Speak of the Devils

With fall camp just a few weeks away, it's time for one of our annual traditions. We're counting down our picks for the 10 most important (non-quarterback) Sun Devil players for 2024. Plus, we talk to new 2025 defensive line commit Daeshon Morgan (42:15).

Snakes and sacks. Two things at the core of ASU defensive end and reptile enthusiast Clayton Smith. A former 5-star recruit, Smith's first year in Tempe started slow as he battled injuries, but picked up down the stretch, with pieces of sacks in four of the last five games. Heading into 2024, he added muscle over the offseason, helping him to a very strong spring practice showing. He's also growing as a leader, and was one of the players to represent the program at Big 12 Media Day. On this episode, we discuss his growth and maturation, the makeup of the D-line, turning his love of reptiles into a NIL opportunity, his new position coach, and much more.

Dead last? Could it be? We kick off our 14th season with a look at the Big 12 and national races. Who are the teams to beat in this new conference? Is ASU's ranking warranted? Which Devils are worthy of preseason recognition? We tackle the conference and make our College Football Playoff picks before talking with 2025 running commit Demarius Robinson (1:16:52).

Kenny Dillingham wasn't the only new Sun Devil coach to return home last year. Along with defensive coordinator Brian Ward, Valley native A.J. Cooper came home to lead ASU's linebackers. Cooper's path took him from Sunnyslope High School to a productive stint at Glendale Community College, which in turn led to All-American honors as a tight end at North Dakota State. It was then he got into coaching, becoming a part of the Bison national championship dynasty before working his way from Wyoming to Washington State to Tempe. Heading into his second year in the desert, Cooper has some veteran returners to pair with a trio of talented transfers. On this episode, we discuss his coaching journey, his Valley homecoming, lessons learned from a national title three-peat, the 2024 group of linebackers, and much more.

Is the foundation of a Big 12 champion being built deep in the heart of Texas? We'll see, but the early returns of the Texas-to-Tempe pipeline are promising. After years of making his name on the personnel and recruiting side, Bryan Carrington debuted as a position coach last year, coaching the Sun Devil cornerbacks. His group flashed some potential, and he continued to do well as an ace recruiter. Now with a year of experience in the role, he's looking to elevate both the on and off field production in 2024. On this episode, Bryan and I discuss reloading the cornerbacks room, the finer points of building a culture, the keys to recruiting success, the Texas-to-Tempe pipeline, and more.

Viva Las Vegas. Arizona State made their Big 12 Media Day review in the Sin City. I discuss the major talking points of Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark's address with DevilsDigest.com's Hod Rabino. Plus, hear what head coach Kenny Dillingham had to say on stage, and ASU safety Xavion Alford discusses the long and winding year that led to him representing the Devils in Vegas.

The Arizona State offensive line had a helluva year in 2023. Hit by a wave of injuries that resulted in 11 different starting combinations in 12 games, the group nevertheless held together admirably. This was in large part due to the guidance of new position coach Saga Tuitele. A coaching veteran with a number of stops on his resume, including two at Army, Coach T has earned a reputation as a quality developer of trench play. With some likely better injury luck, a returning core, and some talented newcomers, the Sun Devil line should see a big jump this fall. On this episode, we discuss his career, what makes a quality lineman, the lessons learned from a tough 2023, the Poly pipeline, the makeup and camp battles for this year's line, and more.

After some rough years, a much-needed new era of Sun Devil athletics is here, as Graham Rossini has taken the reins as the new Athletic Director. The promotion into the role for the two-time ASU graduate comes at a critical time. The struggles of the Sun Devils' marquee sports, the move to the Big 12, and the frustrations of the fanbase have all come as the landscape of collegiate athletics has shifted drastically, with more radical changes likely in the years ahead. Needless to say, a lot is on Graham's plate. On this episode, Graham and I go in-depth on the challenges facing the department, the opportunities present in activating the Valley, the outlook on several key programs, what college sports may look like soon, and so much more.

It all starts up front, and with the move to the Big 12, the trench play will be paramount for Arizona State. Thankfully for the Devils, they have Leif Fautanu anchoring the offensive line. Coming over last year from UNLV, the center held together the injury-ravaged line through significant adversity to put together a solid season. Heading into the 2024 season, Leif has elevated his game and standing as a team leader, and is poised to help ASU make a strong debut in their new conference. On this episode, Leif and I discuss the lessons from adversity, the makeup of the 2024 line, his football journey, his evolution as a leader, life on the islands, and more.

ASU's roster is set. With camp nearing, we rank our current confidence level in each of the position groups. Plus, we talk with new 2025 wide receiver commit Uriah Neloms (54:36).

