Basha offensive tackle Jake Hildebrand – considered one of the top linemen in the country and a top player in the state – announced his commitment to Arizona State on Tuesday.
It’s a major in-state win for the Sun Devils. The tackle picked Arizona State over fellow finalists Texas A&M, Oregon and Utah.
He’s developed strong relationships with multiple ASU staff members including Kenny Dillingham, Saga Tuitele and Jason Mohns. He’s the first elite in-state commit to pledge to Arizona State since N’Keal Harry and Chase Lucas.
Golden Ticket Impact
Hildebrand was given a “Golden Ticket” by Arizona State last summer. The Sun Devils publicly named six priority in-state targets in the 2027 class. It was a concept to help Arizona State separate themselves from other schools when recruiting elite in-state talent, something this program had struggled with over the last decade.
It certainly resonated for Hildebrand, who is the first Golden Ticket recipient to make a public pledge to ASU.
The Devils were also the first to offer the now-elite offensive tackle nearly three years ago.
The offensive tackle earned that offer ahead of taking a snap in high school. He followed that up by starting as a freshman and hasn’t looked back since.
He also wants to help build the in-state momentum in recruiting top players.
“I really do want to activate the Valley,” Hildebrand said. “I see the vision that (Kenny Dillingham) has for Arizona State.”
Arizona State’s Class
Hildebrand is the seventh public commit for Arizona State’s 2027 class. He joins fellow Basha Bear Mikey Barth as a Sun Devil pledge. Barth – one of the top kickers in the nation – announced his commitment to ASU at the end of March.
The new Sun Devil caught up with Jordan Hamm to talk about the commitment, the pride he takes in representing Arizona and watching Steven Miller play for the Sun Devils growing up.
