Joshua Shanklin, the No. 1 ranked Junior College (JUCO) edge rusher in the nation, has announced his commitment to Arizona State University. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound prospect from Foothill Community College in California made his decision public on Thursday, May 1st, 2025, after taking official visits to several Power Five schools, including Arizona State, Missouri, West Virginia, Ole Miss, and UCLA.
Shanklin’s commitment is a significant addition for the Arizona State Sun Devils, who are looking to bolster their defensive line. With their top three edge rushers graduating after the upcoming season, Shanklin brings immediate talent and three years of eligibility to Tempe, with a potential redshirt year available.
During his freshman season at Foothill Community College, Shanklin recorded an impressive 64 tackles and 14.5 sacks, showcasing his ability to be a disruptive force on the defensive end. This production garnered attention from numerous major programs across the country.
In his comments regarding his commitment to Arizona State, Shanklin expressed a strong connection with the coaching staff and their vision for his development. He highlighted the welcoming environment in Tempe and the coaches’ emphasis on maximizing his potential. Despite playing mostly as a receiver in high school, Shanklin’s natural pass-rushing abilities are evident, and he believes the Arizona State coaching staff can further refine his skills to prepare him for the professional level.
This commitment marks a successful recruiting week for Arizona State, as they have secured pledges from four players since the previous Sunday, including three 4-star prospects. Shanklin is considered the No. 1 JUCO edge rusher and the No. 5 overall JUCO prospect in the 2025 class according to 247Sports. His addition has elevated Arizona State’s 2026 recruiting class ranking to 11th nationally and second in the Big 12 Conference.
