Speak Of The Devils

ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham spoke with the media on Feb. 7 to discuss a number of topics, including the team's culture, the success in recruiting, leadership, team culture, Sam Leavitt's development, facilities, RBs, Sparky, grocery store photos, and much more.

After a breakdown of the newest Sun Devil commits, we dive into an analysis of ASU's 2025 football schedule. Then we rate the team's position groups by how much confidence we have in them heading into spring practices. Finally, we talk with new Arizona State wide receiver Jaren Hamilton (52:27).

Sure, the 2024 Sun Devils had talented players. But what truly elevated the team was their heart. Their grit. Their ability to overcome adversity. Much of that stemmed from the team's leadership, and among the most impactful voices in that locker room was Xavion Alford. You likely know his story by now. After coming to ASU as a transfer, he and Jake Smith were unjustly ruled ineligible by the NCAA for the 2023 season. But he kept a positive attitude, and when he finally took the field last year, he put together a terrific season that earned him first-team All-Big 12 honors. Bypassing the NFL Draft, Xavion is back and ready to lead the Devils on another title run. On this episode, we discuss the impact and evolution of his leadership, how he won't let the team get complacent, the team's young DBs, his go to Mexican food spots, and much more.

Great seasons never go exactly as planned. In fact, most have significant obstacles, like a key injury. But what makes those seasons great is someone steps up to answer the call, and the 2024 Sun Devils had Xavier Guillory. After the loss of Jordyn Tyson, Guillory put together a scorching finish to the year, scoring four huge touchdowns in critical ASU victories. He also continued to put in the hard work as a blocker, and he helped spring numerous big plays for the Sun Devil ground game during the magical season. On this episode, we discuss his clutch contributions and catches, working with Hines Ward, the lessons from his ASU career, his prep for the NFL, next year's batch of receivers, and much more.

Trenton Bourguet saw a lot during his time in Tempe. A promising rise, the COVID year, a disappointing season, a NCAA scandal, a coaching change, and finally and deservedly, a title-winning playoff run. Through it all, he displayed dedication, loyalty, heart, leadership, and a deft passing touch that made him—a Marana native and childhood Wildcat fan—one of the most popular Sun Devils in recent memory. With the close of his playing days, the football prodigy is now embarking upon a very promising coaching career. On this episode we discuss the ups and downs of his six years as a Sun Devil, what made the 2024 team special, his favorite moments, a breakdown of his offensive scheme, and much more.

To have a magical season, you need stars doing special things, and Arizona State had Cam Skattebo rewriting the record books. But a team also needs the unsung heroes, the guys that do the dirty work that doesn't often show up in the box scores. Guys who are true leaders. Guys that make the big play in the big moments. Melquan Stovall was one of those guys for the Sun Devils. Over his two years, the wide receiver became a sure-handed target and a critical part of ASU's turnaround. He also earned not one but two master's degrees off the field. Not too shabby. On this episode, we discuss his role in ASU's resurgence, his growth as a leader, that targeting non-call, his CIA aspirations, the future of the Sun Devil offense, and more.

A magical season resulted in some award-worthy performances. After a look at the latest portal additions, we dive into our annual Sun Devil season awards, honoring the best of ASU's title-winning 2024 season.

Kenny Dillingham's Devils have been underdogs. Overlooked. Underestimated. Yet as the world saw this past season, they find a way to battle, overcome, and succeed. One of the best examples of this new breed of Sun Devil is Shamari Simmons. From a small Alabama town, he had to climb the college football ladder the hard way, going from junior college to the FCS before earning a chance at ASU. He rewarded Dillingham and the staff with a 2023 season that ended with Simmons being named the team MVP. This past year, after moving from safety to nickel due to team need, he excelled again, delivering hard hits and making plays in helping lead ASU's Playoff run. In doing so, he became an example of making the most of an opportunity. On this episode, Shamari and I discuss what made this year's team special, the wild Peach Bowl, how his years at ASU changed his life, preparing for the NFL, and much more...and yes, that includes the targeting call.

An all-time comeback fell just short in an instant classic. We break down the Peach Bowl battle and the key takeaways from the game before talking with ASU athletic director Graham Rossini (44:17) on what the department is doing to build upon the success moving forward.

