Quarterback


Current scholarship players (in order of 2024 eligibility):

Senior Trenton Bourguet

Junior Jacob Conover

Redshirt freshman Jaden Rashada

Redshirt freshman Sam Leavitt


Position snapshot: More than likely, ASU is done adding quarterbacks. I don’t expect any attrition to take place, but if it does, then yes, they will be forced to add another signal caller, although I wouldn’t expect that to happen before the spring. All in all, ASU is staying put here.



Running back


Current scholarship players (in order of 2024 eligibility):

Senior DeCarlos Brooks

Senior Cameron Skattebo

Junior Raleek Brown

Junior George Hart III

Junior Tevin White

Sophomore Kyson Brown

Freshman Jason Brown


Position snapshot: The expected addition of USC transfer Raleek Brown, who in theory can also play wide receiver, is huge, not only adding a dynamic element that is needed for this group but also softening the blow after this season when Skattebo and Brooks would have exhausted their eligibility. Raleek Brown’s addition also signals that ASU is probably staying put in this position and not seeking additions here, having seven scholarship players.


Wide Receiver

Current scholarship players (in order of eligibility):

Senior Elijhah Badger

Senior Xavier Guillory

Senior Melquan Stovall

Junior Jake Smith

Junior Troy Omeire

Sophomore Jordan Tyson

Redshirt freshman Kaleb Black

Redshirt freshman Korbin Hendrix

Freshman Zechariah Sample

Freshman Cullen Charles

(As a reminder, Elijah Baesa will not be part of this class; it is only a matter of time until he decommits as he is no longer in ASU’s plans)

Position snapshot: This position is one where I don’t expect to see much movement in terms of players departing and/or portal additions, and having 10 scholarship players is an ideal number. Said for weeks that I fully expect Elijah Badger to remain at ASU, and as mentioned, Raleek Brown could line up in this role as well. This is a stacked room with a lot of talent that does not need any further additions and one that I fully expect to play at a much higher level now that ASU will have Tyson and Jake Smith for a whole year.


Offensive Line

Current players (in order of 2024 eligibility):

Senior Emmit Bohle

Senior Ben Coleman

Senior Kyle Scott

Senior Cade Briggs

Senior Leif Fautanu

Junior Shancco Matautia (expected to commit any day)

Junior Bram Walden

Junior Max Iheanachor

Sophomore Sean Na’a

Redshirt freshman Joey Su’a

Redshirt freshman Sirri Kandiyeli

Freshman Semisi Tonga

Freshman Champ Westbrooks

Freshman Terrell Kim

Freshman Filiva’a Saluni (is expected to sign in February and be on campus in 2026 after serving an LDS mission)

Position snapshot: The ideal number here is 15 scholarship players, and ASU has 14 since Saluni, in essence, is a 2026 addition. So, at a minimum, I see ASU adding two more players, but come spring, and a new portal window opens, attrition taking place then isn’t out of the question.

When it comes to the transfer portal, Kevin Wigenton and Savion Byrd have already visited ASU, and chances are that Byrd is the more plausible addition out of the two. But as of this minute, it’s unclear how feasible this is.

In terms of high school prospects, Rustin Young, who was an Oregon State commit and recommitted after visiting ASU, will, according to a Michigan State insider, follow Johnthan Smith to East Lansing and will commit to the Spartans.


Tight Ends


Current players (in order of 2024 eligibility):

Senior Bryce Pierre

Junior Markeston Douglas

Sophomore Cameron Harpole

Freshman Jayden Fortier


Position snapshot: Adding Douglas and Harpole from the portal was big for ASU. But since Fortier tore his ACL in the state championship, not only will he not be ready for spring practice, but practicing fully in fall camp is not a given. ASU, being in the market for a spring portal addition, is all but a guarantee.

Got word that Kenny Dillingham will have a press conference to discuss the 2024 class on Thursday rather than tomorrow, just in case some National Letters of Intent arrive later in the day and thus get delayed in being approved by compliance before he can discuss those specific incoming freshmen. So having this press confrence on Thursday gives the buffer of time if needed.

There will be another in-depth press conference in February to discuss any potential signees during that period, and at that time, since all the transfers would have already attended classes, we will hear from Dillingham about that group.

ASU has 52 returning scholarship players. I don’t know what the chances are of seeing attrition over the next few weeks before the transfer portal closes on January 3rd. But fully expecting to see some returning players entering the portal following spring practice in the April 16-30 window.


Another factor to keep in mind is whether the NCAA’s sanctions at the conclusion of their investigation will include scholarship reductions that will be applicable for the 2024 or 2025 season (likely though 2024), and if so, what does that number look like?


In other words, will ASU get a penalty that results in them being allowed to carry 82 players (and that is the harshest scenario I see), for example, instead of the max 85?


But for now, let’s assume that ASU can have the allowed max of 85 scholarship players. BUT let’s also keep in mind that offensive lineman Filiva'a Saluni will only count on the 2026 roster numbers, since he will be going on LDS mission, so helps a little.


