Speak of the Devils

After ASU kicked off their third week of spring practices, we caught up with TE Messiah Swinson & OT Max Iheanachor.

Spring ball is heating up as the path to the draft narrows. With the Devils' first spring scrimmage in the books, we break down the big developments on the practice field. We then review spring and the Pro Day performances of ASU's NFL Draft hopefuls with Cole Topham of DevilsDigest.com (32:50). Then we talk with former ASU players about their draft preparations and hopes: DT Nesta Jade Silvera, LB Kyle Soelle, RB X Valladay, and LB Merlin Robertson.

The defense won the day in ASU's first scrimmage of the spring. After the session, we caught up with WR Chad Johnson Jr., assistant head coach and special teams coordinator Charlie Ragle, EDGE Prince Dorbah, and DT Robby Harrison.

Following ASU's physical fifth practice of their spring slate, we caught up with EDGE Clayton Smith and defensive coordinator Brian Ward.

After a very intense and physical practice, ASU's first in full pads this spring, we catch up with WR Melquan Stovall and RB DeCarlos Brooks.

Week 1 of ASU's spring football practice is in the books...and the latest chapter of Sun Devil hoops heartbreak has been written. We break down the notable early developments on the gridiron and the fallout of the NCAA Tournament loss with Hod Rabino of DevilsDigest.com (53:15). Then hear the first public comments from ASU QB Jaden Rashada he gave after Saturday’s practice.

The first week of spring practice is in the books. On this edition of the Spring Ball Quick hit, we talk with a pair of Sun Devil quarterbacks. First up is returning starter Trenton Bourguet, and then, for the first time, you'll hear from blue-chip signee and ASU legacy Jaden Rashada.

Following ASU's second practice of the spring, we caught up with a pair of newcomers that are looked at to make a big impact this season, linebacker Travion Brown and safety Xavion Alford.

Spring ball is underway. Following the conclusion of ASU's first practice, we caught up with Sun Devil offensive tackles Aaron Frost and Isaia Glass.

As spring practice nears, ASU held a media lunch to give us a chance to talk to the coaches and players on the leadership council. Hear from TE Jalin Conyers on how he's looking to elevate his game after a breakout 2022, and then offensive coordinator Beau Baldwin breaks down how he'll run the QB competition and work with Kenny Dillingham on designing the offense.

The new ASU coaching staff under Kenny Dillingham has a little bit of everything: Veterans with impressive track records who have coached around the country, a few with deep ties to the local high school community, and dynamic young coaches shooting their way up the ranks. It also has a man who is making his debut as an on-field coach...but who has already made a major impact on the sport. Still in his early 30s, Bryan Carrington earned a reputation as one of the nation's best recruiters during a career that has taken him from Houston to Texas to USC and most recent to TCU, where he helped build the Horned Frogs into a national title game team. Since 2016, Carrington has signed 11 five-star recruits. And he's making the move to the coaching ranks, taking on the task of leading the Sun Devil cornerbacks. In this episode, Bryan and I discuss his roots of his passion for recruiting and building relationships, why he came to ASU, reuniting a dynamic recruiting tandem with Ra'Shaad Samples, the Devils corners, the best wings in the Valley and much more.

Much has been made about how Kenny Dillingham is the youngest head coach in the Power 5. But the funny thing is...he's not even the youngest guy on the staff. To fill the role of wide receivers coach, Dillingham tabbed a man who held the distinction of being the youngest position coach in the NFL in 2022. Ra'Shaad Samples was once a blue-chip wide receiver prospect whose college career was unfortunately cut short due to concussions. But since moving into the coaching ranks, his rise has been meteoric, making his way from Houston to Texas to SMU to coaching the running backs for the Los Angeles Rams at the tender age of 27. He'll now be tasked with coaching the Sun Devil wide receivers as well as resuming his role as one of the nation's most dynamic recruiters. In this episode, Ra'Shaad and I discuss his quick rise through the coaching ranks, lessons from the NFL, the Sun Devil WRs, the keys to his success of the recruiting trail, and much more.

The fresh start for Sun Devil football is much needed in many ways. On the field, the reset comes at a perfect time for the defense, which last year posted one of the most disappointing seasons in recent memory. When new ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham was assembling his staff, he targeted a man who had mad his life miserable earlier in the year to be his defensive coordinator. As Washington State’s DC last year, Brian Ward had put together an aggressive and attacking unit that ranked among the best in the conference and left a big enough impression that it landed him a new job back home in his native Arizona. Now in Tempe, Ward will look to replicate that success and make the hometown fans happy. In this episode, Brian and I discuss returning to the Valley, his defensive philosophies, his coaching influences, spring practice goals, his brief (but undefeated) pro boxing career, Valley burritos, and much more.

The Sun Devils are about to kick off the first spring practice of the Kenny Dillingham era with over 40 newcomers joining the squad. To get you prepared, we're joined in studio by Hod Rabino of DevilsDigest.com. We discuss the quarterback competition, the key position battles, players to watch, questions that need answers, and so much more.

