Speak Of The Devils

Nothing really gets a crowd going quite like a huge hit. A blow that people in the stands and watching on TV can feel themselves. On the short list of great Sun Devil hitter are guys like Dale Robinson...Vontaze Burfict...and Evan Fields. On this episode, Fields discusses why he came back for his final season, his desire to make a run at the roses, what it's like delivering a big hit, the next steps for the Sun Devil defense and so much more.

Play ball!  We give our in-depth look at the 2021 Sun Devil baseball team as they reload entering Year 7 under Tracy Smith. Plus, we catch up with a pair of former Sun Devil sluggers. We talk #TorkBombs with 2020 No. 1 overall pick Spencer Torkelson of the Detroit Tigers (58:30) and discuss mullets, music and more with San Francisco Giants' 2019 1st rounder Hunter Bishop (11:05).

Across a coaching career that spans nearly 40 years and 17 stops across the pro and college levels, Donnie Henderson has done a lot. He's won a Super Bowl. He's coached players like Rod Woodson and Ed Reed. He coached on NFL staffs under Herm Edwards and Marvin Lewis. He won the Pac-10 title with Arizona State. Henderson is now a consultant with the Sun Devils, lending his vast expertise to the staff. He also is helping to mentor the young coaches, notable defensive backs coach Chris Hawkins. Heading into Year 2 of his second stint at ASU, his past experience is helping to shape the future of Sun Devil football. On this episode, we discuss the lessons learned from his long career, helping Bruce Snyder build a Rose Bowl team in Tempe, coaching a loaded Ravens secondary for Marvin Lewis, being Herm Edwards' DC in New York, Herm's non-swearing swearing, ASU's loaded 2021 secondary and much more.

It may be the offseason, but things are anything but slow for the Sun Devils. Joined by guest co-host Ralph Amsden of ArizonaVarsity.com, we discuss ASU's 2021 recruiting class, the ongoing issues with local recruiting, and the newest coaching staff hires. Plus, we discuss the struggles of the basketball season and the future of Bobby Hurley.

Prentice Gill's plate was pretty full this past season. He was entering his first season as ASU's WR's coach, during which the team was installing a brand new offensive scheme, all amidst the massive disruptions forced by the pandemic. Not only that, he served as the program's Assistant Recruiting Coordinator, playing a critical role in ASU's nationwide efforts. There were some big wins on the recruiting trail and his young group of WRs showed improvement over the course of the abbreviated season. That success & his potential drew strong external interest...but ASU made their commitment to him clear. Heading into Year 2 in Tempe, there are raised expectations all around. On this episode, we discuss why he's staying at ASU, the development of the WRs, recruiting, how ASU is preparing for name/image/likeness impact, the portal, lessons from Year, and much more.

Heading into the 2020 season, a lot of focus was placed on Sun Devil DL. They were coming off a poor pass rushing season, were switching to a new 4-man front, all in the midst of a disrupted offseason due to the pandemic. Oh, and they were getting their sixth position coach in a 6-year span. Yet, Robert Rodriguez made it work. In his first year in Tempe, Rodriguez molded his group into a consistently disruptive line, and with everyone back from last season, plus some new additions, what once was a question mark has become a strength. On this episode, we discuss the challenges from Year 1, how he instilled NFL techniques and approaches in his players, recruiting the right players, and so much more.

In the midst of a pandemic, Chris Hawkins—the youngest position coach in the FBS—began his first season overseeing ASU's defensive backs. He not only took that challenge head on, but his position group thrived as part of the new look defense. Hawkins also quickly established himself as a key recruiter for the Sun Devils. Heading into year two, the expectations for Hawkins and his DBs are sky high. On this episode we discuss his first year as a position coach, the evolution of recruiting, how he retained his senior stars, navigating the transfer portal, and much more.

It's been an active offseason for the Sun Devils as they bring back returning stars and welcome in talented new transfers.  On this episode, we dive into how the 2021 roster is coming together, what needs have been addressed, and where work still needs to be done. We also have a great conversation with new ASU tight end Jalin Conyers, who is transferring in from Oklahoma (40:33) We cap off the show with a run through the Sun Devil Stock Report.

