Speak Of The Devils

It's a challenging time for Sun Devil football. After a look at the news, we dive into the major issues facing the program, from accountability to focus to leadership and more. Then we welcome back an old friend: Jordan Simone joins us for unfiltered and candid insight into the state of affairs for his beloved Sun Devils.

Let's cut down to it. Last season, ASU's offense wasn't very good. Sure, there were positives: the play of Rachaad White, Curtis Hodges' emergence at tight end, some strong offensive line play at times. But the overall production fell short of both the team's, and fan's, expectations. Coming off the season, there was hope that things would be better than last year. Since then, offensive coordinator Zak Hill resigned and three-year starting quarterback Jayden Daniels, among others, entered the transfer portal. Needless to say, new offensive coordinator Glenn Thomas has a lot on his plate. Hired to replace Hill in January as OC & quarterbacks coach, Thomas comes to ASU after a lengthy career that includes stops with the Atlanta Falcons, Temple, Baylor, and most recently UNLV. On this episode, we discuss why he took the job, scheme, philosophy, playcalling, the QB competition, revitalizing the passing game, and much more.

Last year, Arizona State boasted one of the most experienced secondaries in the nation. Now even though all four starters are gone, this is still a Herm Edwards team, so the expectations remain high. Overseeing the next wave of Sun Devil DBs is Aaron Fletcher. Fletcher was hired in January following successful stints at Mizzou, Tulsa, and in the Texas high school ranks. He's known for developing not just good DBs, but also for young men of character, with a drive to give back to their community. On this episode, we discuss his coaching journey, his influences and philosophies, playing DB in an era of offense, the 2022 Devils DBs and much more.

Always Something University strikes again. In the latest development of a turbulent stretch, three-year starting quarterback Jayden Daniels has entered the transfer portal. We discuss the news and get insight into the implications from Ralph Amsden.

Time to play ball. We kick off the show with a look at some notable new additions to the Sun Devil football program before chatting with new tight end Jacob Newell (22:38). Then we head to the diamond. We preview the upcoming ASU baseball season and talk with program legend and new hitting coach Travis Buck (29:34).

It's an interesting time for Sun Devil football: The disappointment of the 2021 season lingers. Half of the coaching staff has resigned or been fired in the last few months. The black cloud of the NCAA investigation is hanging over the program. And an influx of talented newcomers is being added to a core of key returners. Overseeing it all is head coach Herm Edwards. As the team prepares to open spring practices, I sat down with him to discuss a wide range of key topics surrounding his program. On this episode, we dive into the issues of the 2021 season, his staff's turnover, the issues facing recruiting, how the 2022 squad is shaping up, how the NCAA investigation will impact the program and his legacy, and much more.

Only four times in school history has a true freshman led ASU in sacks. Terrell Suggs, Junior Onyeali, and Merlin Robertson came in as heralded 4-star recruits and delivered. But the fourth member of this select group not only led the team as a true freshman...but did it as a walk-on. After coming to Tempe from Georgia, B.J. Green's five sacks led the Sun Devils and provided an inspiring story. Now with the expectations raised, he has eyes on even greater heights. On this episode, we discuss his impressive debut year, why he passed up scholarship offers to walk-on across the country, robotics, limiting the outside noise, Year 2 goals, and more.

This wasn't your typical National Signing Day. After a look at the fallout from Antonio Pierce's resignation and the hiring of ASU's new offensive coordinator, we dive into how Signing Day transpired for the Sun Devils. We discuss who signed on, what remains to be done, Herm Edwards' future, and the last impact of the NCAA's investigation with Hod Rabino of DevilsDigest.com (52:06).

On Friday, Arizona State's coaching staff received a major shakeup as part of the ongoing NCAA investigation. The Sun Devils made the expected departures of three coaches who had been on administrative leave official, but we also learned that offensive coordinator Zak Hill had resigned. We break down what happened and what's next for ASU with DevilsDigest.com publisher Hod Rabino.

