Speak Of The Devils

After ASU wrapped up their fourth practice of the spring, I caught up with DL coach Vince Amey and freshman LB K'Vion Thunderbird.

Following ASU's third practice of fall camp, I caught up with veteran left guard Sione Finau and true freshman running back Kyson Brown.

On a recent Speak of the Devils episode, Joe Healey & I ranked out 10 most important non-QB players for the 2023 season. In a bit of a spoiler alert, I put left tackle Isaia Glass atop my list.  Heading into 2023, the Sun Devil offensive line will be under the spotlight. There are experienced returners, accomplished newcomers, and talented young linemen, but overall, questions remain as to whether they can come together to win in the trenches and allow the bevy of playmakers to run free? If Isaia can build upon his showing last year, things could be looking good. A native of Queen Creek, Isaia earned the starting last year and will be looking to again lock down his quarterback's blindside. In this episode, Isaia and I discuss the biggest changes he's seen in the culture, repping his hometown school, the overhaul in the trenches, preparing for pressure, and more.

After ASU's second practice of fall camp, hear great conversations with freshman safety Montana Warren & homegrown punter Josh Carlson

The Sun Devil defense in 2022 was...not great. At times, it was flat out bad. As anyone who watched it, the scheme rarely brought the attack to the opposing offense, putting the players in a tough spot, and the results were predictable. When Kenny Dillingham was assembling his staff, he targeted Washington State defensive coordinator Brian Ward, in large part because his scheme is built on aggression and bringing the fight to the offense. In revamping the Devil D, Ward has had the benefit of having Travion Brown. The veteran linebacker spent four years in Pullman playing for the Cougars, and now he has emerged not only as a starter for ASU, but his experience both in the scheme and the Pac-12 has been an invaluable resource for the young group of 'backers. In this episode, Travion and I discuss why he chose ASU, his emergence as a leader, his aspirations to become a K-9 officer, adjusting to desert life, and more.

After ASU's first practice of fall camp, Brad caught up with Sun Devil wide receiver Jake Smith and offensive coordinator Beau Baldwin.

It was a devastating blow heading into a a difficult year. Michael Matus, one of the defense's key starters and team leaders, was lost for the season after tearing his ACL in fall camp. While rehabbing his knee, Michael stayed active by acting in a quasi-coaching role, mentoring his fellow defensive lineman.  After the season, his fifth in Tempe, he faced a choice. Move on to the next chapter, or come back for another run. It really wasn't a choice. Not wanting to end his college career on a sour note, he's back in Tempe, ready to contribute to the revamped defense and to help activate the Valley. In this episode, Michael and I discuss the hard road back from injury, the changes in the program over the years, his leadership role, the growing Texas influence in the program, the new-look D-line, and more.

Kenny Dillingham's activate the Valley campaign continues, aiming to restore Arizona State as the place where the state's top talent plays. But that's not solely an aspirational effort, as the Sun Devil roster has several talented players on it right now who decided to stay true to ASU. Javen Jacobs was an explosive playmaker for Saguaro High School in Scottsdale, one of the premier prep programs in the nation. Passing on some Division I offers, he began his college career as a walk-on with ASU with a path to a scholarship. He saw time on special teams as a true freshman last season, and is now on schlarship. This spring, he moved from slot receiver to running back, and impressed with his dynamic ability. As a potent hybrid weapon for Dillingham and offensive coordinator Beau Baldwin, Javen could be an X factor this fall, and the falls to come. In this episode, Javen and I discuss what it means to play for his hometown school, how his versatility fits the scheme, the change in program culture, and more.

Football is almost back. We take a deep dive into ASU' upcoming fall camp to preview the major position battles and key storylines to track. Along the way, we talk with QB Drew Pyne (23:39), RB Cam Skattebo (48:54), WR Xavier Guillory (1:13:50), LB JuJu Mitchell (1:38:34), and LB James Djonkam (1:56:36).

This is the 13th year of the Speak of the Devils podcast, and the sixth year of the Sitdown Series. Over that span, I've done over 1,000 interviews, and this is the first one in which the subject's snake got loose mid-interview. But that snake breaking contain was about the only thing eluding Clayton Smith's grasp, albeit briefly, during his time in Tempe. A former 5-star recruit, Smith spent his first two years at Oklahoma before transferring to Arizona State. He was quick to make his mark, putting together a strong showing in spring as a disruptive force off the edge, and his skills appear to be a perfect fit for the Sun Devils' aggressive new defense. And when he's not sacking quarterbacks, the reptile enthusiast is a Crocodile Hunter in training. In this fun episode, Clayton and I discuss his football journey, why ASU was the right place for him, the new defense, proving doubters wrong, setting his sights on Terrell Suggs, Texas BBQ, a hilarious prank he pulled on a snake-fearing teammate, and more.

2022 was a difficult year for the Sun Devils, on and off the field. There's no denying that. But amid the myriad struggles, a coach remained a steadfast beacon of positivity, accountability, and ohana. After the departure of Herm Edwards, Shaun Aguano was elevated to be the interim head coach of Sun Devils football. His nine games at the helm resulted in a marquee win over Washington, but most impressively, he managed to keep his Sun Devils fighting hard week after week in a situation many others would pack in. When Kenny Dillingham was hired as ASU's new head coach, his first move was to retain Coach Aguano, a decision that was met with unanimous praise throughout Sun Devil Nation. On this episode, Shaun and I discuss the struggles, and lessons, from the difficult 2022 season, why ASU and the Valley mean so much to him, the revitalization the program has seen in recent years, the 2023 group of running backs, and more

On the drive back from covering Pac-12 Media Day in Las Vegas, Brad recaps the biggest storylines and developments (or lack of some key developments) from the event, breaks down Kenny Dillingham's comments, brings you Jalin Conyers' harrowing near-death roller coaster experience, and more.

