Interview: 2018 California 4-Star RB Demetrious Flowers Goes In-depth on Arizona State Commitment
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
A four-star recruiting tag on Class of 2018 running back Demetrious Flowers still does not seem to do justice for all the upside he possesses. The St. John Bosco playmaker was instant offense for his California state title team during his junior season rushing 126 times for 954 yards with a team-high 20 rushing scores; all in part-time duty. The Braves will once again be one of the top teams in the nation after ending last season ranked No. 2 in the country (MaxPreps) but will unleash Flowers full-tilt in the process. On Tuesday, Arizona State nabbed one of the best overlooked talents ahead of what should be a monstrous 2017 season.
The talent Flowers has was there for anyone and everyone to see. Despite the winning ways and big production on a high achieving team, just seven schools were ahead of the curve on Flowers with Iowa State, Hawaii, Boston College, UCLA, San Diego State, Wisconsin, and Arizona State offering. Looks were coming in from Texas, Washington, Oregon, Nebraska, Boise State, and USC, but they are all too late. The 6-1, 210 pound, athlete is solid-100 percent committed to the Sun Devils announcing his verbal commitment via Twitter.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Flowers shortly after his verbal commitment to the Sun Devils to get the inside story on how their pairing came to be.
Interview
For those ASU fans out there that may just be learning about you, when did you visit Arizona State this spring?
“On April 17.”
You then received an offer from ASU on May 23. How many offers do you have right now?
“I have seven offers.”
Which schools have been showing interest but have not offered?
“Washington, Boise State, and Oregon.”
Which schools came by St. John Bosco to see you this spring?
“Plenty. All the schools that offered me and Washington, Oregon, and Boise State.”
Did you come up with a list of your top schools?
“Privately, yes. ASU was my No. 1 school. UCLA and Wisconsin were right there together. I did not get a chance to go out there to visit Wisconsin.”
During the process, what aspects of the college life proved to be most important to you?
“A huge part of the decision was academics. When I got to Arizona State, the first thing they did is sit me and my parents down going over their academics. We sat down with two of their academic advisors for about two hours. That was huge for us.”
How did Arizona State rise to the top of your board?
“The communication with their head coach, Coach (Todd) Graham, their offensive coordinator, Coach (Billy) Napier, their running back coach, Coach (John) Simon, and their recruiting coordinator, Coach Donnie (Yantis). All of them were calling me. Arizona State had that home feeling. I feel like I am part of the team already but I am still in high school.”
How will the coaching staff utilize you within their offense?
“Similar to how they utilize Demario Richard and Kalen Ballage. They will use me the same way, which I love. Their running backs get a lot of touches.”
Did they talk about you playing early or if you might redshirt?
“I’m not redshirting. I have to get in there and learn the offense and then I will get a chance to play early. They see me getting touches my freshman year.”
With a long way to go until National Signing Day, what influenced you to commit when you did?
“I wanted to buckle down and focus on my senior campaign. I had the school I wanted in my mind, I can’t wait to get there. Committing early was a relief for me. I can focus on school work, my football team, and my high school career. Committing early was nice for me.”
How did the commitment take place?
“I texted Coach Graham, Coach Simon, Coach Napier, and Coach Donnie. I let them know I wanted to commit today. I gave them a text, then they all wanted me to call them.”
Which coach did you talk to first after sending out the text?
“I talked to Coach Donnie first, then Coach Simon, and then Coach Graham. Talking to Coach Graham was kind of hard, he is in Paris for his anniversary.”
What did Coach Donnie say once you were on the phone with him?
“He was fired up. He said last night they were watching film on me. They were fired up. I can’t wait to get back out there to see them.”
How did you feel at that moment when you sent that text out?
“I was excited. It is just a relief. My dream has come true. I will be playing Pac-12 football at a big-time college on a full scholarship.”
Do you still plan to take your visits during your senior season?
“No, sir. I am 100 percent committed to Arizona State.”
Do you plan on recruiting other players to join you?
“Of course. At Bosco, I will recruit everyone there that has an offer from ASU. I’ll let them know they are coming with me no matter what (laughs).”
How are you going to pitch your teammates to join you?
“I’m not going to pitch them the football side, just the academics and the brotherhood up there. Once they feel that, the rest is history. It will be a good thing.”
Demetrious, congratulations on your commitment to ASU and good luck with the rest of your summer workouts.
“Thank you.”
Please help keep RecruitingNewsGuru.com FREE!
If RNG has helped you, a friend, or a family member through an article, video, or stylized interview with our countless hours of free promotion for high school, junior college, and college athletes – please donate. Any amount is appreciated!
Photo credit: Flowers family; Demetrious Flowers at Arizona State.