By Brandon Huffman
Scout.com
While Arizona State is apparently out of the running for local five-star quarterback Kyle Allen, the Sun Devils have locked up another highly touted quarterback for the Class of 2014 in Novato (Calif.) San Marin's Manny Wilkins.
Wilkins, rated a four-star prospect and the 15th-best quarterback nationally by Scout.com, committed to ASU on Wednesday.
The 6-foot-3, 185-pound senior-to-be visited earlier in the spring and then stopped by a second time over Memorial Day weekend, staying in Tempe for two days but leaving without a scholarship offer.
He had visited Arizona prior to visiting Arizona State, and UA, the first major program to offer him, looked like it might be in line to secure his commitment.
But a day later, ASU came through with an offer, and just three days after that, Wilkins pledged to be a Sun Devil.
“I fit so much better with Arizona State,” said Wilkins. “It’s amazing there. In terms of football fit and off the field as well. The school is so nice.”
Wilkins called coach Todd Graham and offensive coordinator Mike Norvell on Thursday to inform them, and he said his relationship with Norvell played a big role in his decision.
“Sitting down watching film with Coach Norvell, man, it was crazy intense. I loved it and felt committed already,” Wilkins said.
Wilkins said he has already started recruiting other players to ASU over the course of the week despite not announcing his commitment until Thursday.
And with that out of the way, he can focus on his senior season, free from worrying about recruiting.
“I’m so relieved, but I’m so happy,” Wilkins said.
Wilkins is the fourth commitment in ASU's 2014 class and the second four-star, joining Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco defensive back Jaleel Wadood.
