TEMPE — Arizona State could be on the verge of adding one of the nation’s premier junior college defensive backs.
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Aug 31, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; General view of the Arizona State Sun Devils logo prior to the game against the New Mexico State Aggies at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Alius Mayo, the 6-foot-4 standout from Modesto College, is expected to choose between Arizona State, Alabama, Cal, Louisville and several other Power Four programs, according to Touchdown Alabama. Mayo is widely regarded as one of the top junior college prospects in the 2027 recruiting cycle thanks to his rare combination of length, athleticism and physicality.
If he chooses the Sun Devils, Mayo would bring size and versatility to a secondary that values long, disruptive defensive backs. His length and wingspan allow him to blanket receivers, shrink throwing windows and consistently challenge passes at the catch point.
Arizona State players take the field for warm-ups before playing against Texas in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on Jan 1, 2025, in Atlanta, Ga. © Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Mayo’s college film is filled with pass breakups and contested plays, showcasing the type of press-man corner capable of matching up against bigger receivers.
During the 2025 season at Modesto College, he recorded 30 total tackles, one tackle for loss, an interception and five pass breakups while consistently matching up against opposing teams’ top receivers. His combination of length, ball skills and physical play at the line of scrimmage allowed him to impact games both in coverage and against the run, traits that could help him compete for early playing time at whichever Power Four program he chooses.
Sep 6, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham reacts during the first quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Mayo is expected to announce his commitment decision on Sunday around 3 p.m. CST.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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