Jason Brown Jr. commits to Arizona State Sun Devils football
SEATTLE - Jason Brown Jr.'s football recruiting was very much like one of his many carries as the standout O'Dea running back.
It started out in one preferred lane. But as it went on he began dodging, twisting around and scooting by a few hurdles - defenders - along the way for a big gain.
The "big gain" finally settled Tuesday as the four-star recruit and top skill-position player in Washington in the class of 2024 gave a verbal commitment to Arizona State University.
He ultimately chose the Sun Devils over Michigan State, Oregon and Washington - the last three of whom had been his original finalists from late summer.
It was a long journey, for sure. But Brown Jr. said he wasn't frustrated by all the stops, restarts and delays with schools along the way.
"It is a learning experience, for sure," Brown Jr. said. "At times, it could have been disappointing. But I am grateful for it all."
What it became was a bit of musical chairs among those three finalists - except none of the programs and the No. 3 overall recruit in Washington, according to 247Sports.com, could come to an agreement.
"That is kind of how it goes," said the 5-foot-10, 205-pound all-state tailback who became O'Dea's all-time leading rusher (6,425 yards and 92 touchdowns) this fall, moving past current NFL tailback Myles Gaskin.
"Some of it would be on the school. Some of it would be on me - me waiting for a better situation in a (school's) running-back room, or waiting to see how a team performs, certain things like that."
Amid all the uncertainty, ASU - which initially recruited Brown Jr. under the former staff, led by ex-coach Herm Edwards - came back into the picture over the past month, Brown Jr. said.
And the teenager really hit it off with Sun Devils' running backs coach Shaun Aguano, who had a decorated career as a high school coach in Arizona at Chandler High School, winning four state championships.
"They are my speed of coaches," Brown Jr. said. "And the way (Aguano) breaks down the running back position is the same way I do. Also, Coach (Kenny) Dillingham's offense fits me well."
Brown Jr. made an official visit to Tempe, Arizona over the weekend to "if they were the same people in person as they were on the phone."
He was so impressed with the coaching staff, he committed to them during the weekend - ending a long process.
Brown Jr., who said he will sign in December, becomes the Sun Devils' second four-star recruit in the class of 2024, joining Tualatin (Ore.) tight end Jayden Fortier.
"I am just blessed to have the opportunity to play and be a part of a rebuild - be part of a young staff and young team that is excited to be there and excited to win games in the future," Brown Jr. said.
