Local CB Nasim Eason commits to ASU, follows footsteps of Thorpe Award finalist father

Higley High School cornerback Nasim Eason committed on Monday to Arizona State, where his father was a Thorpe Award finalist in 2000.

Eason’s father, Nijrell, tied for the Pac-10 lead in interceptions (five) his final season at ASU (2000) on his way to being named a finalist for the top award given to college defensive backs. He went on to play parts of three seasons for the Arizona Cardinals (2001-03) after going undrafted.

The 6-foot-1 Nasim Eason was previously committed to San Diego State, which produced a first-round NFL Draft pick at corner this year in Chris Johnson (Miami Dolphins). However, Eason decommitted from the Aztecs on June 14.

Chris Karpman of Sun Devil Source reported on June 4 that ASU coaches had a close eye on Eason at a 7-on-7 showcase in Tempe. An official visit to ASU over Father’s Day weekend sealed his pivot.

The No. 27 player in Arizona for the 2027 class, per 247 Sports‘ composite ranking, Eason ranks second among the Sun Devils’ four in-state commitments in the 2027 class.

He totaled 25 tackles, two for a loss, one interception and eight passes defensed across 12 games as a junior at Higley, per MaxPreps. He also blocked a field goal.

The No. 129 cornerback nationally, Eason is the third defensive back to commit to ASU in the 2027 class, joining Texas product Elijajuan Houston (No. 60 safety) and California product Dylin Bruce (No. 60 corner).

His brother, Nijrell II, transferred to Northern Arizona this offseason after beginning his career at UNLV.

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