Jordan Hamm
Chaparral 2022 defensive lineman Anthony Lucas narrowed his list to 10 last week. Among the group are some of the top college football programs in America.
https://twitter.com/Anthonylucas201/status/1379938237863452672
The 6-foot-4, 295-pound athlete is not short on great options, and he has plenty of options to play at a high level and pursue a degree in business and kinesiology.
He breaks down the 10 here:
Florida State
Mike Norvell’s staff has made a quick connection with Lucas and been effective recruiting Arizona so far, with Hamilton quarterback Nicco Marchiol already committed to the Seminoles. Offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham also played his prep ball at Chaparral and started his coaching career there.
“I lived in Florida for ten or so years. They’re good program, great coaches. I have a good relationship with the coaches. And I have some coaches who are from the same kind of background as me.”
USC
Lucas noted last week that USC was one of two schools that was recruiting him hardest. Vic Soto and Armond Hawkins Jr. in particular have developed a close relationship with the defensive lineman.
“They’re a good program they’ve been a top program prestigious academic school alumni base that you know, one of the unmatched alumni bases out there now it’s a good overall school.”
Texas
The last Texas regime did a very effective job in Arizona, earning commitments from Bijan Robinson, Jake Smith and Brayden Liebrock. New head coach Steve Sarkisian has kept a priority on Arizona and did quick work to show Lucas they are at the top of his list.
“They know how to communicate and will not push you on anything. Great program of course, great academics also. I mean Texas football, you can’t go wrong with it.”
Notre Dame
The Irish are coming off a 2020 season that found them in the College Football Playoff with wins over ranked opponents Clemson and North Carolina. We’ve seen more offers coming to Arizona with Lucas and Brophy defensive back Ben Morrison in the 2022 class and Hamilton defensive back Cole Martin and Pinnacle tight end Duce Robinson in the class of 2023.
“Notre dame has been pushing a lot too. Of course great, prestigious academic school as well. They’re a top program that is always competing. Always nationally televised each week too.”
Michigan
Of the top 10 schools, Michigan was the first to offer Lucas. It’s also one of the few schools Lucas has been able to see in-person prior to the pandemic. Former ASU defensive line coach Shaun Nua has been a key part to the Michigan recruitment as well.
“(There is) a lot of history behind the school. Great coaching staff. Coach Nua really been becoming closer with me and my family over the course of time. Prestigious academics also.”
Georgia
Despite being one of the more recent offers, the Bulldogs have made an immediate impact with Lucas thanks to their track record of developing defensive linemen. Lucas has also gotten to know former Saguaro Sabercat and current Georgia Bulldog Kelee Ringo a little bit.
“They have a history of producing great, great d-lineman that go to the league. Another top competitive school. That’s always there and a lot of good competition that they face.”
Oregon
The Oregon Ducks came to Arizona in the 2021 class and got four of the state’s best in Ty Thompson, Bram Walden, Jonah Miller and Brandon Buckner. The theme that’s been common with the Ducks over recent years is they not only recruit the player but the family as well.
“It all seems like when it comes to me and my family, they’re very active. Great character and getting to know Oregon staff for a while now over this time and the relationship just keeps getting better. Great program. Great academics also.”
UCLA
If the Bruins are able to get a commitment from Lucas, it would be a potential defensive line of all Arizona players with Quintin Somerville, Damian Sellers, Joquarri Price and Odua Isibor over recent years. This is one of the few campuses Lucas has been able to see on a self-guided tour.
“Beautiful campus. Gorgeous, great academic school, always has been a great athletic (program). Rebuilding team that just got (Saguaro 2021 defensive lineman Quintin Somerville) and so only going up now. And just a great school in general.”
Alabama
The national champions offered Lucas in February, and their resumé speaks for itself.
“(They have been) letting me know where they see me playing and how they’re going to use me. They’re a top program year after year, like pretty much undisputedly
Texas A&M
The Aggies offered Lucas in June of last year and have worked hard to build a relationship with him.
“Great school, coaches. Great energy. Love the coaches, talked a lot with them over there and building a good relationship with them. Another good program and great academics too.”
What’s Next
Lucas plans to make a commitment at the All-American Bowl in San Antonio in January. He has visited Michigan on an unofficial visit and taken self-guided tours to USC and UCLA. He hopes to visit all ten schools, which means he will likely use his five official visits on other campuses and travel on his own to the remaining two.
In two seasons at the varsity level, Lucas has notched 75 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks and one interception and helped lead the Firebirds to a 2020 6A state title.
