Speak Of The Devils

The new era of Sun Devil football features many new faces, but it's one of the veterans that has become one of the faces of the program. Jordan Clark has been a key part of ASU's defense in recent years. He's been a part of some thrilling highs and battled through disappointing lows in Tempe. In the wake of last year's struggles and the departure of the staff that recruited him to ASU, it would have been understandable for him to explore options elsewhere. But that's just not how he does things. Now, with a new staff and a new defensive scheme, Jordan will be looked at as a key component in the Sun Devils' efforts to revitalize the program, both on and off the field. On this episode, we discuss the lessons learned during his career, the ins and outs of the new scheme, a revitalized program culture, what makes a great sweet potato pie, and much more.

We're kicking off our 13th SEASON of Speak of the Devils in a big way. After a look at the latest wave of commitments and MLB Draft picks, we talk with 4-star 2025 commit QB Michael "Butter" Tollefson on why he chose the Devils (27:45). Then we unveil our picks for the 10 most important non-quarterback Sun Devil players for the team's success this season. We cap the episode with a conversation with local 3-star commit Plas Johnson (1:22:21).

The Texas to Tempe pipeline is flowing fast these days. ASU's new staff has made the talent-rich state a major priority, and the early returns are promising. While the future appears bright on that front, the present is looking pretty good too, in large part because of a spring standout. Defensive tackle Cullen "C.J." Fite had committed to Arizona State under the previous staff, but understandably decommitted after the program made a coaching change. However, after talking with Kenny Dillingham and the new defensive staff, Fite decided to recommit to the Sun Devils. He then became one of the stars of spring practices, and he appears poised to play an important role in a key area of need for the Devils' defense this fall and in the season to come. On this episode, we discuss his upbringing in a football-crazed state, what convinced him to recommit to ASU, his fit in the defensive scheme, and much more.

In this special episode, we take an in-depth look at the past, present, and future of the Rashada family's Sun Devil legacy. We begin with a revealing conversation with ASU freshman quarterback Jaden Rashada (2:26), who opens up on his wild recruitment, the lessons learned, why he chose Arizona State, and his goals. Next, we talk with his brother Roman, a talented safety comes to Tempe from Ole Miss. He discusses his winding college football journey and reuniting with his brother at ASU (27:05). Then we talk to Jaden and Roman's father Harlen, who played for ASU in the 1990s, including the 1996 Pac-10 championship squad (38:48). He share stories from his career, the impact of Pat Tillman, and more. We wrap up with a fun panel discussion with all three Rashadas that is not to be missed (1:07:18).

Here’s a trivia question: How many true freshman have ever led ASU is sacks? Here’s your answer: Four. Terrell Suggs, Junior Onyeali, Merlin Robertson, and B.J. Green. There’s one outlier among that group, as those first three were heralded 4-star blue chip recruits. Green was a walk-on.   Ever since stepping foot in Tempe from Georgia, Green has surpassed external expectations and been a key part of the Sun Devil defense, and last year tied for the team lead in sacks. After a brief stint in the transfer portal after the season, he decided to remain a Sun Devil, and put together a dominant showing throughout spring practices after a move to defensive end, setting the stage for a big 2023.   On this episode we discuss why he came back, the motivation from last year’s struggles, the new defense and his move to the edge, what Southern food he wants to see in Tempe, the inspiring reason behind his major, and much more.

A show highlighting the past, present, and future of Sun Devil athletics. After a look at the recent flurry of commitments, we talk to two of ASU's prized local verbals: 4-star athlete Dylan Tapley (23:14) and punter Kanyon Floyd (34:25). Then we're joined by a pair of Sun Devil legends to discuss their careers and upcoming induction into the ASU Hall of Fame: Wide receiver Shaun McDonald (55:38) and outfielder/infielder Jason Kipnis (1:13:31). Finally, we review the state of the baseball program with Jack Loder (1:33:15).

In an alternate universe, Jason Mohns is a successful chiropractor, and football in Arizona just...isn’t quite as good. But thankfully, both for Mohns and the sport, he called a career audible.   The son of a successful football coach and executive, Mohns had no plans to follow in his father’s footsteps. But he eventually realized that his passion wasn’t in cracking necks, but in coaching young men, molding them on and off the field. And winning. Lots and lots of winning. After taking over as head coach at Saguaro High School in Scottsdale, Mohns would post a 123-19 record and win seven state titles, including six in a row. His success led to numerous offers to make the jump to college ball, but he always resisted...until last year. That’s when he returned to ASU, his alma mater and a school with deep family connections, to become ASU’s tight ends coach.   On this episode, Jason and I discuss why this was the right time to make the jump, impactful lessons from his dad, how to sustain success, what i

2022 was a tough year overall for the Sun Devil defense. But one bright spot was the emergence of Ro Torrence as one of the Pac-12′s best cornerbacks. The big-bodied transfer from Auburn flashed lockdown ability, registering eight pass break ups in his nine games. Returning as a key piece of ASU’s new defense, Torrence has a chance to lead a resurgent Sun Devil secondary this fall.   On this episode, we discuss his football journey that included a stop at the junior college level, improving upon his breakout season, learning from setbacks, coverage techniques, and more.

