While some high school players may choose to venture elsewhere and go out of state for college, others stay home with the chance of being a local legend.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!For Liberty High School (Peoria) safety Zeth Thues, he has that very opportunity.
Thues announced his decision on Monday night that he has committed to Arizona State, becoming the Sun Devils’ first local and third overall recruit from the class of 2026. Both Del Valle (Tex.) High School quarterback Jake Fette and Dripping Springs (Tex.) High School wide receiver Cooper Reid previously committed.
Blessed to announce my commitment to Arizona State University! @ASUFootball #ForksUp @KennyDillingham @CoachBC_
I would like to thank my family, coaches, and teammates for all the help and support along the way! @LibertyFBLions @coachthomasfb @lmzworld_ @OlivasO55517572 pic.twitter.com/TaUWGXWCtD— Zeth Angel Thues ⭐️⭐️⭐️ #0 (@ZethThues26) November 12, 2024
Transferring from Saguaro High School (Scottsdale) to Liberty, Thues has collected 50 tackles, three interceptions, three sacks, five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 10 games this season, according to MaxPreps. The Lions are 9-1 and going to the Open Division playoffs as they will host Higley High School (7-3) on Nov. 22.
Before making his decision, he received offers from UTEP, Northern Arizona (NAU), San Diego State, Colorado State, Kansas State and Tennessee.
Thues is rated as a three-star recruit and the ninth-best high school player in Arizona from the 2026 class by 247Sports. He stands at 5-foot-11, 185 pounds.
ASU has five other junior safeties that the program has sent offers to, including another local product Niko Jandreau from Hamilton High School (Chandler). Other recruits from the class include El Cerrito (Calif.) High School’s Savion Bandy, Duncanville (Tex.) High School’s Braylon Edwards, Fort Bend Marshall (Tex.) High School Isaiah Williams and Oaks Christian (Calif.) School’s Davon Benjamin.
Thues, Reid, Plano East (Tex.) High School wide receiver Chance Ables and Southwest Mississippi Community College transfer Jordan Scott all committed to Arizona State since the Sun Devils beat UCF 35-31 on Saturday.
Takeaways from ASU overcoming adversity, R.J. Harvey’s 3-touchdown game in 35-31 win over UCF
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Alec Cipollini covers the Phoenix Mercury, Suns and ASU Athletics for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @AlecCipollini
