Saguaro 2017 TE Jared Poplawski Talks Arizona State Commitment
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
In one Friday phone call from three Saguaro High School teammates, Arizona State doubled their Class of 2017 recruiting class landing three verbal commits. Should ASU go onto win a national championship in the upcoming years, may this day be remembered as the “Saguaro Three.”
Every Power Five Conference team needs to win their state in recruiting to be effective on Saturdays during the season. The enlistment of offensive guard Corey Stephens along with tight ends Kyle Soelle and Jared Poplawski goes a long way for the Sun Devils to conquer the state and then take aim on other top Pac-12 area recruits. The proclamation of all three players should carry a heavy influence within the state of Arizona throughout the recruiting cycle.
For those ASU fans not familiar with high school football, Saguaro is one of Arizona’s best high school football programs. The Sabercats went 12-2 in 2015 sowing up yet another state championship. The 12-2 mark a year ago came on the heels of a 14-0 season in 2014 which the Saguaro Three were a part of as budding sophomores.
One of the players who has worked his way into playing on both sides of the ball for Saguaro’s storied team is Jared Poplawski. Poplawski played both tight end and defensive end during his junior season coming up with 32 receptions 438 yards and six scores on offense and 20 tackles, 12 solo, 5.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks, one pass deflection, and a 90-yard pick-six. The overnight sensation for Poplawski was anything but, the now 6’4”, 225 pound, talent was called up during his freshman season taking reps on the field and in practice against some of the top players in the nation over the past three years.
When Poplawski made the call with his teammates he picked the Sun Devils over 13 other offers coming in from Memphis, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon State, UNLV, Hawaii, New Mexico, New Mexico State, San Diego State, Columbia, San Jose State, and Illinois.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Poplawski on his big day to get the inside scoop on how the Saguaro Three’s commitment took place.
Interview
Jared, congratulations on your commitment to Arizona State.
“Thank you.”
Wild day huh?
“You have no idea.”
What led you to commit to ASU today with your teammates?
“I thought it over, talked to my mom and my coach. I decided ASU would be the best fit. I did not want to wait around to see if other offers came in. Arizona State is a great school. ASU is where I wanted to be.”
How did the commitment take place?
“Kyle, Corey, and I called Coach (Todd) Graham together. Then we announced it on Twitter this afternoon (Friday).”
How did Coach Graham respond to all three of you committing at the same time? Did he think you were pranking him or pulling his leg?
“No, he believed us. He was super excited. I think he knew it was coming. He was super excited and really fired up.”
Committing with your teammates is a different experience but still a difficult one to do. Were you still nervous even though you had your friends with you going through this moment together?
“I wasn’t nervous because there are some many kids going through the same things, so many of my friends have gone through the same thing that I can talk to about the process. I’m excited to know I am going to school with some of my best friends and teammates.”
Does it feel like a weight has lifted? Are you happy that your recruitment process is essentially over?
“It is nice to get this over with. Now I can focus on the season and another state championship.”
I’m guessing ASU wants you at tight end, but just in case. Which position does ASU want you to play once on campus?
“Tight end.”
Are you going to try to recruit other players to join you at ASU?
“Absolutely.”
Are there any guys on your short list already?
“I’ve been talking to some of my teammates. (Laughs) Corey and Kyle are coming with me. I’ve been talking to guys like KJ (Kaelib Jarrell) and some other recruits. We want as many in-state guys as possible.”
How are the team and personal offseason workouts going?
“Great – the team is super hungry and focused. Our team is one of the most focused teams I have ever seen. I think we will be really good this year and a threat to anyone who plays us.”
Are you going to any camps coming up?
“No.”
Do you plan on visiting ASU at all this summer, for a big camp or for any other reason?
“No, as of right now I’m not planning on it.”
Last time we talked you were at 6’4”, 225 pounds. Have you grown any or gotten any bigger?
“No. It is tough to gain weight in this heat. It is 115 outside.”
Fair enough. Jared, thanks again for your time today and congratulations on your commitment to ASU.
“Thank you.”
Arizona State Sun Devils 2017 Verbal Commitment List (6)
SS Ashton Logan, 6-0, 200, Temple HS, Temple, TX
LB Loren Mondy, 6-1, 230, Lake Ridge HS, Mansfield, TX
OG Corey Stephens, 6-2, 290, Saguaro HS, Scottsdale, AZ
TE Jared Poplawski, 6-4, 225, Saguaro HS, Scottsdale, AZ
TE Kyle Soelle, 6-4, 220, Saguaro HS, Scottsdale, AZ
QB Ryan Kelley, 6-2.5, 170, Basha HS, Chandler, AZ
Photo credit: twitter.com; Jared Poplawski at an ASU camp.
Photo credit: azcentral.com; Jared Poplawski scores a touchdown.