Jordan Hamm
ASU football has continued its recruiting momentum after adding its seventh win of the season on Saturday by adding their first in-state commitment of the 2026 class from Liberty safety Zeth Thues.
He grew up a Sun Devil fan and loved watching N’Keal Harry and Jaelen Strong over the years. For the 5-11, 185-pound safety, playing high-level football close to home was a major factor in his decision to commit to the Devils.
Blessed to announce my commitment to Arizona State University! @ASUFootball #ForksUp @KennyDillingham @CoachBC_
I would like to thank my family, coaches, and teammates for all the help and support along the way! @LibertyFBLions @coachthomasfb @lmzworld_ @OlivasO55517572 pic.twitter.com/TaUWGXWCtD— Zeth Angel Thues ⭐️⭐️⭐️ #0 (@ZethThues26) November 12, 2024
“My family is all based out of Arizona,” Thues said. “I have a couple of my family members who attended or graduated from ASU, so it just runs in the family. It’s close to home. It’s easy access for my for all them to get to the games.”
The Sun Devils prioritized Thues early, dating back to his freshman year in 2022. When Shaun Aguano was interim head coach, he vowed to recruit Arizona as if he was going to be the leader of the program for years to come. Thues was one of the players he was able to get on-campus when he played at Saguaro and coached by Jason Mohns.
Had a great time at the game vs UCLA we came up short but ASU battled till the End. I wana thank coach @aguanos and all the coaching staff for having me over. To all my coaches at @saguarofootball thank you for giving me an opportunity. @CoachMohns @MaxTabach trainer @lmzworld_ pic.twitter.com/nnGS3GBGOs
— Zeth Angel Thues ⭐️⭐️⭐️ #0 (@ZethThues26) November 6, 2022
Once Kenny Dillingham had his staff in place – which included Mohns as tight ends coach – the Sun Devils didn’t take very long to supply Thues with his first offer.
That early push helped the Sun Devils build a relationship quickly.
“I felt like that played a big role,” Thues said. “They were interested from the jump, from my first time stepping on a high school varsity field. Just to be able to come back full circle…They really had that first interest, and they really see the best in me.”
Kenny Dillingham, defensive backs coach Bryan Carrington and defensive coordinator Brian Ward helped lead the charge for Thues’ recruitment, but the safety was quick to point out the entire recruiting staff has been in constant contact with him. He has been to multiple Sun Devil games this year and can see the “Activate the Valley” movement on display.
“From the games that I’ve seen, from student sections to actual fan attendance, (the stadium) has been has been packed. It’s showing that they’re doing great things.”
On the field, Thues totaled 50 tackles, three sacks, three interceptions and five fumbles caused according to MaxPreps in his junior year regular season. He has watched the ASU safeties closely and feels his versatility can fit in well within the secondary.
“I can give the offense a lot of, a lot of problems,” Thues said. “Whether I’m playing free, whether I’m playing down as a nickel. I feel like my my versatility really, really show.”
In addition to Arizona State, Thues had reported offers from UNLV, Wisconsin, Boston College, Washington State, Kansas, UTEP, Kansas State, Nevada, San Diego State, Colorado State and Tennessee.
The 3.79 GPA student wants to look into an engineering major when he gets to Tempe, but first he wants to help Liberty add to their trophy case. The Lions are the No. 4 seed in this year’s Open Division bracket and play Higley in the first round on November 22.
Playing in Colin Thomas’ program has helped him focus on the consistency that is required to be great.
“Going in every day, putting my ‘100’ towards, a bigger goal. There’s always a bigger picture,’ Thues said. “I feel like they’ve helped me set my standards super high and just be the best person. Demand the best out of me every day.”
And the first in-state 2026 commit had a message for Sun Devil fans:
“They can expect a very hard working, determined young man that is ready to (make an) impact in the Sun Devil community.”
