Arizona State football hosting elite O-line recruit

TEMPE, Ariz. — Arizona State football had their first season of the Kenny Dillingham era come to a close on Saturday with a brutal 59-23 loss to rival Arizona. Now, the Sun Devils are quickly pivoting to handle offseason work. This is Dillingham’s first full offseason as head coach, with a completed staff, so this is an important one in order to build up the program.

ASU is already off to a good start as they’re playing host to a highly-touted recruit this weekend.

Arizona State football hosting highly touted recruit for official visit

Arizona State football is hosting Rustin Young for an official visit this weekend, first reported by Blair Angulo of 247 Sports. 247 Sports ranks Young as a four-star, and as the 210th best prospect in the nation in the 2024 recruiting class. They also clock Young in as the 22nd-best offensive tackle in the class.

Young is currently committed to Oregon State but is not planning on signing with the Beavers until Feb. The 6’5, 275 lb lineman is looking at all options in his recruitment as Oregon State is currently undergoing massive coaching changes. Previous Beaver head coach Jonathan Smith is on his way to East Lansing to coach Michigan State. Smith took OSU offensive line coach Jim Michalczik with him.

“My coach has talked to me about ASU a bit and how it could be a good opportunity,” Young told Angulo. “It’s still on the West Coast but it’s also a new staff that is trying to turn things around. I’m waiting to see what happens with everything, but obviously right now it’s about gathering as much info as possible and checking out what other places have to offer.”

One of the biggest weaknesses for Arizona State football this season was the offensive line. A big part of that was injuries, but it shows how important acquiring depth in the trenches is.

Sizing up the competition

ASU isn’t the only school looking to flip Young. Auburn is another school that has reportedly been in contact with the Hawaii native. The Tigers offered Young prior to his Oregon State commitment, and are looking to set up an official visit.

Another school that is expected to get involved is Michigan State. While the Spartans haven’t gotten involved yet, I expect Smith and Michalczik to recruit Young heavily. MSU’s staff is at an advantage here due to the familiarity between Young and the former Oregon State coaches.

Getting an official visit locked in with the four-star is a good sign that ASU is strongly in the mix.

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