Summer Grind, Summer Shine: Recent Commits You Need to Know

The dust is just starting to settle after a wild few months of camps, showcases, and 7-on-7 battles — and as expected, the commitments are starting to roll in. Between early summer offers heating up and players finally getting face time with coaches, it's been a busy stretch that's led to some big-time decisions.   Some of these guys locked things in after standout performances; others finally got the green light they'd been waiting for. Either way, the recruiting landscape just shifted a bit — and these recent commits are proof that all those long days in the sun are paying off.    [player_tooltip player_id='1177550' first='Aaron' last='Thomas'] is exactly what modern offensive linemen are starting to look like — big, long, and built to move. He's 6'6” and weighs in at 300 pounds, but the way he carries himself, you wouldn't guess it. He's got that thick, strong frame, but it's all lean muscle with no wasted weight. You can see why Ohio State jumped all over him. When you watch the tape, it's not just his size — it's what he does with it. His reach lets him get his hands on defenders early, and once he's locked in, he's basically steering them wherever he wants. It's that combo of strength and body control that makes him so hard to beat. With the way edge rushers are evolving — smaller, quicker, more explosive — linemen like Thomas are the perfect answer. He's not just a big body; he's an athlete. And heading to the reigning national champs, he's going to have plenty of chances to prove he belongs. Don't be surprised when he's on your TV playing on Saturdays.     [player_tooltip player_id='1177560' first='Beau' last='Jandreau'] just looks different when he steps on the field — you can tell right away the dude's built like a real-deal athlete. He's got this blend of speed, strength, and fluidity that jumps out, especially for a linebacker. He can cover ground in a hurry, but what's crazy is how smooth he is doing it. You rarely see that kind of movement paired with the physical edge he brings. What makes him even more fun is how versatile he is. Whether he's flying around making tackles or dropping into coverage, Beau always seems like he's right where the play is going. And now he's heading to Oklahoma, which is a perfect fit for how he plays — fast, aggressive, and smart. The fact that he gets to play alongside his brother only adds to the story. Offenses better plan ahead, because that Jandreau duo could be a serious headache real soon.     TJ Fo'ilefutu Jr. is just one of those backs you can't help but notice — and not just because he's ripping off 12 yards a carry. The dude runs like every play matters, and you can see that in how he hits the hole. He's got real vision, knows how to follow blocks, and when he decides to go, he goes. No hesitation, just downhill. But he's not just a power guy. Once he's through the line, TJ's got the burst to leave defenders behind. Add in his soft hands and ability to catch out of the backfield, and you've got a complete back who can hurt you in multiple ways. Now at Liberty, he's going to be a problem for defenses this fall — and Hawaii saw it too. He's the kind of player who shows up and immediately makes your offense better.     [player_tooltip player_id='317487' first='Deshawn' last='Krein'] might not be the biggest DB out there, but he doesn't let that affect him one bit. What really jumps out is his footwork — it's clean, crisp, and keeps him glued to receivers no matter where they try to go. He's one of those guys who always seems to be in the right spot, whether it's sticking with someone through a double move or timing his jump to break up a pass at the perfect moment. He's got the quick twitch and natural instincts that make up for any size concerns, and you can tell he's been well-coached — his technique is already super refined. Montana State isn't exactly known for landing top Arizona DBs, but they got a steal here. Coaches are going to love having someone this polished from day one.     [player_tooltip player_id='992791' first='Cannon' last='Garday'] is one of those guys who doesn't quite fit into one box — and that's exactly what makes him so valuable. He's got the frame and physicality of a linebacker, but he moves like a defensive back. You watch him play and it's clear: he just gets it. He sees plays develop before they happen, reacts instantly, and has a knack for being right where the ball ends up. Whether it's tracking a run down from the backside or breaking on a pass over the middle, Garday is always in the mix. He made his commitment to Northern Arizona after hitting their MegaCamp, and you've got to imagine that weekend left a strong impression. For NAU, pulling in this kind of in-state talent is a big win. He brings versatility, awareness, and a motor that doesn't quit — the kind of guy who's going to find a role and thrive in it, no matter where you line him up.     [player_tooltip player_id='401159' first='Donivan' last='Dixon'] is the kind of quarterback who makes things happen — even when the play breaks down. He's not just a runner, he's a creator. Whether it's tucking the ball and picking up yards with his legs or buying time to let a receiver work open, he's got a real knack for keeping things alive. His arm has taken a step forward too. He throws a clean, catchable ball, and the accuracy is getting sharper every time you watch him. Northern Arizona locking him in is a big-time pickup. He brings that modern dual-threat style everyone's looking for, and once he gets a year or two in a college strength program, he could take off. He's got the tools — now it's just about putting it all together. But there's no doubt he's the kind of guy who gives you a chance every single snap.     [player_tooltip player_id='401160' first='Eli' last='Cramer-Cronin'] just gets it. You don't need to watch a full game to see it — a few plays in and it's obvious he's playing at a different mental speed than everyone else. He's not out there overthinking or hesitating; he's reacting instantly, diagnosing plays like he's already seen the script. That kind of football IQ is rare, and it's what makes him so fun to watch. He's fast, he's physical, but it's the instincts that separate him. He flows through traffic without getting caught up, always takes the right angles, and has a real feel for where the ball is going before it gets there. There's no wasted motion in how he plays. Just decisive, efficient football. New Mexico is getting a dude who can be a coach on the field, and the fact that he's also loved by his teammates and coaches is just icing on the cake.     [player_tooltip player_id='1682098' first='Jaron' last='Liles'] doesn't mess around — he's one of the most physical defensive backs you'll find at the high school level. He plays fast, hits hard, and doesn't hesitate when it's time to come downhill and make a play. Whether it's sticking with a receiver or stepping up to tackle a back in space, he's confident and controlled. That kind of open-field tackling isn't easy to find in DBs, especially ones who can also flip the field when the ball's in their hands. That return ability makes him even more valuable. He's a guy who can give your team a spark in all three phases, and he's going to a New Mexico program that clearly values tough, instinctual defenders. Liles fits that mold perfectly — he's built to make an impact early, and he's got the game to back it up.     Steven Valdez is just flat-out tough in the trenches. He's got that raw strength you can't teach — the kind that lets him win reps even when he's not in the perfect position. He plays with this relentless energy, like every snap is personal, and that motor shows up over and over again on film. You can see it in how he uses his length to keep linemen at bay, then powers through to collapse the pocket or blow up a run. He's also got some sneaky speed for an edge rusher his size, which makes him even more dangerous when he gets a head of steam. Add in the way he fights through traffic like he's locked onto the QB from the jump, and it's easy to see why New Mexico State pulled the trigger. He's the kind of guy who could carve out a role early just off effort and strength alone — and once he gets comfortable, watch out.

The dust is just starting to settle after a wild few months of camps, showcases, and 7-on-7 battles — and as expected, the commitments are starting to roll in. Between early summer offers heating up and players finally getting face time with coaches, it's been a busy stretch that's led to some big-time decisions.