarterbacks in the state of California and has earned high national acclaim as well...ranked as the No. 16 pro-style quarterback in the nation, the No. 56 player in the state of California and the state's No. 5 quarterback by Rivals.com...listed as the No. 2 pro-style quarterback in California by Rivals.com...regarded as the No. 4 quarterback in the state of California in the postseason by Scout.com...also ranked as a four-star prospect by Scout.com...listed as the No. 54 player in the Farwest in the postseason by SuperPrep...was the Most Valuable Player of the University of Nebraska's Elite Quarterback Academy in 2006...named the Mountain Pass Player of the Year and All-Mountain Pass League first team...named All-C.I.F. East Valley Division first-team and Co-Player of the Year in 2006...earned Cal-Hi Sports All-State first team recognition as a senior and was named San Jacinto High School's Most Valuable Player...earned second-team All-Riverside County recognition...finished his prep career as San Jacinto High School's all-time leading passer...totaled 5,764 passing yards, completing 389-of-649 passes, 49 touchdowns and 19 interceptions at San Jacinto...chosen as first-team All-State Small Schools Division as a senior...participated in the prestigious Elite 11 Quarterback Camp...ranked 20th among high school quarterbacks nationwide in passing yards, according to MaxPreps...threw for 3,357 yards and 30 touchdowns as a senior at San Jacinto High School...completed 233-of-390 passes...possesses a very live arm, an accurate touch and the ability to make good decisions...has good field vision and pocket awareness...as a junior, he threw for 2,407 yards and 19 touchdowns with five interceptions...completed 159-of-256 passes as a junior (62-percent)...was named All-De Anza League first team, All-C.I.F. first-team, All-Riverside County honorable mention and All-State Cal-Hi Sports honorable mention in 2005...was named San Jacinto High School's Offensive Player of the Year as a junior...threw for 2,174 yards and 20 touchdowns as a sophomore...a coach's son who loves the game of football...lettered three times in both football and track...chose ASU from a field of scholarship offers including New Mexico, Purdue and UTEP...coached by Bill Powell at San Jacinto High School.

Samson Szakacsy QB Fr. 6-4 200 Camarillo, CA (Camarillo HS)

Widely considered to be one of the most accurate passers among high school seniors and one of the most accurate in the history in Southern California prep football...projects as a very compatible fit for Dennis Erickson's offense...adds excellent athleticism and pocket mobility to his accuracy and decision-making abilities...has very quick feet...has a strong arm and amazing pocket awareness...during his junior year he exhibited his quickness and agility among the nation's elite prospects, recording a 4.09 short shuttle time at Scout.com's 2005 Los Angeles Combine, a phenomenal mark for any athlete...his shuttle time tied for the fastest among all players at the Los Angeles combine and was the second-fastest among all quarterbacks at the 12 combines held that year...also recorded the top vertical leap (31 inches) and broad jump (9-feet, 5-inches) measurements and had the second-fastest three-cone drill time among quarterbacks at the Los Angeles combine...an incredible student-athlete, he reports 3.8 grade-point-average...ranked as the No. 18 quarterback in the nation and a preseason All-American by SuperPrep...listed as the No. 4 quarterback and No. 24 player overall in the Farwest by SuperPrep...ranked as the No. 33 player overall in the west and the region's No. 5 quarterback by Scout.com...regarded as the No. 20 pro-style quarterback in the nation and No. 63 player in the state of California and the state's No. 5 quarterback by Rivals.com...ranked as the No. 5 quarterback in the state of California by Scouts, Inc.... listed as the No. 48 quarterback in the nation and the No. 7 quarterback in the state of California in the postseason by Scout.com...missed most of his senior season due to injury, but returned to lead Camarillo to the C.I.F. playoffs....as a junior in 2005, he broke an 18-year Ventura County record for completion percentage, connecting on 72.4 percent of his passes on the year (184-of-254)...also totaled 2,038 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2005...completed 111-of-169 passes for 1,150 yards (65.7 pct.) and 10 scores as a sophomore...attended St. Bonaventure High School early in his prep career before moving to Camarillo...completed originally committed to USC before signing with ASU...also gained interest from other prominent programs including Illinois, Michigan, Purdue, Rutgers and Stanford..."Tempe is a college town with a great college atmosphere," says Doug Szakacsy, Samson's father. "We have a lot of respect for the (football) program, and the "Scholar Baller" program. ASU is a technologically impressive school."...coached by Dennis Riedmiller at Camarillo High School.

Eric Tanner DE Jr. 6-2 245 Mesa, AZ (Phoenix College)

Mid-year transfer already enrolled at ASU this spring...joins Phoenix teammate Jarrell Holman as members of ASU's 2007 signing class...ranked as the No. 10 junior college defensive end and No. 92 junior college player in the nation by Rivals.com...originally committed to Minnesota, to a staff which included current ASU defensive coordinator Craig Bray...switched his commitment to ASU only nine days after the official announcement of Dennis Erickson as the Sun Devils' new head coach...named a preseason honorable mention NJCAA All-American...in 2006, he recorded 63 tackles, nine tackles-for-loss, three forced fumbles and seven quarterback sacks in 10 games at Phoenix College...will have three years to play two at ASU...prepped locally at Skyline High School in Mesa, Ariz., where he was coached by Pete Jonovich...lettered in football and track at Skyline...runs a 4.53 40-yard dash...coached by Dale Wolfley at Phoenix College.

