Speak Of The Devils

In this episode of the Speak of the Devils Sitdown Series, I talk with Arizona State's speedy wide receiver Frank Darby. During our conversation, we discuss his early years growing up in a rough part of New Jersey, how he tried to avoid a life lost to the street—unlike someone very close to him—how he is driven to make his mom proud while serving as a role model to his younger siblings, his larger role in ASU's passing game, and more.

During a critical time for Sun Devil athletics, we go straight to the top for answers. In this episode of the Speak of the Devils Sitdown Series, I talk with Arizona State Athletic Director Ray Anderson. We go in-depth on the New Leadership model, the fallout of the Herm Edwards hire, the dire situation with baseball, Tracy Smith's job security, his biggest concerns for the future, the next items on  his to-do list, and more.

Spring ball is over, but Speak of the Devils is back to help you through the dreary offseason. In this episode, we are joined in-studio by Hod Rabino and Jack Harris of DevilsDigest.com for a roundtable discussion on all things spring. We review the breakout players, the most promising—and concerning—developments, the position battles left to be decided, and where the program is heading into a crucial summer. We then take listener questions (1:31:24) before our experts give an update on basketball & baseball (1:42:06).

Spring football is hitting the homestretch. Let's talk about it.  With 10 practices in the books, trends are beginning to emerge about Herm Edwards' Sun Devils. After a look at the latest news (3:44), we examine some of the major themes of the spring, what they mean now, and how they translate moving forward (16:31). We're then joined by insider Hod Rabino of DevilsDigest.com for his analysis of the spring's first 10 sessions...plus a little basketball news (1:14:32).

As work goes on to build a stronger Sun Devil football program, one of the key architects pulls back the curtain and provides critical insight.  In this episode of the Sitdown Series, I talk with Executive Senior Athletic Director Jean Boyd. We go in-depth on his role in shaping the New Leadership Model, the biggest changes so far, the key struggles ahead, prioritizing the student in student-athlete, giving back to his alma mater, and more.

He ran into the Arizona State record books and into the fanbase's hearts. Now, he sits down for the Speak of the Devils Sitdown Series. In this episode of the Speak of the Devils Sitdown Series, I talk with Demario Richard, one of the most productive running backs in school history. We cover his showing at the NFL Combine, his work in preparing for the NFL Draft, the ups and downs of his senior season, his desired legacy, and much more.

Get on the train, spring football is pulling into the Sun Devil station. But before the Herm Express hits the field...Bobby ******* Hurley's Devils are going dancing! After a look at the latest news (2:46), we preview ASU's trip to the NCAA Tournament as we are joined by the team's radio analyst Kyle Dodd to break down their first round matchup and whether the team can become a Cinderella (18:36). Then it's time for our in-depth spring football preview (30:53). We break down each position group, outline the key storylines and position battles to track, and get terrific insight from DevilsDigest.com reporter Jack Harris (1:27:24).

It's the day every fax machine dreams of: National Signing Day. We kick things off with a player-by-player review of the newest crop of Sun Devils (5:50). Then we're joined by Hod Rabino of DevilsDigest.com for his insider analysis on the class, what went wrong and right, and what late additions may pop up in the coming weeks (50:43). After a Sun Devil Stock Report (1:23:09), we talk with two of ASU's signees, running back Isaiah Floyd (1:34:18), and defensive back Cam Phillips (1:39:42). We wrap up with Ralph Amsden of DevilsDigest.com (1:45:45). He'll provide his expertise into ASU's local recruiting efforts, the names to watch in 2019, and what the end of junior college football in Maricopa County means for the future.

Recruiting is the lifeblood of any program. With Signing Day approaching, we get in-depth answers from the man coordinating Arizona State's efforts. In this episode of the Speak of the Devils Sitdown Series, I talk with Donnie Yantis, ASU's recruiting coordinator and tight ends coach. We cover his background as a top prep head coach, building up a college program from the ground up, ASU's recruiting tactics and strategy, rebuilding the pipeline to California, improving local recruiting, repairing relationships with local coaches, and much more.

The Sun Devil defense has had a rough few years, but with a new staff comes a new hope. In this episode of the Speak of the Devils Sitdown Series, I talk with Danny Gonzales, Arizona State's new defensive coordinator. We cover a wide range of topics, from the details of his 3-3-5 scheme and how it fits ASU's personnel, paying his dues, how his staff is recruiting California and Arizona, his relationship with Rocky Long, the upcoming match up against his mentor, and much more.

With Signing Day quickly approaching, the Speak of the Devils Sitdown Series hits the recruiting trail with one of Arizona State's newest coaches and most important recruiters. In this episode, I sit down with Antonio Pierce, ASU's linebackers coach. We talk about a wide range of topics, from being a Wildcat in Tempe, connecting with today's recruits, how ASU is trying to re-establish their talent pipeline into southern California, what the coaching staff is doing to repair ASU's strained relationships with local high schools, and more.

The Sun Devils won't be taking the football field again for a while, but they'll still be showing up in your podcast feed. Throughout the offseason, the Speak of the Devils Sitdown Series will bring you candid one-on-one conversations with Arizona State players and coaches. I'll go in-depth with each guest on a wide range of topics, from on the field to off, from the deep to the light-hearted. By the end of each episode, I hope you have a greater understanding of the person behind the facemask (or clipboard). To kick off the series, I sit down with ASU offensive coordinator Rob Likens. He opens up about his upbringing in SEC country, the stress of working for a coach on the hot seat, developing his offensive scheme, math and the ministry, the keys to playcalling and more. Plus, we'll talk about the source of his never-ending energy.