This new era of Sun Devil football under Kenny Dillingham is defined by a focus on home. On establishing, and reestablishing, relationships with local players and coaches. On strengthening the ties with the fanbase and local communities. On Activating the Valley. If this new era can have some players like Kyle Soelle, the Sun Devils may just make it happen. Soelle came to ASU in 2017 as a solid local signee from powerhouse Saguaro High School in Scottsdale. While he didn't come in with the fanfare of blue chip AZ prep stars like DJ Foster or N'Keal Harry, Soelle put his head down and went to work. He redshirted. He then made his mark on special teams. He became a valuable rotational defender. He would then become a multi-year team captain, one of the Pac-12's best linebackers, and now an NFL Draft prospect. In doing so, he became a shining example of what a hometown hero can mean to a program. In this episode, Kyle and I discuss the highs and lows of his Sun Devil career, his preparation for the NFL Draft, what he thinks of the new era of ASU football, his legacy, and much more.

McKale Mary? GAMEbridge? The Shot Heard 'Round the State? Whatever you want to call it, Des Cambridge's game-winning shot became an immediate part of Sun Devil canon. We're joined by Tim Healey, the "Voice of the Sun Devils" and the man who made the instantly classic call to discuss the shot, its impact on ASU's NCAA Tournament hopes, and where it ranks on his personal list of memorable moments. 

As one promising season begins, another once-promising campaign enters a critical phase. We kick off the show with a look at the news and a discussion of baseball's hot start. Then we turn our attention to men's basketball, where a rough 10-game stretch has the squad's NCAA Tournament hopes hanging on by a thread. What do they need to do to go dancing, and what does it all mean for the future? We get great insight from radio analyst Kyle Dodd (46:03). We then close the show talking Sparky and spaghetti with Spaghetti Shack owner Joey Palomarez (1:09:57).

The Arizona State defense will have a new look in 2023, and that's a good thing. Last season was rough on that side of the ball for the Devils, but there were some promising performances that should factor into a turnaround this fall. Chris Edmonds made a name for himself by earning All-American honors at Samford before entering the portal and heading west to Arizona State. Making the jump from the FCS to the Power 5 took some adjustment, but Edmonds proved to be up for the challenge. He earned a starting job in fall camp and would go on to lead the team in interceptions. With a new defensive scheme built around aggression and playmaking, his ballhawking skills and veteran leadership figure to play a crucial role in the defense's turnaround hopes. In this episode, Chris and I discuss growing up in the football-crazed South, his journey from the FCS to Power 5, stepping up as a team leader, the new defensive scheme, how he got the "Captain Smooth" nickname, and much more.

It's almost time to play ball. As the Devils prepare to take the diamond, we dive deep into this year's squad with DevilsDigest.com reporter Jack Loder. We analyze the strengths, weaknesses, and questions facing the team, and get Jack's fearless predictions. Then  we talk to head coach Willie Bloomquist for insight into his team and goals as he enters his second year at the helm (1:02:50).

The traditional Signing Day is behind us, allowing us a moment to catch our breath and take stock of a wild run for Arizona State. After a look at the news, we dive into the latest signees for the program, including blue chip QB Jaden Rashada. We then talk to DevilsDigest.com analyst Cole Topham for his insight into how Rashada will fit into the new offense (54:58), before capping the show with a discussion of ASU's new offensive line signees with position coach Saga Tuitele (1:03:15).

College football is about talent acquisition. Get better players, you win. Those recruiting stars matter. Well, most of the time. There are plenty of examples of quality players flying under the radar, hard at work preparing for their chance. Coming out of high school, Giovanni Sanders was a no-star recruit. That's right. Zero. But he knew he was capable of big things, so after a year at Dixie State (now Utah Tech), he bet on himself and went to a junior college, aiming to catch the attention of FBS schools. That led to a walk-on opportunity at Arizona State, where he put in the work, refined his craft, and waiting his turn. When that chance came, Sanders was ready. He became a reliable playmaker for the Sun Devils last season, finishing second on the team in receptions and receiving yards while showing a Gary Chambers-like knack for always moving the chains. As one of the veterans on offense, Sanders is primed to cap his career in a major way. In this episode, we discuss the hard road to Tempe and the lessons learned along the way, betting on yourself, the reinvigorated vibe around the program, the 2023 receivers, and more.

National Signing Day brought MASSIVE news for ASU: Jaden Rashada, one of the nation's elite QB recruits and a Sun Devil legacy, committed to Arizona State. In this emergency episode, we discuss the impact of the move with Hod Rabino of DevilsDigest.com. Check your feeds tomorrow for a full in-depth episode examining the entire haul of ASU's 2023 class.