85-52=33 spots for ASU to fill


In terms of high school commits has in essence has 17 commits HS since we know wide receiver Elijah Baesa isn’t going to sign, and again Saluni will sign with ASU but not count towards the 85-player roster.


So, 33-17=16 spots left for transfer portal additions as well as more high school or perhaps junior college players.


Right now, ASU has 13 Transfers committed (I will include Nex Mexico offensive lineman transfer New Mexico OL Shancco Matautia, who will commit if not today, later this week), which means under this scenario, they can add only three more transfers/high school/junior college players.


Do I expect ASU to add more than three players (transfers, high school/junior college players) by the time fall camp starts? Absolutely. ASU will make the numbers work one way or another and again, the expected post-spring attrition will help here.

I will make a separate post as to what the numbers look like and should look like at each position.

No surprise and well deserving too. The tweet below shows a sizable margin of victory too

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Adversity reveals one’s true character, and through last two years have shown Arizona State safety Xavion Alford to be a hard-working beacon of positivity.

Hailing from Houston as one of the nation’s top safety recruits, Xavion played a season for Texas before transferring to USC. He flashed his immense potential in a two-interception game against ASU in 2021 before injuries sidelined him for the entire 2022 season. He then transferred to ASU, where the NCAA (eventually) denied his waiver appeal to play. But despite the setbacks and obstacles, Xavion remained focused on the present and future, helping the team where he could, working towards his return, and being a vocal advocate for the program being built in Tempe.

In the episode, Xavion and I discuss how he dealt with two years on the sidelines, the support he received, how he maintained a positive outlook, the Texas-to-Tempe pipeline, Tex-Mex cuisine, and more.

LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE​

Stream | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Amazon Music | Pocket Casts

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RM started off strong scoring the first 2 goals. ASU did get one back at the end of the first but went into the 2nd period down 2-1.

ASU has woken up and is now up 5-3 with 4:30 to go in the 2nd period.

Defensive Line

Current players (in order of 2024 eligibility):

Senior Anthonie Cooper

Senior Elijah O’Neal

Senior Harold Brooks III

Junior Prince Dorbah

Junior Gharin Stansbury

Junior Clayton Smith

Sophomore Sam Benjamin

Sophomore Justin Wodtly

Sophomore CJ Fite

Sophomore Tristan Monday

Sophomore Blazen Lono-Wong

Redshirt Freshman JP Deeter

Redshirt Freshman Landen Thomas

Redshirt Freshman Kyran Bourda

Freshman Ramar Williams

Freshman James Giggey

Freshman Salesi Manu

Freshman Albert Smith

Position snapshot: 18 defensive linemen is somewhat an embarrassment of riches. But a post-spring attrition can really come into play when you have a first-year position coach, as in ASU’s Diron Reynolds, who likley would want just around 15 players. At defensive end, you still would have a good duo of starters in Clayton Smith and Prince Dorbah. Maybe Gharin Stansbury can turn the corner, as did Elijah O’Neal towards the end of the year.


Cannot overstate the need for defensive tackle because, aside from Fite, I don’t see this depth chart having the required talent to compete in the Big 12. Cooper will be under the microscope, especially with a new coach. Since the staff recruited Wodtly and Deeter, maybe they get more of the benefit of the doubt and a favorable depth chart niche. ASU will want to add one more defensive tackle to call it a day as far as additions.

Linebacker

Current players (in order of 2024 eligibility):

Senior Caleb McCullough

Junior Zyrus Fiaseu

Junior Jordan Crook

Junior Krew Jackson

Sophomore Tate Romney

Redshirt freshman K’Vion Thunderbird

Freshman Martell Hughes

Position snapshot: Granted, in a scheme that will often feature two linebackers, you don’t need an abundance of players in this unit. But having now seven scholarship players, thanks to some of the better portal additions for the Sun Devils in Fiaseu and Crook, I’m liking what I’m seeing here. Nonetheless, a spring transfer to this role is needed and should take place if the overall numbers allow it.

Safety (including nickel back)

Current players (in order of 2024 eligibility):

Senior Shamari Simmons

Senior Roman Rashada

Senior Macen Williams

Sophomore Xavion Alford

Sophomore Kamari Wilson

Sophomore Josiah Cox

Redshirt freshman Montana Warren

Freshman Tony-Louis Nkuba (could play corner)

Position snapshot: Great depth here with Alford, who is essentially the best 2024 addition (after being ruled ineligible in 2023), and Simmons likely starters at safety, with Wilson, Cox (who didn’t redshirt as a freshman), and Warren vying to be in the rotation.

Macen Williams, at starting nickel, could be backed up by Warren or maybe one of the corners. But if I saw any addition in the defensive backfield, I think it would be a formidable nickel that should significantly challenge Williams.


Cornerback

Current players (in order of 2024 eligibility):

Senior Ed Woods

Junior Laterrance Welch

Sophomore Javan Robinson

Sophomore Keith Abney II

Redshirt freshman Keontez Bradley

Redshirt freshman Lenox Lawson

Freshman Plas Johnson

Freshman Chris Johnson

Freshman Rodney Bimage

(some of the freshmen could play safety, too)

Position snapshot: Woods is a proven starter. It was crucial for ASU to add some experience here, and having Welch and Robinson transfer in certainly helps. Abney is someone I do expect to take that next step after showing flashes as a freshman. This role offers a huge opportunity for both the freshmen who redshirted and the incoming freshmen to carve a niche in the two-deep. The future of this group does look bright, and no additions are needed here.