The #SpeakingVictory era is near its end. After a look at the latest coaching news, we review how Arizona State did during the opening of the early signing period with Hod Rabino of DevilsDigest.com (15:24) and examine each of the 11 new signees (40:25). We then talk with two of the newest Sun Devils, LB Christian LaValle (54:39) and DB Ely Doyle (1:03:19). Next up, we talk with RB Eno Benjamin (1:10:33) and DT Tashon Smallwood (1:14:20) about their seasons, the impact of the coaching change, and what's next for each of them. We then look ahead to ASU's Sun Bowl battle with North Carolina State. First up, we go behind enemy lines with Jacey Zembal of TheWolfpacker.com (1:18:48). Then, we break down the game and give our final predictions of the season (1:40:15).

Grab your tux, it's time for the annual Speak of the Devils Season Awards Spectacular.   But before handing out the hardware, a little something different.   Following a look at the latest news (4:25), we chat with ASU basketball analyst Kyle Dodd about the Sun Devils' remarkable run to No. 5 in the new Top 25 (27:10).   Then we head to the red carpet, as we honor the best (and worst) of the plays, moment, and players from the 2017 season (Part I - 48:02, Part II - 1:15:28).    During intermission, we talk with ASU LB Christian Sam to get his thoughts on getting snubbed by the conference awards, his dominant season, and whether he'll leave early for the NFL (1:08:49).   Finally, we are joined by Hod Rabino of DevilsDigest.com to give us a preview at what to expect when the early signing period opens on Dec. 20 and what ASU will do with their newly open defensive coordinator position. (1:33:19)

Get ready to put up points on the Scoreboard of Life. It's happened. Arizona State has hired Herm Edwards as the new head football coach. Plus, they're restructuring the program to make it more like the NFL. These are interesting times. To help sort through it all, we are joined by an expert panel in studio. Hod Rabino and Ralph Amsden of DevilsDigest.com sit down to go in depth on the move, from Edwards' qualifications, to the program reshuffling, and the reasons why it will succeed...or fail. We then answer some listener questions. Then, stay tuned for Brad's one-on-one with Coach Edwards, including his answer on the future of Camp Tontozona (2:07:51).

Congrats, you won the Territorial Cup. By the way, you're fired. It's been an eventful few days for ASU football, so there's much to discuss on the new Speak of the Devils. After a look at the news (4:19), we open with a frank examination of the Todd Graham era, from what was accomplished to what was left wanting (8:49). Then we dive into the reasoning and expectations laid down by ASU AD Ray Anderson, and how that will shape the future of the program. Next up, we welcome in Hod Rabino from DevilsDigest.com for his insider analysis of the firing, and what ASU fans should expect during the hiring process (1:39:55). Then it's former ASU offensive lineman Kyle Murphy returns to provide his thoughts on the move and what his beloved Devils need in a head coach (2:15:21) We then wrap up with a look at the win over Arizona (remember that?), and what it means to have the Territorial Cup back in Tempe (2:35:56).

Let the #hAte flow. We kick off the Territorial Cup Week episode with a look at latest news and our updated award picks (3:18) before examining Arizona State's win over Oregon State (21:40). Then we try to make sense of this weird year by looking at what we know, what we think we know, and what we don't know (31:43). After a Sun Devil Stock Report (1:06:17), we prepare for the Duel. First up, we are joined by Shane Dale, host of Wildcat Country on 1580 AM and author of Territorial: The History of the Duel in the Desert, for an expert look at UofA and the series as a whole (1:17:28). Then it's time for our game preview and prediction of who will end up with the Cup (1:41:48). Stay tuned after the Song of the Week for a cool collection of voicemails from listeners and former ASU players sharing their favorite rivalry memories.

The coaches may opt to throw too much, but you don't want to pass up on the new Speak of the Devils. After a look at the news (3:57), we dive deep into ASU's disappointing loss to UCLA (9:20). We examine the playcalling, the defensive breakdowns, and what the Sun Devils can build on down the stretch. Then we #HitTheRoadWithRalph, as DevilsDigest.com's Ralph Amsden drops by to share his thoughts on the UCLA loss and give an important update on recruiting (35:27). Following a Sun Devil Stock Report (54:50), we are joined by Jon Wilner of The Mercury News. The Pac-12 Hotline writer shares his expertise on the pressing issues facing the Pac-12, his thoughts on ASU, and the job Todd Graham has done (1:07:54). We then go behind enemy lines with Danny Moran of The Oregonian for an insider's view of the Oregon State Beavers (1:21:05). Then it's time for our game preview, including the keys to victory and our game predictions (1:38:22). 

It's time to ground and pound on Speak of the Devils. After a look at the latest news (4:33), we review the highs and lows (but mostly highs) of the comeback win over Colorado (11:41).  Next up, it's the Sun Devil Stock Report (49:56), where we'll trade on the Double Inferno, Todd Graham's future, and the Territorial Cup. We're then joined by Pac-12 Networks' analyst Yogi Roth (1:03:45). He discusses ASU's season, Manny Wilkins' growth, and previews the Sun Devils' battle against UCLA. Then we dive into ASU's game against the Bruins, from the keys to victory to the critical match ups. We wrap up by giving out our fearless predictions (1:20:00).

Welp...time to get up, dust yourself off, and fire up Speak of the Devils. After a look at the latest news (3:04), we dive right in to the blowout loss to USC (6:47). We examine what went wrong, how (or if) if will get better, what it means moving forward, and if there were any positives to take away from it. Following a Sun Devil Stock Report (28:55), we turn the page and look ahead . We are joined by Colorado insider Mike Singer to get an expert look at the Buffaloes (38:40). Then it's time for our in-depth preview of Saturday's crucial game, including our keys to victory, critical match ups, and predictions (52:18).