The first year of the Willie Bloomquist era of Sun Devil baseball was filled with ups and downs. While the final record was not what anyone wanted, there were several encouraging signs that better days are ahead. One of those positive developments was the breakout season from freshman catcher Ryan Campos. A one-time signee of the rival Arizona Wildcats, Campos not only ended up in Tempe with the team he grew up cheering for, but he became one of the Pac-12′s best hitters and was named an All-American. As the Mesa native enters his sophomore season, he’ll be a key part in helping a revamped pitching staff bounceback, while also anchoring the Sun Devil lineup with his bat. In this episode, Campos and I discuss his All-American debut, the journey from Wildcat signee to Sun Devil star, the details of managing a pitching staff, who has the nastiest pitch on the team, and much more.

It's almost time for the Devils to play ball, and that means if you're around Phoenix Muni on a spring weekend, you better watch out, because an Ethan Long bomb may be coming your way. The slugger from Gilbert burst onto the scene for Arizona State as a freshman in 2021, going on one of the most impressive power runs in program history on the way to being named a consensus All-American. Unfortunately, a wrist injury prevented him from building upon that success last season, and after being taken with the final selection in the MLB Draft, he opted to return to Tempe with eyes on a rebound. In this episode, Ethan and I discuss his preparation for a bounceback season, his plate approach, favorite home run, taking on a leadership role, and much more. 

The Hometown Hero has returned. Years after the former Saguaro High star last suited up in the maroon-and-gold, fan favorite D.J. Foster is back with Sun Devil football. For four seasons, D.J. electrified fans before embarking on a pro career that earned him a Super Bowl ring, brought him back home to the Valley, and finally, up to Canada. And as part of the coming home theme that's defined the early days of the Kenny Dillingham era in Tempe, D.J. is now back where it all began as the program's Manager of Player Development. In this role, he is tasked with using his experiences and skills to mentor and develop ASU players off the field, as well as connecting with alumni to get them back in the fold with the program they once played for. On this episode, D.J. and I discuss his new role and why he came back, his favorite memories of his playing days, how he can help the program Activate the Valley, and much more.

After a look at the latest news, we dive into an analysis of ASU's 2023 schedule, looking at the breaks and challenges ahead for the Devils. Then, with the postseason transfer window now closed, we examine the comings and goings from the past 45 days, including a look at where ASU improved and where they still may need help. Finally, we talk with local 2024 QB target Luke Moga about how ASU is recruiting him, the appeal of being a potential hometown hero, and more (1:15:42).

2022 was a special season for Sun Devil softball. Dynamic performances on the diamond helped key a run to a Super Regional. With so many key players set to return, the future seemed bright. But a surprise coaching change kicked off a wave of key transfer portal departures, and quickly, the program found itself on shaky ground. ASU needed someone to stabilize the situation, to lay a foundation, and to begin the build back up. That's when ASU turned to Megan Bartlett. A former All-American outfielder for Notre Dame, Bartlett has risen through the coaching ranks, including serving as head coach at Ball State and most recently, she was a key assistant on the Texas team that made a run to the championship finals of last year's Women's College World Series. Now, she's in the desert to oversee a Sun Devil resurgence. On this episode, we discuss why she came to Tempe, the key lessons learned over her playing and coaching career, what makes Sun Devil softball special, the makeup of the 2023 squad, and so much more.

As Kenny Dillingham and staff set out to reshape the program, one area in particular was in dire need to help. No matter how good an offensive mind a coach may have, if his offensive line can't win in the trenches, the offense isn't going anywhere. So that's why the Sun Devils were aggressive in the portal in adding several quality linemen to bolster the group, including one from a conference foe. Ben Coleman checks many boxes: Size? He's 6-foot-4 and 323 pounds. Check. Experience? He's a multiyear starter at Cal. Check. Intelligence? He graduated from Cal in 3.5 years. Check. With a line in need to talented players, Coleman figures to play a key role this fall for the Devils. On this episode, Ben and I discuss why he came to ASU, his career, why he's a self-described foodie and some of his favorite spots, the traits needed to succeed in the trenches, and so much more.

The calendar has turned to 2023 and a new era of Sun Devil football is upon us. After a talk with new running back Cam Skattebo (21:11) and a look at the latest transfer portal activity, we dive into our New Year’s resolutions for ASU football and Sun Devil sports.

As Arizona continues its ascent as a football hotbed, one family has been at the forefront of the progress. Growing up under Toby and Vanessa Bourguet's roof, sports were an important part of their children's lives. Whether it was on a field, court, or their own backyard, chances are, there was a Bourguet kid running around on it. But it was on the football field where the 3 eldest brothers made, and continue to make, their mark. Beginning as flag football players, they helped turn their dad's Tucson Turf Elite Football organization into a national force on the flag and 7 on 7 scenes before becoming high school football stars in southern Arizona. Today, QB Trenton and WR Coben are Sun Devils, where Trenton assumed the starting job midway through last season. Meanwhile Treyson just wrapped up his true freshman season as a QB for Western Michigan. Three brothers, three FBS players, three local success stories that are still being written. On this episode, I went down south to the Bourguet's Tucson home to sit down with the trio. We discuss growing up in a sports-crazed household, from those backyard games to the high school heroics, how flag and 7-on-7 football helped mold them into FBS players, the lessons from their college careers, helping raise the profile of local players, and so much more.