Time to hand out the hardware. After a look at the news, we review the 2020 season in terms of the questions it both answered and raised (51:57). Then we honor the best players, the greatest moments, and some things that let us down in 2020 with our season awards (1:27:43).

70-7 happened. Let's talk about it. After we break down ASU's historic win over Arizona, we talk with Hod Rabino of DevilsDigest.com for his insight into the Sun Devils' haul on early Signing Day (30:21). After our rundown of the new signees and a Sun Devil Stock Report, we look ahead to ASU's season-ending (?) game against Oregon State.

ASU finally got back on the field. Now it's time to keep the Cup. We kick off with a look back at the good and bad from ASU's battle with UCLA. Then we're joined by former ASU LB Brandon Magee (28:47). He discusses his favorite rivalry memories, plus gives some details on his exciting new Netflix deal. After the Sun Devil Stock Report, it's time to focus on the Duel in the Desert. We go behind enemy lines with Adam Green (58:54) before diving into our game preview.

Football is back! (knocks on wood) But first, after a look at the latest news, we talk with ASU forward "Stone Cold" Chris Osten about the basketball team's 2-1 start (20:50). Then we look ahead to ASU's opener against UCLA. First, we talk with Bruin insider Rick Kimbrel of BruinBlitz.com (42:55) before we preview Saturday's South showdown.

Time to tip off! It's a season full of promise as one of the most talented teams in Sun Devil hoops history takes the court. After a look at the latest canceled football game, we preview the season ahead, make our predictions, and get expert insight from ASU radio analyst Kyle Dodd (36:24). Stay tuned at the end for a fun chat with viral sensation Johnathan Poppe (1:14:18).

There's no place like home. Growing up in the Valley, Holland Woods made his mark as a star at Apollo High School in Glendale before rewriting the record books at Portland State. But heading into his senior season, the talented guard went looking for something more, and he found it at Arizona State. On this episode we discuss his basketball origin story, his time as a Viking, what led him to transfer and how one phone call changed everything, his fit in a deep backcourt, & much more.

In a weird year, we're in an unprecedented place. With ASU having to cancel their second consecutive game, we discuss the current situation and the ramifications of the stoppage. We're then joined by DevilsDigest.com publisher Hod Rabino to discuss the pause and other Sun Devil topics (23:23).

The Chef is back. Let's cook. As just the second preseason All-American in program history, Remy Martin is the heart and soul of arguably the most talented team in Arizona State basketball history. Needless to say, expectations for him and the Sun Devils this season are sky high. On this episode we discuss his flirtation with the NBA and why he came back, the loaded back court, the weight of expectations, his legacy, and much more.

Get ready for some football...or maybe not? After a look at the latest news, we recap the good, bad, and TBD of the loss to USC before chatting with ASU DE Michael Matus (37:41). Following a Sun Devil Stock Report, we go behind Cal lines for the latest from Golden Bear insider Trace Travers (1:06:13). And if there is an ASU vs Cal game, great news! We preview it starting at the 1:22:41 mark...otherwise, you can get on with your day.

THE SEASON IS FINALLY HERE. After a look at the initial depth chart, we talk to ASU RB DeaMonte Trayanum (22:21) before buying and selling in the Sun Devil Stock Report. We then go behind Trojan lines with USC insider Ryan Young of TrojanSports.com (43:10) before breaking down the game and making our prediction.

The evolution of Frank Darby has been an incredible story to track. Heading into his final season as a Sun Devil, Darby has a renewed focus on some significant goals. On this episode, the energetic ASU WR opens up on his maturation, switching from Z to X, his sweet tea intake, "Captain Swole" and more.

It's time for our annual season preview and predictions roundtable, which means we welcome in some old friends.  We're joined by former ASU safety Jordan Simone and ArizonaVarsity.com's Ralph Amsden for a fun, frank, and in-depth discussion on the season ahead, including our final predictions. Plus, we get a great look at Utah from Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham (2:02:41).