Anderson becomes 3rd New Orleans area commit of Graham era

(Photo: ASU Athletics)

There must be something in the water down on the Bayou. Alex Anderson, an offensive lineman from New Orleans, Louisiana O. Perry Walker High School’s class of 2014 committed to ASU on Sunday and will join former Charger teammate Corey Smith and Harvey, Louisiana West Jefferson high school wide receiver Ronald Lewis in Tempe.

“Corey and Alex talk to each other almost every other day,” O. Perry Walker head coach Emmanuel Powell said. “Alex also has a great relationship with the coaches at ASU.”

Anderson was rated as a three-star recruit by national recruiting services. Anderson committed to ASU without making a visit.

“He just liked what he heard,” Powell said. “Corey talked very highly of ASU to Alex and it’s a great opportunity for him to go out there.”

The short list for the 6-foot-4, 290-pound lineman included Arkansas and Arizona, but he also held offers from Missouri, Miami and West Virginia, among others.

The rising senior has recorded a 4.89 forty time and can play both ways in the trenches.

“Alex has great mobility and understanding of the game,” Powell said. He also noted that O. Perry Walker and ASU run the same run option spread offense, which played heavily into Anderson’s decision.

While Anderson has to wait out his senior year, his former teammate Corey Smith is already on campus preparing for his freshman year at ASU. The three-star recruit had originally given a verbal commitment to Tulane but signed his letter of intent with ASU on National Signing Day in February.

“They have great character and both of them are going to give 100 percent effort,” Powell said. “At the end of the day they are two great young men who are not going to get in any trouble off the field.”

Ronald Lewis was an all-state wide receiver last year that had 32 receptions for 504 yards and five touchdowns for the West Jefferson Buccaneers. Lewis also had 50 carries for 428 yards for three touchdowns and returned 15 kickoffs for 496 yards.

With now three recruits from the New Orleans area, it’s clear that ASU is trying to push its way farther into SEC country.

“Word is getting out,” Powell said. “When these recruiters come down here they are being honest and that’s all you can ask for in this day in age.”

You can reach Nick Krueger on Twitter @npkrueger or by email nkrueger5@gmail.com.

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