Kerry Taylor WR Fr. 6-0 175 Chandler, AZ (Hamilton HS)

Widely regarded as the top skill-position prospect in the state of Arizona and one of the state's best overall athletes...comes from perhaps the top prep program in Arizona which has produced several prominent Sun Devils in recent years...became the second Hamilton Husky, joining teammate Colin Parker, to commit to ASU last summer...has an impressive football pedigree, he is son of former 10-year NFL veteran Keith Taylor and the nephew of former San Francisco 49er John Taylor...has outstanding hands...has shown toughness in making catches over the middle and adjusts well to poorly-thrown passes...and earned six points on the Long Beach Press-Telegram's "Best in the West" poll...one of only four players mentioned in that poll from the state of Arizona...participated in the 2006 U.S. Army Combine...listed as a preseason All-American by SuperPrep and the No. 4 prospect in the state of Arizona...rated as the No. 54 player overall in the west and the region's No. 4 wide receiver by Scout.com...also ranked as a four-star prospect and the top wide receiver in the state of Arizona by Scout.com...listed as the No. 22 wide receiver prospect in the nation and the best at his position in the state of Arizona by SuperPrep...ranked as the No. 39 wide receiver in the nation, the No. 5 player in the state of Arizona and the state's top wide receiver by Rivals.com...regarded as the No. 44 wide receiver in the country by Scout.com...caught 40 passes for 760 yards (19.0 ypc.) and 11 touchdowns as a senior at Hamilton...helped lead the Huskies to the 5A state championship in 2006...as a junior, he earned All-Area and All-State honors after catching 40 passes for 800 yards and 11 touchdowns..."I get along with the ASU coaches really well and that offense was the key," says Taylor. "You're going to get the chance to make plays as a receiver. The opportunity was just best for me at ASU as far as potential playing time and plus I'll be able to stay here and play in front of my family and friends."...chose ASU over Arizona, California, Oregon State and Washington State....coached by Steve Belles as a senior at Hamilton High School.

Adam Tello OL Fr. 6-4 290 Norco, CA (Norco HS)

Incredibly strong and powerful offensive lineman who joins high school teammate Garth Gerhart as members of ASU's 2007 signing class...joined Gerhart as recipients of the 2006 Co-Most Valuable Player of the C.I.F. Eastern division, an award rarely presented to an offensive lineman...ranked as the No. 31 offensive guard in the nation, the No. 1 guard in the state of California and the No. 3 guard in the west region by Scouts, Inc....regarded as the No. 60 player overall in the Farwest in the preseason by SuperPrep...ranked as the No 82 player overall in the west by Scout.com...listed as the No. 36 offensive guard in the nation by Scout.com...regarded as the No. 57 offensive guard in the nation and the No. 3 guard in the state of California by Rivals.com...a weight room standout, he can bench press 405 pounds, squat 555, power clean 290 and has a 27-inch vertical leap...highly-regarded for his physical and tenacious style of play...was a main contributor in the effort of running back Toby Gerhart (now with Stanford) breaking the California state career rushing record...a one-time Colorado commitment, Tello also chose ASU over Arizona, Colorado State, Hawaii, Louisville, Oregon State and Washington...coached by Todd Gerhart at Norco High School.

Luis Vasquez DE RS-Jr. 6-3 250 Gales Ferry, CT (Arizona Western)

