Three-star defensive back commits to Arizona State

TEMPE, Ariz. — It’s 8:40 a.m. on the 4th of July, and Martell Hughes is sitting at a table. A local news station, KUSI, was broadcasting the three-stars commitment live. While surrounded by his family and coach, the world anxiously awaited his decision. Hughes mentioned he wanted to go somewhere that felt like family. He reached down and picked up the Arizona State hat. Martell Hughes is a Sun Devil.

Martell Hughes commits to Arizona State

Hughes is a three-star defensive back from San Diego, Calif. He plays his high school football at Madison high school.

According to Max Preps, in his junior season, Hughes racked up 39 total tackles, six passes defended, and one interception while playing free safety. His play was good enough to earn him 15 scholarship offers.

Prior to committing to play for the Sun Devils and Kenny Dillingham, Hughes had cut down his list to Arizona, Arizona State, California, and Washington State. He visited all four of those schools in June.

It’s a good thing ASU was able to win this recruitment battle, or else it was a guarantee they’d be playing Hughes on Saturdays.

Hughes speaks about Kenny Dillingham

Kenny Dillingham has put together an excellent 2024 recruiting class so far in his first season at Arizona State. 247 Sports ranks ASU’s 2024 recruiting class as the fifth-best in the Conference of Champions.

Hughes had some glowing things to say about Dillingham in an interview with 247 Sports prior to his commitment.

“I like the new coaches at ASU, and it definitely feels like they’re turning the program around. I was able to meet and connect better with coach Dillingham, coach Cooper, and coach Ward, and me and my family really bonded well with everyone we met,” Hughes said. “They made us feel extremely comfortable, and you can tell they enjoy being around each other, and the players enjoy being with the coaches as well.”

The San Diego native chose to commit on the 4th of July because it’s a day that people celebrate. He gave Arizona State fans a little extra to celebrate this holiday.

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