Speak Of The Devils

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 lesson

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 d

Roll out the maroon carpet, it's awards season. After we break down the latest transfer portal activity, it's time for our annual Sun Devil season awards spectacular, as we honor the best—worst—of Arizona State's 2022 football season.

The Sun Devils are No. 1. For the first time in program history, the ASU men's swim and dive team is atop the national rankings. It's yet another sign of the tremendous progress the program has made under head coach Bob Bowman.  One of the most accomplished coaches in the sport's history, notably the man who coached Michael Phelps into true GOAT status, Bowman inherited a struggling program and has since built a powerhouse. On this episode, we discuss the significance of the ranking, the process of rebuilding the program, his coaching career, mentoring Michael Phelps and the similarities between him and a current ASU super sophomore, and so much more.

ASU's coaching staff is finally complete, so let's meet them. On this jam-packed episode, we sit down for 1-on-1 conversations with head coach Kenny Dillingham (2:15), offensive coordinator Beau Baldwin (11:22), defensive coordinator Brian Ward (20:28), assistant head coach and special teams coordinator Charlie Ragle (29:55), offensive line coach Saga Tuitele (38:34), cornerbacks coach Bryan Carrington (46:33), tight ends coach Jason Mohns (54:10), defensive line coach Vince Amey (1:04:27), wide receivers coach Ra'Shaad Samples (1:11:28), linebackers coach AJ Cooper (1:19:43), and running backs coach Shaun Aguano (1:28:00).

Kenny is cooking. The Sun Devils torrid stretch of commitments have become official as ASU landed an impressive haul on the first day of the early signing period. We break down the latest signings of high school, junior college, and transfer portal players and how they will impact the trajectory of the program. We then celebrate a Sun Devil Festivus by airing grievances and celebrating ASU's feats of strength from 2022.

2022 was a tough year for Sun Devil football. But it also provided some exciting glimpses of the future. Near the top of that list was the emergence of tight end Jalin Conyers. The former 4-star transfer from Oklahoma was viewed as a possible star performer, but for the first half of last season he, and the offense as a whole, never really got going. But once Shaun Aguano took over playcalling duties, the Sun Devil attack started firing on all cylinders, and over the back half of the year, Conyers became one of the nation's most productive and exciting tight ends. With a new offense that prominently features the tight end position, Conyers is poised for even bigger things in 2023. In this episode, we discuss why he came back, the lessons learned from a tough 2022 season, the potential of the TEs in Kenny Dillingham's offense, a player's view of NIL and the portal, and so much more.

After years of saying that they wouldn’t get caught up in the arms race, Arizona State is finally jumping into action on the NIL front.   Recognizing the critical importance that Name Image & Likeness is having and will play in collegiate athletics, the Sun Devil community is looking to close the gap on other programs. At the center of the efforts is the Sun Angel Collective, created to support student-athletes by facilitating legal and compliant NIL opportunities as well as helping those athletes prepare for the future. While one of the most critical aspects of modern college sports, understanding how it all works, and how it differs from the still outlawed straight up pay for play, can be tricky. That’s why I wanted to talk with Sun Angel Executive Director Brittani Willett, who joined the collective after serving in two key roles with the Arizona Coyotes.   On this episode, we take a deep dive into the inner workings of the collective and its process, examining how a dollar goes from donation to

The portal gives, the portal takes, and the portal brings you home. After a look at the news, we discuss the flurry of homegrown portal additions with the legendary Chilly (34:28), who also gives us insight into the impact ASU's new staff could have on the local recruiting scene. We then break down the latest portal commitments and departures before talking with new Sun Devil running back and former Chandler High star DeCarlos Brooks (1:41:55).

The Come Home movement in the early days of the Kenny Dillingham era has gotten off to a strong start, both in player additions and on the coaching staff. And as the Sun Devil program begins the build towards a return to the Rose Bowl, the man tabbed with leading the defensive line knows exactly what it takes to get there. Vince Amey was a key starter on the magical 1996 Sun Devil squad that won the Pac-10 and came within seconds of claiming the national championship. He then embarked on a coaching journey that took him to several stops, including UofA, before being hired by Dillingham earlier this month. He'll now be tasked with building a defensive line looking to rebound off an uneven 2022 season. On this episode, we discuss why he came back to Tempe, how the staff will look to activate the Valley, favorite memories from the Rose Bowl run of '96, how the Devil D will look next fall, what he looks for with his linemen, and so much more.