Rand is one to watch
The one offer Garrett Rand currently carries certainly won't be his last. It makes sense that Arizona State was first to offer the sophomore defensive lineman. A 2016 prospect at traditional football power Chandler (Ariz.) Hamilton High School, Rand plays in the Sun Devils' neighborhood on Friday night in the fall.
If ASU is hoping the 271-pound prospect stays under-the-radar for long, though, it will be out of luck. Rand probably didn't need to land on the top performers list of the Rivals Camp Series stop in Los Angeles to gain exposure, but it certainly didn't hurt matters.
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"Notre Dame is hitting me pretty hard right now," Rand said. "That's on the top of my list right now. I like Notre Dame a lot. And Stanford. If I get accepted to Stanford, that would be amazing."
The Irish and Cardinal may figure in down the road. But, at least for now, Rand's recruitment is all about Arizona State. The fact that hometown program was first to make things official isn't the only reason for its appeal.
"I went to the camp back in spring and they gave me an offer there. I was really excited for that. It was awesome. I grew in Phoenix, so I grew up watching Arizona State. I'm a fan of them and the Arizona Cardinals."
Sun Devil assistant Jackie Shipp is heading up Rand's recruitment for ASU. It's relationships forged with coaches at every school that will steer Rand's recruitment from here forward.
"Getting a home feeling or … You know how they make you feel really special when they are recruiting you? I want a place that still makes me feel that way after I sign."
A year ago, Rand was named a starter for Hamilton as a freshman, a rare feat at the powerhouse program. In his first season as a high school athlete, he helped his team capture a state title. As a sophomore, he and the Huskies were state runners-up.