It's time. We dive into an in-depth Peach Bowl preview with 3TV & CBS 5 sports director—and Texas alum—Mark McClune and give our predictions. (Plus, we get a pretty great Matthew McConaughey story too).

Forks up. Horns down. We now know that ASU will face Texas in the Peach Bowl. We discuss the matchup and the latest transfer portal additions. We then talk with ASU's All-Big 12 center Leif Fautanu (19:08) before meeting some new Sun Devils: Kicker Jesus Gomez (28:16), running back Kanye Udoh (41:43), and 2025 linebacker signee Isaiah Iosefa (49:59)

ASU's two-year turnaround is nothing short of remarkable, so we take a deep dive into how it was done. After a look at the news and conversations with Sun Devil cornerback Keith Abney II (26:43) and defensive tackle C.J. Fite (36:22), we are joined by ASU assistant head coach and special teams coordinator Charlie Ragle (40:59) for an in-depth discussion on how the Sun Devils revamped the roster into a conference champion. We then talk with Cactus Sports owner Troy Scoma (1:17:55) on how his store is feeling the positive impact of the Valley being activated.

Get ready for playoff football. We dive into ASU's historic Big 12 Conference victory over Iowa State and what it says about the program. Then we discuss the all-conference honors for the Sun Devils and the biggest snubs. We wrap up with a look at the early portal activity and how Kenny Dillingham's approach could pay dividends.

Folks, it's not a dream. Arizona State won the Big 12 title and is heading to the College Football Playoff. In this emergency episode, Brad and Joe discuss one of the biggest wins in program history.

After a dominating win over UofA, the Sun Devils are just one victory away from history. After a look at the news, we dive into the good and the even better of ASU's 49-7 throttling of Arizona. We then talk with ASU defensive tackle Jacob Kongaika (37:23) and tight end Chamon Metayer (41:02) about the big win and what lays ahead. Next, we go behind enemy lines with Iowa State insider Bill Seals of Cyclone Report (46:52) before previewing the Big 12 Conference championship game and giving our game predictions.

The Territorial Cup. A Big 12 title shot. A potential Playoff spot. A lot is riding on this year's Duel in the Desert. After a look at the news, we talk with ASU offensive lineman Ben Coleman (13:07) before diving into the wacky win over BYU. We check in with star ASU safety Xavion Alford (45:40) before going behind Wildcat lines with Arizona insider Adam Green of Wildcat Radio 2.0 (52:47) ahead of our game preview and predictions. Then it's the main event: A great conversation with the legendary Jordan Simone (1:56:16).

Everyone hates the Wildcats. Obviously. But who's Arizona State's secondary rival in a Big 12 world? Brad Denny and Ralph Amsden discuss the contenders and why the new No. 2 may just be from "the Tucson of Utah."

ASU is RANKED, folks. We dive into the Sun Devils' statement win over Kansas State that got them back in the Top 25 and then talk with ASU LB Jordan Crook (29:23), RB Kyson Brown (33:08), and new 2025 LB commit Tristan Bacon (38:13). We then look ahead to the huge showdown with No. 14 BYU with Cougar insider Mitch Harper of KSL Sports (50:28) and then preview the game and give our predictions. Finally, we bring in the great Kyle Dodd to discuss the hot start by Sun Devil basketball (1:48:35).

Good teams find a way, and the Devils found a way. After a look at the news, we dive into ASU's improbable win over UCF that kept them in the Big 12 race. We then talk with defensive linemen Justin Wodtly (52:27) and Zac Swanson (56:25) before going behind Wildcat lines with Kansas State insider Kevin Fielder of EMAW Online (1:00:18) and previewing Saturday's big game. We're also joined by new Sun Devil wide receiver commit Chance Ables (25:07).

Get your bowling shoes ready, Sparky. After a look at some key injury news, we dive into the Devils' dominant win over Oklahoma State that punched their ticket to the postseason. We then talk to WR Jordyn Tyson (34:25) and DT C.J. Fite (39:39) before going behind UCF lines with Knights' insider Brandon Helwig of UCFSports.com (46:10). We then wrap up with our game preview and predictions.