Special teams

Sophomore Ian Hershey, who did redshirt last year, and incoming freshman Kanyon Floyd will be the two specialists here, as the kicker and punter duties will be determined later.

ASU takes care of business and wins 4-1. Kopperude started things off with 2 Power Play goals.

About a half hour out from tip in Fort Worth as Arizona State (6-3) looks to get back on track in a 2023 NCAA Tournament rematch with TCU. TV Broadcast provided by ESPNU at 8 AZT. Stay tuned here for updates.

Maybe I missed it somewhere, but do we have an updated list of who is coming in for an official visit this weekend?

Mornin Mates...

Today's Topic = Are You Impressed ?

By what Dilly and his staff are doing with portal and HS recruiting right now..??

Is there a position that has not been improved on the team..??

Our recruits are coming from big time programs, for the most part, and have a minimum of at least two years of eligibility...

How cool is that..??

But, will it be enough to win more than five games to become bowl eligible this next season in the Big 12..??

Can we do that with a couple of RS FR QB candidates and a defense that gave up all those late season points to the Ducks and Cats..??

It appears, at the very least, that we'll have enough players along the OL to have full scale practices moving forward and beyond...

Dilly and his staff haven't yet cracked the Top 25-30 team class rankings but if he keeps it up and manages to win 5 or more games in 2024 then who knows, right..??

At least all of these new additions will have all of us looking forward to Spring practice, no doubt...

However, on another Sun Devil athletic note, our men's BB program under Bobby appears to be pretty dreadful and without much hope of doing much this year...

But, at least, Purdue beat the Cats yesterday to take a little wind out of their sails...

Jumping back to football, we see that since the Cats hired Jedd Fisch, their ticket sales have climbed from 34,900 fans per home game to 47,320 or an increase of about 36% and it's expected to rise again next season when the Cats will be favored to make a run at a Big 12 championship...

That's what happens with winning, right..??

And, the bigger the winning, like what the Cats do in basketball, the bigger the ticket sales and booster donations...

Winning = Fan Engagement and Enthusiasm = Money

Oregon leads the PAC public schools in overall ticket sales and booster donations (2021-22) with $24M in ticket sales and $40M in booster donations...

Arizona is fourth with $19M in ticket sales and $20M in booster donations ($39M total) while ASU 6th with $14M in ticket sales and $20M ($34M total) in booster donations...

Both Oregon St and Wazzu are tied for last place with $9M in ticket sales and $10M in donations...

In the Big 12 public school rankings, Iowa St and Kansas lead with $45M and $44M respectively or a good $10M or so more than our Sun Devils...

I wonder what would happen if Dilly could turn our football program around so that it was in the top third of the Big 12 annually..??

I also wonder what a top basketball team would do for our athletic dept's bottom line if we ever got to that point..??

I guess that last question about the BB team will be left to our new AD whenever that happens...

Fingers crossed that they will do what is necessary to get our BB program to another level sooner rather than never...

But, in the meantime, I'm cautiously optimistic that Dilly is on the right track in his efforts to revamp our football program...

How about you..??

G'day Mates and Go Devils!!!

In his much awaited debut, Adam Miller proved he can be the go-to scorer this team needs, but he can’t fix ASU’s inconsistent offense that reared its ugly head in another lopsided defeat this season. Here are our takeaways from the 79-59 loss to TCU

?

Here's a look at the ASU players who have either entered the portal or are not expected to be on the team in 2024:



Junior DE BJ Green
Junior OT Isaia Glass
Junior OL Ben Bray
Junior LB Will Shaffer
Junior DB Jordan Clark
Junior WR Andre Johnson (no longer on the roster)
Junior TE Jalin Conyers
Junior LB James Djonkam
Sophomore TE Ryan Morgan (no longer on the roster)
Sophomore DB RJ Regan (no longer on the roster)
Sophomore QB Drew Pyne
Sophomore RB Javen Jacobs
Sophomore CB Isaiah Johnson
Freshman DE Ashley Williams
Junior Andre Johnson

***
Freshman DB Shawn Russ did leave the team but currently is not in the portal

Here is our analysis of the Sun Devil roster in light of those players departures:

Revised roster snapshot offense

Revised roster snapshot defense

"I’m coming here focusing on myself and getting better. But I’m not gonna lie; I got some burning inside me that’s ready to be unleashed." ASU's top 60 prospect addition discusses his Sun Devil pledge

Committed while he was on-campus for his official visit. Was a five-star prospect and a top 25 recruit in the 2022 class, and is the highest rated addition for ASU under head coach Kenny Dillingham.

Was told by someone on the team that Glass did not travel to Utah. Not sure if it's injury related or something else. Bram Walden and Max Iheanachor are out too so some serious juggling will need to be made to fill that spot.