Orange Lutheran high school products to join ASU
The class of 2025 has been off to a roaring start with head coach Kenny Dillingham, despite facing some adversity in the portal. ASU recently landed tight end AJ la and linebacker Benjamin Alefaio, both hailing from Orange Lutheran High School in Orange, California.
La committed to Arizona State after his visit on April 26, announcing his decision on social media. A three-star recruit out of Orange Lutheran High School, La stands at 6-foot-5 and weighs 240 pounds. He chose ASU over Colorado, Florida, Auburn, and Kansas.
for all my loved ones!! ️ https://t.co/BgHKM5kxDR
— Aaron (AJ) Ia (@aj_ia_) April 30, 2024
He played much of his junior year hurt but made strong contributions to the powerhouse football program in Orange Lutheran.
La matches many of the schematic systems that Dillingham ran in his first year; a physical tight end with good size and ball skills who will need to be a willing blocker as well. La is the No. 17-ranked tight end in the nation and the No. 32-ranked overall recruit in California, according to 247Sports.com.
La is also a former basketball player and runs track and field in high school to gain more top-end speed once arriving in Tempe. He will graduate in December and early-enroll in classes here in the Valley. He will be a large part of a recruiting class that turned up the gas in the last week. La is one of six commits in the past week to take their talent to the desert.
Alefaio, a 3-star safety who stands at 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, plays a physical game.
He is the No. 84-ranked secondary player and the No. 87-ranked overall prospect in California. He received offers from Brigham Young, Arizona, SMU and Cal before ASU offered on April 19, on his official visit.
Alefaio has the speed to stay with top-end receivers at the next level, according to Greg Biggins at 274Sports.com. He has rangy potential and is a hard-hitting safety that plays downfield, especially when lined up in the box.
Both three-star recruits play a role in ASU’s rising class of 2025 ranking, which now sits atop the Big 12 Conference and No. 15 nationally.