Mid-year transfer already enrolled at ASU this spring...one of the most highly-acclaimed signees among ASU's 2007 class, he looks to make an immediate impact on the Sun Devil defensive line...one of the most dominant defenders at the NJCAA level over the past two seasons, totaling more quarterback sacks (31) than any player in the nation during the 2005-06 seasons...ranked as the No. 22 junior college player in the nation and the No. 4 junior college defensive end by Rivals.com... listed as the No. 34 junior college player in the nation and the No. 7 junior college defensive end by SuperPrep...ranked as a four-star prospect by Rivals.com and Scout.com...a two-time NJCAA first-team All-American...was the NJCAA leader in sacks as a freshman...was the Western States Football League (WSFL) quarterback sack leader both seasons at Western...selected as the NJCAA Region I Defensive Most Valuable Player and was named WSFL first-team in 2005...collected 61 tackles (33 solo), 24 tackles-for-loss, 15 quarterback sacks and two forced fumbles in 2006...returned a fumble 89 yards for a touchdown and returned an interception for a score as well...was named the WSFL Co-Defensive Player of the Week (Oct. 7, 2006) after totaling 13 tackles, three tackles-for-loss, a forced fumble and a fumble returned 55 yards...named WSFL Defensive Player of the Week (Nov. 4, 2006) after collecting 2.5 sacks, 3.5 tackles-for-loss, one pass deflection, one forced fumble and one fumble returned 98 yards for a touchdown...earned WSFL Defensive Player of the week honors (Nov. 11, 2006) after recording eight total tackles, three tackles-for-loss, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery against Phoenix College...registered 16 quarterback sacks as a freshman at Arizona Western...added 66 total tackles, 20 tackles-for-loss, 13 quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in 2005...originally signed with Purdue out of Gales Ferry, Conn., and redshirted for the Boilermakers in 2004, the same season in which ASU defeated Purdue on the Vitalis Sun Bowl...originally committed to Washington State out of Arizona Western, but pledged to ASU only 15 days after Dennis Erickson was announced as the Sun Devils' new head coach..."That kid is going to make an impact," says Arizona Western head coach James Pryor. "He is a game-breaker. He told me he liked the Pac-10 because it's a passing conference."...prepped at Ledyard High School in Connecticut...considered the top high school defensive player in the state as a senior...at Ledyard, he was the Eastern Connecticut Conference Most Valuable Player in 2003 and 2002, earned All-State honors in 2003 and 2002 and was a three-time All-Conference honoree (2001-03)...recorded 136 total tackles with four interceptions, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries as a senior...coached by Bill Mignault at Ledyard..."I think ASU has so much to offer," says Vasquez. "As far as getting people to the next level, they've had a lot of success (as a school) and with (defensive line) coach Grady Stretz and head coach Dennis Erickson there now, it's just a perfect fit. Coach Erickson has been an NFL coach who has great connections to the NFL and knows what it takes to get there, so there is no better situation for me."...Vasquez has two years of eligibility to play at ASU..."Being in Arizona the last couple years, I acclimated to the weather and I really excelled out here and that contributed to my decision," says Vasquez. "I felt like everything is in place at ASU for me to do well academically and athletically. I am really looking forward to, and ready for, the opportunity to get back to that (Division I) level and this was the best place for me to do that."

Jarrell Woods TB RS.-So. 5-10 210 Northville, MI (West Los Angeles College)

Physically impressive running back with speed...amazingly powerful, can bench press 425 pounds and squat 605...has recorded a 39-inch vertical leap and runs a 4.55 40-yard dash...is the only offensive player among ASU's five junior college transfers...has three years to play three at ASU... played one year at West Los Angeles College, recording 754 rushing yards, 70 receiving yards with 11 rushing touchdowns and one touchdown reception, en route to first-team All-Western State Conference recognition...redshirted at the University of Utah in 2005...a 2005 graduate of Novi High (Mich.) High School...at Novi, he earned All-State honorable mention, All-County, All-Area Dream Team, All-North and All-Conference honors...a member of the conference championship team in football in 2004...also lettered in track in which he was selected All-Conference in the 100- and 200-meter events...was chosen as an academic All-State and academic All-Conference...has a brother, J.W., who plays football at Weber State, a twin brother, Josh, who is a defensive back at Utah and his uncle, Ike Spencer, was a running back for the Utes in the early 1970's..."The best thing (about ASU) though was probably the academic support," says Woods. "They really go all out to make sure you are taking care of everything academically, staying eligible, getting a degree. That's what it's all about."...coached by Craig Austin at West Los Angeles College.

Morris Wooten LB RS-Jr. 6-2 235 Phoenix, AZ (Glendale CC)

One of the finest defenders at the junior college level in 2006...a mid-year transfer already enrolled at ASU and is available for spring drills and will battle among ASU's linebackers to help replace starting middle linebacker Beau Manutai...looks to continue the recent history of extraordinary play at linebacker by former junior college transfers at ASU....named the NJCAA Region 1 Defensive Player of the Year and was one of five nominees for the NJCAA Defensive Player of the Year in 2006...earned second-team NJCAA All-America honors as a sophomore...named to the 2006 All-Western States Football League first-team...was a preseason honorable mention NJCAA All-America selection...ranked as a four-star prospect by Scout.com...in 2006 at Glendale CC, he registered 104 tackles, four quarterback sacks and two forced fumbles...Glendale lost in the Valley of the Sun Bowl and finished the 2006 campaign 9-2...was named the WSFL Defensive Player of the Week (Sept. 24, 2006) after collecting 15 tackles and a quarterback sack in Glendale's 34-24 win over Eastern Arizona...originally committed to West Virginia, but pledged to ASU only nine days after the announcement of Dennis Erickson as new head coach...regarded as a four-star athlete by Scout.com...considered a prototypical middle linebacker and a physical player who has speed from sideline to sideline...attended Idaho State for one semester after graduating from Maryvale High School in Phoenix, Ariz....born in Phoenix and grew up attending Sun Devil football games...attended the same high school as current Sun Devil linebacker Robert James, and the same community college as former ASU linebacker and 2005 Pac-10 Conference Pat Tillman Defensive Player of the Year Dale Robinson as well as former Sun Devil and current Houston Texan Chris McKenzie...has two years to play two at ASU...coached by Joe Kersting at Glendale Community College, whose staff included former Sun Devil All-Pac-10 honoree Phillippi Sparks.