For Joey Ramos, 2023 will be the second attempt at a happy homecoming. The Valley product spent four years at Iowa State, seeing action all across the offensive line. For 2022, he decided to transfer home and play for the Sun Devils. Things began well, as he earned a starting spot. Unfortunately, he suffered a broken ankle in the season opener and was lost for the season. Now fully healthy and with a new coaching staff, Ramos re-earned a starting spot at right guard during spring practices. Beyond his skills in the trenches, he also has become one of the team's leaders, having been named to the leadership council. Things are in place, once again, to put a successful cap to his college career. On this episode, we discuss the hard road back from injury, getting healthy physically and mentally, his leadership style, the state of the rebuilding offensive line, why he cut his once long locks, and much more.

Fall camp is nearly here. As we near the start of the 2023 season, we take a deep dive into the year ahead at both the Pac-12 and national levels. After a look at the top news, we’re joined by ESPN’s Matt Barrie who gives expert insight into the new era of Sun Devil football, the future of the Pac-12 Conference, and much more (20:22). We then take a look at how the Pac-12 looks heading into camp before making some season predictions.

The new era of Sun Devil football features many new faces, but it's one of the veterans that has become one of the faces of the program. Jordan Clark has been a key part of ASU's defense in recent years. He's been a part of some thrilling highs and battled through disappointing lows in Tempe. In the wake of last year's struggles and the departure of the staff that recruited him to ASU, it would have been understandable for him to explore options elsewhere. But that's just not how he does things. Now, with a new staff and a new defensive scheme, Jordan will be looked at as a key component in the Sun Devils' efforts to revitalize the program, both on and off the field. On this episode, we discuss the lessons learned during his career, the ins and outs of the new scheme, a revitalized program culture, what makes a great sweet potato pie, and much more.

We're kicking off our 13th SEASON of Speak of the Devils in a big way. After a look at the latest wave of commitments and MLB Draft picks, we talk with 4-star 2025 commit QB Michael "Butter" Tollefson on why he chose the Devils (27:45). Then we unveil our picks for the 10 most important non-quarterback Sun Devil players for the team's success this season. We cap the episode with a conversation with local 3-star commit Plas Johnson (1:22:21).

The Texas to Tempe pipeline is flowing fast these days. ASU's new staff has made the talent-rich state a major priority, and the early returns are promising. While the future appears bright on that front, the present is looking pretty good too, in large part because of a spring standout. Defensive tackle Cullen "C.J." Fite had committed to Arizona State under the previous staff, but understandably decommitted after the program made a coaching change. However, after talking with Kenny Dillingham and the new defensive staff, Fite decided to recommit to the Sun Devils. He then became one of the stars of spring practices, and he appears poised to play an important role in a key area of need for the Devils' defense this fall and in the season to come. On this episode, we discuss his upbringing in a football-crazed state, what convinced him to recommit to ASU, his fit in the defensive scheme, and much more.

In this special episode, we take an in-depth look at the past, present, and future of the Rashada family's Sun Devil legacy. We begin with a revealing conversation with ASU freshman quarterback Jaden Rashada (2:26), who opens up on his wild recruitment, the lessons learned, why he chose Arizona State, and his goals. Next, we talk with his brother Roman, a talented safety comes to Tempe from Ole Miss. He discusses his winding college football journey and reuniting with his brother at ASU (27:05). Then we talk to Jaden and Roman's father Harlen, who played for ASU in the 1990s, including the 1996 Pac-10 championship squad (38:48). He share stories from his career, the impact of Pat Tillman, and more. We wrap up with a fun panel discussion with all three Rashadas that is not to be missed (1:07:18).

Here’s a trivia question: How many true freshman have ever led ASU is sacks? Here’s your answer: Four. Terrell Suggs, Junior Onyeali, Merlin Robertson, and B.J. Green. There’s one outlier among that group, as those first three were heralded 4-star blue chip recruits. Green was a walk-on.   Ever since stepping foot in Tempe from Georgia, Green has surpassed external expectations and been a key part of the Sun Devil defense, and last year tied for the team lead in sacks. After a brief stint in the transfer portal after the season, he decided to remain a Sun Devil, and put together a dominant showing throughout spring practices after a move to defensive end, setting the stage for a big 2023.   On this episode we discuss why he came back, the motivation from last year’s struggles, the new defense and his move to the edge, what Southern food he wants to see in Tempe, the inspiring reason behind his major, and much more.

A show highlighting the past, present, and future of Sun Devil athletics. After a look at the recent flurry of commitments, we talk to two of ASU's prized local verbals: 4-star athlete Dylan Tapley (23:14) and punter Kanyon Floyd (34:25). Then we're joined by a pair of Sun Devil legends to discuss their careers and upcoming induction into the ASU Hall of Fame: Wide receiver Shaun McDonald (55:38) and outfielder/infielder Jason Kipnis (1:13:31). Finally, we review the state of the baseball program with Jack Loder (1:33:15).