It’s been a long recruitment for Chaparral’s Anthony Lucas.
Elite college programs have pursued the top player in Arizona’s 2022 class for multiple years now.
On Wednesday, he announced he is heading to Texas A&M over fellow finalists Alabama, Notre Dame, UCLA and LSU.
Ultimately, it was the sense of home Lucas felt when with the Aggie coaches that separated A&M from the other top schools. The 6-foot-5, 275-pound Under Armour All-American also wants to help the Aggies reach new heights in the SEC.
Lucas says the coaching staff sees him playing strong side defensive and using his unique skill set to disrupt opposing offenses.
“In my 20 years of doing what I’ve been doing, I’ve never been around anyone like him,” Chaparral head coach Brent Barnes said. “Not just the way he looks (physically), but the type of kid he is, great family, great teammate. The sky’s the limit for a kid like that.”
Anthony Lucas’ Path From the Diamond to the Gridiron
It’s crazy to think when Lucas got to Chaparral, he had no intention of playing football. After a text message to now defensive coordinator Derrick Nsubuga, the coaching staff convinced Lucas to step on the gridiron.
“It’s funny looking back then because he thought he was a baseball player or a basketball player and we were telling him, ‘Anthony, whether you want it or not, your future is in football,'” Barnes laughed.
Nsubuga and Lucas have become very close over the years on and off the field. “Coach Zoo” has be crucial in helping Anthony navigate his recruitment and playing career. It’s a strong bond that will continue as Lucas heads to Texas A&M.
Lucas wraps up his Chaparral career with 139 tackles, 47.5 tackles for loss, 22.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 30 games.
A&M commits from Arizona have also had success over the years at College Station, most notably Christian Kirk. The former Saguaro Sabercat was an All-SEC selection with the Aggies. He selected in the 2018 NFL Draft by the hometown Arizona Cardinals.
Lucas goes in-depth on his commitment and the legacy he leaves at Chaparral on this special edition of the Recruiting Roundup brought to you by IBEW Local 640.
