PHOENIX -- As much as Tuesday's inaugural Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl was a showcase of top high school football talent, it was also a platform for top recruits to announce their college decisions.
One of Arizona's top remaining uncommitted players came off the board, as Tempe Corona del Sol defensive end Avery Moss committed to Nebraska.
Moss made Arizona State his first official visit in November before taking trips to Nebraska and Purdue. It became clear recently Moss was headed to the Big Ten, and he made it official Tuesday when he raised a red Nebraska flag.
"It's hard to say one thing I liked (about Nebraska)," Moss said. "The defensive line coach is amazing, (and) they lead the NCAA in academic All-Americans."
Though he made his commitment to Nebraska official, Moss said he heard from Arizona State coach Todd Graham on Tuesday. Graham told Moss he plans to pursue him despite the commitment, and Moss said he will listen but remains confident he'll be a Cornhusker.
"I told (Graham) it was a little late, I was already thinking Nebraska," Moss said after the game. "I'm definitely going to have an open ear, but I feel like I'm going to be a Cornhusker next year, no doubt about it."
Moss also heard recently from Rich Rodriguez at University of Arizona. UA was Moss' top choice before Mike Stoops was fired midseason, and ASU was his second choice before Dennis Erickson was fired. Moss said he's not interested in UA after talking to other players about Rodriguez.
Moss was the only Arizona player to make a commitment Tuesday, but a pair of intriguing and uncommitted talents also took part in the game.
Scottsdale Saguaro running back D.J. Foster started for the West team and opened the game with a 26-yard kickoff return. Foster also had three receptions for 31 yards and 27 yards on the ground in the West's 17-14 win.
Foster appeared close to choosing ASU before the wheels fell off on the Sun Devils' 2011 campaign, leading to Erickson's firing. ASU is still in Foster's top three because of his closeness with family and because he would fit in Graham's system.
"I've exchanged e-mails with all (Graham's) coaches, every one of them," Foster said. "All my best fans are in town, I love the place. My family's here, so it's just getting a relationship with the new (ASU) coaching staff, and we'll see where we go from there."
That relationship Graham forms with Foster might be the key to recruiting him to Tempe before the Feb. 1 signing day. California has recruited Foster longer than Graham has been at ASU, so that relationship, plus the school's history of producing NFL running backs, has the Golden Bears high on Foster's list.
So far, though, Foster has liked what he's heard about Graham. He said Tuesday he hopes to meet with Graham and his staff in the next couple days.
"I've heard (Graham) is a very, very good guy," Foster said. "He's going to bring the discipline that Arizona State needs. I'm just looking forward to meeting him and building a relationship with him."
USC is also on Foster's list, and he'll make an official visit on Jan. 13. Analysts say the Trojans appear to be third in the running after initially recruiting him for defense. USC freshman offensive guard Cyrus Hobbi, a Saguaro product and close friend of Foster's, might be a draw to Los Angeles.
Another ASU target to appear in Tuesday's game, Chandler high school receiver Javon Williams, remains undecided. Williams is visiting Oklahoma State, Oregon and Oregon State this month and also has Arkansas in his top four. He has not eliminated ASU from his recruiting process and said he will meet with Graham on Thursday.
"They came to me and said 'We need you,' and I was like 'My ears are open to you, but I already have my top few,' " Williams said. "I didn't really get a chance to have a full conversation with him. We're going to sit down and talk about it."
Williams, a three-star recruit who was an Erickson target, likely will be a tougher get for Graham.
"I know the offense (Graham) had, I would fit in real good, but I'm not sure what type of coach he is," Williams said. "Hopefully we can get all that worked out when he comes to talk to me."
