Speak Of The Devils

As we prepare to kick off the 2021 season, we begin with a big picture preview. After a look at the news, we talk with ASU's recent 4-star running back commit Tevin White (15:42), who discusses why he chose the Devils and what impact the NCAA investigation had on his decision. Then we dive into a team-by-team look at how the Pac-12 will shape up this fall, before we give our conference and national predictions. Plus, we go across Ute lines with Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham (1:40:12).

Herm Edwards and Arizona State faced the press for the first time since the NCAA's investigation first began. Along with the recent placement of an assistant coach on administrative leave, conference realignment and more, we discuss the implications live from Pac-12 Media Day with Hod Rabino of DevilsDigest.com.

There may not be a more decorated former Sun Devil—in any sport—than Mike Haynes.  All-American. Pro Bowler. All-Pro. Super Bowl champion. College AND Pro Football Hall of Famer. His number is retired at Arizona State, and his high school named their stadium after him. He is, without question, one of the all-time greats of the all-time greats...but a career like his was never something he thought possible years ago. On this episode, Haynes discusses his unlikely road to ASU, the hard-edged wisdom of Frank Kush, the desire he had to play WR, his favorite memories as a Sun Devil, his work today helping players transition out of the game and also raising awareness about prostate cancer, and more.

ASU football is under NCAA investigation...but the show must go on. After a look at some recent news, we dive into the latest developments and get great insight into the situation from The Athletic's Doug Haller (11:25). Then we go in-depth on how the Sun Devils are continuing to recruit during the investigation with DevilsDigest.com's Hod Rabino (33:43).

The positive momentum surrounding Arizona State football came to a screeching halt this week, as news broke that the program is under investigation by the NCAA for recruiting violations. We discuss the situation, the possible ramifications, and much more. 

Games are won and lost in the trenches. After years of questions, the Sun Devil offensive line appears to be a team strength heading into 2021. After the retirement of coach Dave Christensen, ASU head coach Herm Edwards found his replacement...twice. Ultimately, he brought in Mike Cavanaugh, a hard-nosed veteran with over three decades of collegiate coaching experience to oversee the ASU line. On this episode, Cavanaugh and I discuss his lengthy career, why he came to Tempe, technique for the trenches, the make up of ASU's line, adapting to scheme, recruiting, and much more.

Bloomquist is back. Just a few short days after making a coaching change, Arizona State has hired program legend Willie Bloomquist to take the reins of Sun Devil baseball. We break down the hire, what it means, the near-term expectations, and more. Plus, we're joined by D1baseball.com managing editor Kendall Rogers to get his insight into the move and into the program's stature (40:14).

Not long after the season ended with a disappointing loss in the regionals, Arizona State made a change in the dugout, as Tracy Smith will not return as head coach next season. We discuss the fallout and what comes next, plus we get expert insight from DevilsDigest.com's Hod Rabino (38:52) & "The Voice of the Sun Devils" Tim Healey (58:58).

Arizona State has had a long line of excellent defensive backs over the years, and David Fulcher is among the very best of the best. Initially a wide receiver, Fulcher would go on to become a hard-hitting and ball-hawking two-time consensus All-American safety. He'd then go to the NFL, earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors. He's been an active presence in the community, and earlier this year, he was named a member of the College Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2021, becoming the 13th Sun Devil to earn those honors. On this episode, Fulcher and I discuss his illustrious Sun Devil career, what his enshrinement in the Hall of Fame means, his charitable work, his time with the Bengals, his views on Herm Edwards and the current Sun Devils, and much more.

It's been a tough sports offseason, so we dusted off our epic 1996 team reunion special. Sit back & revel in the stories & memories from TWELVE of the stars from that legendary team. Keith Poole (3:47), J.R. Redmond (15:47), Damien Richardson (43:08), Kyle Murphy (1:00:06), Terry Battle (1:22:04), Jeremy Staat (1:33:09), Jeff Paulk (1:42:38), Grey Ruegamer (1:56:30), Juan Roque (2:06:37), Derek Smith (2:25:11), Derrick Rodgers (2:41:09), Jake Plummer (3:03:34)

Offseason? What offseason? After a look at the latest ASU news with insight from Hod Rabino of DevilsDigest.com (24:05), we discuss George Kliavkoff's appointment and the legacy of Larry Scott with George Wrighster of the Pac-12 Apostles and UnafraidShow.com (1:13:40) We then pitch our 10 ideas to fix college football. From rule changes to broadcasting and more, we get creative. We then wrap up with a great conversation with ASU 4-star WR signee Lonyatta Alexander (2:11:21).