Offseason activity remains in high gear. We track the latest comings and goings from the transfer portals and break down the implications. Plus, we are joined by outgoing QB Ethan Long (1:10:52), who outlines why he is transferring and what ASU meant to him.

Don your maroon-and-gold tux. It's time for the 11th annual Speak of the Devils Season Awards Spectacular! On this episode, we honor the best (and a few of the worst) of Arizona State's 2021 football season.

Shuffle up and deal, Devils. After a look at the news, we talk with tight end commit Messiah Swinson (25:19). The Missouri transfer discusses why he chose to come to Tempe and what he'll bring to the Sun Devil offense. Then it's time to go bowling. We first go behind Wisconsin lines with Benjamin Worgull of BadgerBlitz.com (42:05) before breaking down the Las Vegas Bowl matchup and giving our game predictions. 

Sun Devil student-athletes suffer nearly 1,000 injuries per year, and behind the scenes, there is a lot of work to not just get them back on the field or court, but to ensure they come back strong—physically and mentally. On this episode, I talk with Dr. Anikar Chhabra, a national expert in the field of orthopedic surgery and sports medicine and head orthopedic surgeon for Arizona State University & Dr. Joanne Vogel, Vice President of Student Services with Educational Outreach who oversees ASU Health Services. We discuss the health & well being of ASU's student athletes, from injury prevention, treatment, protocols, rehabilitation, and mental health considerations. By the end of our conversation, I think you'll have a greater understanding and appreciation for all the hard work and resources that come together on game day.

In an unusual year, we had an unusual early signing period. After a look at the latest news, covering opt outs, opt ins, and transfers, we talk with new Sun Devil DT Robby Harrison about why he chose ASU and what he brings to Tempe (27:17).  Then we dive into how ASU fared and break down the newest Devils before an in-depth discussion on Signing Day, recruiting strategy, and the steps ahead with Hod Rabino of DevilsDigest.com (1:15:22).

Vegas, baby! ASU is heading to the Sin City to end the year, but the action isn't waiting. We discuss the latest commitments, transfers, coaching rumors, All-Pac-12 snubs, former coaches in hot water, and more.

The Territorial Cup, and Herm Edwards, are staying in Tempe for another year. Now what? Arizona State faces a number of questions heading into a crucial offseason. Who stays and who goes? Is a high-profile hometown QB on his way back? How should fans feel about the future? We dive deep on these issues, and get tremendous insight on Spencer Rattler and so much more from Ralph Amsden (1:08:27)

We talk with Gus Farwell about his journey from ASU QB to opera star in Barcelona, get his thoughts on the struggles of the passing game, the Duel in the Desert, and much more. Brought to you by DeFalco's Italian Deli & Eatery and All AZ Sports

We hit a landmark as the Duel in the Desert looms. We open episode No. 300 with a rundown of the loss at Oregon State and the ramifcations for the program. Then, we get FIRED up when we talk with ASU legends Brandon Magee (26:41) and D.J. Foster (44:36), who discuss their rivalry experience and why the fire still burns bright. Next, we go behind Arizona lines with Adam Green of the Wildcat Radio podcast and AZDesertSwarm.com (58:00). We wrap up with a preview and predictions for Saturday's big game.

Don't count those Sun Devils out just yet. After a look at the news, we break down ASU's thrilling comeback win over Washington. We discuss what keyed their turnaround, what it means going forward, and the brilliance of Rachaad White. Then we talk with Andrew Haubner of KEZI and the Pac-12 This Week podcast for an in-depth look at Oregon State (39:25). We wrap up with our game preview and predictions.

After getting knocked down, the Sun Devils showed they have plenty of fight left in them. Following a look at the news, we dive into ASU's win over USC. We discuss what it said about the team, and how the victory can help propel them down the stretch. We then go behind Husky lines with Washington insider Lars Hanson of TheDawgReport.com. Then we wrap up with our game preview and prediction.