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Readers Guide PALMDALE - It was no secret Top 'Dogs Earthquake Guide Demario Richard had Arizona Falcons hold off Lancaster State and Washington at the top of his list of college choices. Take cover: The Raiders are coming Featured Editorials But when Huskies' head coach Kings shut out Oilers Featured Sections Steve Sarkisian bolted Monday for USC, the Palmdale running Directories back turned his full attention to the Sun Devils.

Subscriptions Richard verbally committed to ASU late Monday afternoon, the Classified Ads senior's 17th birthday. Richard can make it official by signing his Obituaries National Letter of Intent with the Sun Devils on Feb. 5. View all 2 images. Ads and Coupons "I wasn't going to commit on my birthday but then (Sarkisian) Place An Ad left," Richard said. "That was a big factor.

"ASU was the best fit for my family and my friends. That's what we're One Week's News going with. It's a lovely feeling."

Forms & Nominations The three-star recruit rushed for 1,405 yards and 25 touchdowns on 202 carries this season, helping the Falcons get their first playoff win since 2009 as Palmdale advanced to the quarterfinals of the CIF-Southern The Valley Press Section Northern Division playoffs.

Richard announced his decision on Twitter shortly before 4 p.m., saying in part, "Maan [sic] glad to be apart of this Arizona St Family! All the Asu Fans Got What They Wanted."

Richard, who will play in the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl on Jan. 5 in Carson, ran for 4,476 yards and 65 touchdowns during his three-year varsity career with the Falcons.

Richard had long said he would commit on his birthday, but hinted over the last month he might hold off on the announcement until his All-American game.

But the sudden departure of Sarkisian plus a weekend trip to Arizona that saw the Sun Devils rout the rival Arizona Wildcats 58-21 swayed Richard to the maroon and gold.

"That sold-out atmosphere was crazy," Richard said of Sun Devil Stadium.

Added Palmdale head coach Jeff Williams: "I think the coaching move that happened had a lot of influence on his decision making."

Former Palmdale star Derek Hagan, who went on to be one of the most productive wide receivers in ASU history, said the Sun Devils are on the rise.

"That's going to light up a young kid's eyes," said Hagan, who played at ASU from 2002-06 and concluded his career as ASU's all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, 100-yard games and career receiving yards per game. "I'm so proud and excited for him.

"It was a decision for him and his family to make ... but I had a feeling he was going to commit there.

"For another Palmdale guy to go to Arizona State ... I just can't wait for him to get started out there."

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Long considered an underperforming program, the Sun Devils will play host to Stanford on Saturday in the Pac-12 championship game.

ASU is 10-2 and ranked 11th in the latest BCS rankings while averaging over 43 points per game.

"Arizona State was the first one to offer him and they've kind of come into their own this year," Williams said. "They've got about as an explosive of an offensive as I've ever seen ... I think it will give Demario a great opportunity to showcase his ability at the next level.

"They spread the ball around and it is very effective."

According to recruiting services, Richard is the No. 51 running back in the nation and the 58th best overall recruit in California.

Richard had nearly 30 offers from major Division 1 programs including UCLA, Oregon, Michigan State, Oregon State, Tennessee, Utah, Arizona, Nebraska and California.

But Richard, who made multiple trips to the desert over the last few months, said he was attracted to the entire ASU program.

"The whole coaching staff," Richard said. "The players and how they react when I'm around them.

"The community is just like home and that's why I chose Arizona State."

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