With the year winding down, Arizona State Athletic Director Ray Anderson has his plate full. In addition to overseeing ASU athletics, the Pac-12 conference has a host of issues its trying to navigate, all while in the midst of a leadership transition. And nationally, a few key developments figure to alter the foundations of collegiate athletics. On this episode, Anderson and I discuss the state of his key programs, how the pandemic has impacted ASU and will continue to do so moving forward, fan attendance this fall, how Name Image and Likeness and transfer rules will change college sports, the critical issues facing the Pac-12 and much more.

The 2021 Sun Devils have plenty of strengths, but one lingering question is how the young and talented receiving corps will come together. One of the key players in the group is looking to make his hometown fans proud. Tempe native Ricky Pearsall has flashed exciting potential during his first two years as a Sun Devil. Entering Year 3, he is poised to carve out a larger role in the ASU passing game. In this episode we discuss his development, the rapport with QB Jayden Daniels, the pressure and reward of being a hometown player, and more.

When Antonio Pierce assumed the role as Arizona State's sole defensive coordinator, he left a vacancy at linebackers coach. The Sun Devils filled that spot with a former All-American and Butkus Award winner. Chris Claiborne brings a substantial resume to Tempe. He's one of the greatest defenders in USC history, had a productive run in the NFL after being a top 10 draft pick, and was a successful high school coach before making the move to the college ranks. We discuss why he came to ASU, the dynamic of recruiting southern California, the 2021 linebackers, his coaching aspirations and influences, spring ball impressions, and much more.

With the first pick in the draft... We roll out our first in a series of offseason specials in which we'll be holding fantasy drafts for specific game situations. We start off with "3rd and Short." We're joined by Uniformity author Cole Streeper as we assemble our squads of all-time Sun Devil players that we trust the most to move the chains with the game on the line.

We kick off with a look at the news before welcoming DevilsDigest.com publisher Hod Rabino (21:41) to get his thoughts on the recently concluded spring practices & the three big commits landed by Bobby Hurley. Then we do a review of the major developments from spring ball, including those who raised their stock and the remaining questions. We wrap up with an interview with WR Geordon Porter (1:46:54).

It's a busy spring for the Sun Devils. After a look at the news, we break down the notable developments from spring football practice. Then we are joined by ASU basketball radio analyst Kyle Dodd to get his insight into the disappointing 2020-21 season (27:20). Finally, we head to the diamond and discuss how the baseball team has won nine straight despite the rash of injuries. Can they keep it up?

I caught up with ASU head coach Herm Edwards to discuss some crucial issues surrounding his program. We cover the lasting impact of the COVID year, the struggles of local recruiting, developing a staff and mentoring Antonio Pierce, whether 2021 is a make-or-break season, his legacy, and more.

From the moment he pulled out a USC hat and flung it away during his commitment video, Aashari Crosswell made an impact on the Sun Devil program. From earning reps as a freshman to his key INT in the rivalry win, Crosswell developed into one of the Pac-12's most promising safeties. However, last season was derailed though a suspension that was later followed by his decision to enter the NFL Draft. It brought to a disappointing end a career filled with promise, big plays, and some significant WHAT IFs. As he prepares for the next level, I caught up with Crosswell as he reflects on the road he's traveled, the mistakes made and lessons learned, why he entered the NFL Draft and more.

Spring is in the air, and Sun Devil football is back. After a look at the news, we break down the details and twists in the new 2021 schedule. Then we talk with former UofA legend turned ASU grad assistant Bobby Wade (52:36) We round things out with a preview of spring practices, including the storylines to track and the battles to watch.