Claudia Collins
Desert Mountain’s Dylan Tapley committed to Arizona State University on Saturday morning. The 6-foot-4, 205-pound ATH said he was strongly considering his offers from Oregon, Kansas State and the University of Arizona but it was the ASU coaching staff that put the Sun Devils over the edge.
“The relationship with the coaches improved from the day they all came. My relationship with coach Dillingham is off the charts and something no other school can compare to. Growing up going to ASU games it’s crazy to say I’ll be playing my future there.”
Sun Devil Nation, I’m staying home. #hometownhero #committed pic.twitter.com/P21RcFXGGs
— Dylan Tapley (@dylantapley3) April 15, 2023
Tapley poses a true threat to any opponent as a two-way player for the Desert Mountain Wolves. Kenny Dillingham emphasized Dylan’s potential to play on either side of the ball and Tapley said his priority is to play wherever he can help ASU win.
“Not many people play both offense and defense in high school and then get a chance to choose which side of the ball they’re gonna play in college. He sees me as a player that can play on both sides or either side on Sundays and he’s giving me the benefit of choosing where I want to play.”
After a great talk with the @ASUFootball coaching staff, i am blessed to have received and earned an offer to Arizona State University! #forksup #hometownhero @CoachJWood2 @coachcclaiborne @JJKilgore_ASU @CoachBobbyWade pic.twitter.com/TBYC3xxfYj
— Dylan Tapley (@dylantapley3) September 10, 2022
The four-star ATH says the most unique part of his recruitment process was Dillingham’s personal investment throughout his recruitment with ASU. He stressed that he felt like a priority because Kenny Dillingham recruited him above any position coach and felt that was the biggest game changer in his decision. Dylan says he’s excited about the Sun Devils’ mission to “activate the Valley” and recruit players from in-state and the program the new coaching staff is building.
“Arizona for high school football is one of the best in the country. If we can get the top players in Arizona to stay home we’ll be a top program in the country and be able to compete for a National Championship or a Pac-12 Championship. High school football in Arizona is under-looked, I think I consider we’re top five in the nation.”
In his junior season, Tapley tallied 1,296 total yards with 57 catches and 17 touchdowns. On defense, he posted eight interceptions, 46 tackles, 15 pass breakups and one forced fumble. He had more interceptions than any player in the 5A or 6A division in Arizona.
— Dylan Tapley (@dylantapley3) January 12, 2023
“It starts with my head coach, coach Hamilton giving me the best opportunity to succeed from the start. You know the opportunity to play both ways in just my sophomore year on varsity was pretty special. Not a lot of coaches would put the risk on such a young player starting on both sides but coach Hamilton has had a vision for me since the day he met me.”