To Activate the Valley, the Sun Devil program will need the buy in of fans, businesses, and the community as whole. It will also need to get more of the top local talent to stay home. One guy hoping to provide a blueprint for the hometown hero path is Will Shaffer.   After a standout prep career at local powerhouse Saguaro, Shaffer has spent three seasons as a reserve linebacker and special teams contributor. But with a new season and a new defensive scheme comes new opportunity, and Shaffer put together a strong showing while running with the starting defense in spring. Heading into the 2023 season, he’s poised for a breakout campaign for his hometown school.   On this episode, we discuss his lifelong connection to Sun Devil football, the lessons learned from last year’s struggles, the power and potential of activating the Valley, the new defense, rising up to meet an opportunity, and more.

As the Diamond Devils face a crisis, the football team bolsters its ranks. We open with a dive into the latest transfer portal additions and 2024 recruiting commitments and how they’ll impact Kenny Dillingham’s program now and in the future. Then we talk with two new Sun Devil defenders: defensive tackle Dashaun Mallory (28:02) and cornerback Dee Ford (40:00). Finally, we’re joined by Jack Loder of DevilsDigest.com for a report on the baseball team’s recent slide, perilous postseason outlook, and what it means moving forward (1:01:11).

The school year is drawing to a close, which means it’s time for my annual in-depth conversation with Arizona State Athletic Director Ray Anderson. This is the sixth year Anderson and I have taken an in-depth examination of Sun Devil, Pac-12, and collegiate athletics, and this may be the most interesting yet.   As he enters his ninth year at the helm of ASU’s athletic department, we discuss the new era of Sun Devil football, how the school is supporting the Activate the Valley movement, the highs and lows from other key sports, infrastructure projects, and a candid look at reasons behind the collective lack of national success for the three highest-profile sports. We also take a deep dive into ASU’s evolving approach to NIL, and get the latest on the NCAA’s investigation into the football program. We also discuss the uncertain future of the Pac-12 Conference and the media rights negotiations, the seeming inevitability of superconferences and ASU’s place within that landscape, tailgating and the fans game da

As summer nears, the transfer portal is heating up. We dive into a review of the latest football and basketball additions and departures, and then discuss what's left on the shopping list. Then we're joined by Cole Topham, Saguaro High School's new Offensive Analyst and Football Creative Director, for his in-depth analysis on ASU's 2023 NFL Draft results and a look at the top prospects for 2024 (35:44)

Spring’s heating up and the Devils are busy. With DevilsDigest.com writer Jack Loder joining us in studio, we break down the flurry of transfer portal activity for the football and men’s basketball teams. We then turn our attention to the diamond for an in-depth discussion on a wild week for the baseball team and the critical stretch that is ahead.

ASU's 2023 spring practice slate is in the books. With Hod Rabino and Cole Topham of DevilsDigest.com joining us in studio, we break down the quarterback competition, major developments, key position battles, questions both raised and answered, and the Sun Devils' updated offseason to-do list.

A Pac-10 champion and All-American on the field, Kyle Murphy has become an even better man off of it. But that evolution took time, hard work, and ultimately, facing some hard personal truths. In this episode, Kyle discusses his path to becoming an All-American offensive lineman at Arizona State, his friendship with Pat Tillman, and what being named a team captain meant to him. He also opens up on the struggles of life after football, how he finally placed a focus on mental health, and how therapy has made him a better husband, father, coach, and teacher.

ASU's final practice before the spring game is in the books. After a long and physical session, I caught up with TE Bryce Pierre and LB Will Shaffer.

ASU held their third scrimmage of the spring on Tuesday, and the defense won the day. After the final whistle, we talked with RB Cam Skattebo & WR coach Ra'Shaad Samples.

After ASU wrapped up their 11th practice of the spring, we caught up with EDGE Ashley Williams & S Shamari Simmons.

The start of ASU's fourth week of spring practice was a balanced affair, with both the offense and defense taking turns excelling. After it wrapped up, we caught up with QB Drew Pyne and WR Andre Johnson.

Spring is in full swing for the Sun Devils. After a recap of a physical third week of spring football practice, we're joined by Jack Loder of DevilsDigest.com (18:36) for an in-depth midseason review of Arizona State baseball.