There's no place like home, and for ASU alum and new tight ends coach Jason Mohns, last year's homecoming was a dream come true. But one of the state's all-time most successful high school coaches had to navigate not just the move up to major college football, but a difficult season for the program filled with obstacles, hurdles, and valuable lessons. Now in Year 2, Mohns has settled in and has a almost brand new group of talented tight ends to work with as the Sun Devil offense looks for a big bounceback in 2024. On this episode, we discuss the key lessons learned from last year, what has led to his success on the recruiting trail, a breakdown of the new tight end room and how they'll fit in the offensive scheme, and much more.

The rebuilding of Sun Devil football is entering its second year under Kenny Dillingham. Last season was full of adversity, but through the wave of injuries and obstacles, there were signs of growth. Arguably the most promising development was the play of the defense. In his first year as ASU's defensive coordinator, Valley native Brian Ward oversaw a unit that flashed some tantalizing potential, highlighted by the masterful performance against Washington. There were some late-season struggles, but armed with a season of experience in the scheme and a wave of talented newcomers, Ward's group could be primed for bigger things in the Big 12 this fall. On this episode, Brian and I discuss how the scheme is coming along in Year 2, the likely adjustments for Big 12 ball, the next wave of team leaders, how each level of the defense is shaping up, his new favorite Valley burrito spot, and much more

On the calendar, it may be the middle of the offseason, but the hard work doesn't stop for the Sun Devils. We're joined in studio by ASU offensive lineman Ben Coleman for a in-depth look at the work the program is putting in behind the scenes preparing for the 2024 season. Next up, Peter Boyle of Activate Sports Management gives us an inside look at new ASU AD Graham Rossini and how he conducts business. Finally, we chat with new Sun Devil 2025 wide receiver commit Michael Scott (1:17:36).

Kenny Dillingham met with the media for a pre-summer conversation covering his viral video game prank, recruiting, offseason progress, and more.

As summer nears, the Sun Devils' recruiting wins continue to heat up. After a rundown of the latest ASU sports news, we discuss the run of five new commitments that propelled the Sun Devils' 2025 class among the nation's best. Then, we get to know three of them: WR Cam Dyer (35:54), OL Desean Bryant Jr. (53:21), and LB Lee "Puka" Fuimaono (1:00:37).

2024 was a frustrating season for Xavier Guillory. Battling injuries, the transfer wideout was unable to fully get going in his debut season as a Sun Devil. But overcoming obstacles is nothing new for him, and he's now healthy, locked and loaded to bounce back this fall. Taking a different path than many Native American athletes, Xavier found immediate success on the gridiron. However, his path to major college football took time, putting in hard work at the FCS level with Idaho State before becoming a Sun Devil last year. With a season left to play, he hopes to find the level of success that propels ASU to victories while also becoming an example for other Native athletes to follow. On this episode, we discuss his journey, carrying on his late father's legacy, forging a path for other Native athletes, the loaded 2024 Sun Devil wide receiver room, and much more.

College sports is filled with wonderful stories. It's also filled with constant change, turnover, and the occasional controversy. Navigating those waters can be difficult, but Arizona State has had a steady hand on the helm for decades. Doug Tammaro heads up ASU's media relations department. It's an often thankless job, but the impact he has made for Sun Devils student-athletes, fans, and media members, both professional and student, has been immense. In addition to having impeccable taste in NFL teams, Tammaro has brought a positive, gratitude-oriented mindset to his work. But just remember to clean up your area in the press box. On this episode, we discuss his early days starring on the basketball courts of western Pennsylvania, the lessons he learned early in his career, his favorite Sun Devil moments, unsung Sun Devils, the origins of the Kyle Dodd rivalry, the power of a handwritten note, and much more.

ASU finally has an athletic director. Over six months after Ray Anderson's resignation, Graham Rossini has been promoted to the top job in Sun Devil athletics. With guest co-host Ralph Amsden, we discuss the move, the pros, the questions, and the concerns. Then we have an exclusive 1-on-1 conversation with Rossini (36:42) before bringing you the full audio of the press conference featuring Rossini, Kenny Dillingham, and Dr. Michael Crow.

We kick off the show with a look at the imminent hire of a new athletic director and a rundown of the newest Sun Devil football players and how they fit into a now completed roster. Then we dive into baseball's recent turnaround and discuss whether it will be enough with DevilDigest.com reporter Scott Sandulli (31:25). Finally, we catch up with 2025 commit Dajon Hinton about why he picked his hometown Devils and how he can become the part of a local turnaround (55:08).

Spring ball is officially in the books. Let's talk about it. Joined in studio by Hod Rabino and Caleb Campero of DevilsDigest.com, we examine the winners, losers, and remaining questions from spring. Plus, we hear from QB Sam Leavitt (1:52:19) after his spring game performance.