10 players that impressed during Arizona State spring football
Arizona State wrapped up its second spring under head coach Kenny Dillingham with an exhibition at Mountain America Stadium on Saturday night. The 90-minute outing included some 11-on-11 play as well as drills and one-on-one competitions.
There were some lighter moments as is usually the case with Dillingham wanting his players to have some fun while working hard. One of the competitions involved linemen fielding punts and most did so surprisingly well.
Dillingham said his team is much farther ahead than it was this time last year and is deeper at almost every position. He was also pleased with his team's demeanor over the 15 practices.
"Our kids are going to compete," Dillingham said, after wrapping up the last session. "I think that's going to be the identity of our team. We're not going to quit. These guys that we've signed love football. I'm in the middle of exit interviews, and they all love it here, so far the people I've met with. They love the team, they love the culture, they hang out with each other out of here, and when you do that, you play hard for one another. That was a miniature scrimmage with some fun things before, and I actually thought they had great energy, great juice. The competitive fire was there. That's what I love to see in these settings is, who doesn't want to turn it down."
Here is a look at 10 players that were impressive over the course of the 15 practice sessions. In alphabetical order they are:
DB Keith Abney (So., 5-10, 180)
He makes the list for the way he ended spring. He had one practice in which he had two interceptions and one fumble returned although it was a standing joke afterward because Dillingham blew his whistle after one to signify an incompletion because he wanted the drill to continue. Abney is another who saw some playing time as a true freshman in 2023 and comes in noticeably more developed physically. He worked at a few different positions and is smart enough to absorb it all as evidenced by the fact he is enrolled in the Barrett Honors College.
S Xavion Alford (R-Jr., 6-0, 205)
The Sun Devils were hoping to have Alford last year, but he didn't get the waiver he needed as a two-time Division I transfer. He likely would have been a starter last year and he will no doubt be the leader of the solid back end of the defense. He comes in with a lot of determination and that chip on his shoulder after being denied the right to play when he first arrived. The year before that he was injured, so he's been off the field for two seasons.
CB Rodney Bimage (Fr., 6-0, 175)
Perhaps the most impressive true freshmen to participate in spring drills and another of the Texans landed by secondary coach Bryan Carrington. This ASU unit is loaded but there is a need at cornerback after the unexpected departure of veteran Ed Woods to the transfer portal. That's not saying Bimage is going to land in the starting lineup, but he is certainly playing himself into a significant role. That's saying a lot given he's a freshman newcomer.
RB Raleek Brown (R-So., 5-8, 180)
Another thing that was missing last year was a running back with breakaway speed. Cameron Skattebo was difficult to tackle, but there were several times he got a hole and broke though the line, only to be dragged down by a defender. Brown, a transfer from USC who was a four-star prospect out of high school, has the next level burst that can make the difference between a score and just a long gain. He should prove to be the perfect complement in the backfield alongside Skattebo with the two boasting different styles.
LB Keyshaun Elliott (Jr., 6-2, 225)
This was the thinnest position ASU had last year. Dillingham and linebackers coach A.J. Cooper went out and got some serious reinforcements. Elliott comes to ASU from New Mexico State where he led the Aggies and was 30th in the FBS with 111 total tackles on the season. He proved to be durable too, playing 929 snaps on defense for the season, most of any player in the C-USA and 16th-most of any FBS defender.
DL C.J. Fite (So., 6-1, 300)
The native Texan was pressed into duty last season as a true freshman, which can be a daunting task in a position as demanding as the defensive trenches. While there were the occasional growing pains that come with having to rely on a rookie, Fite was never overwhelmed by the responsibility. He looks to have made monumental strides since last season and could very well see himself in the starting rotation on the interior front come opening day.
RB George Hart (Sr., 5-11, 215)
This is an interesting one because Hart is a guy that has been buried on the depth chart and really hasn't had a chance to show what he can do except for on special teams. With DeCarlos Brooks a non-participant for the spring and true freshman Jason Brown, a four-star prospect, not in camp yet, Hart got more reps than he otherwise would have. It's hard to see where he can factor in given the caliber of players in front of him, but he opened some eyes nonetheless.
OL Sean Na'a (So., 6-3, 300)
Here is another player pressed into service last year because of injuries. Na'a started six games at left guard and one at left tackle. The one at left tackle coming against Utah on less than 24 hours notice. He has also worked some in the spring at center in case someone would have to step in for Leif Fautanu, who played every snap there in 2023. This is another case of a player getting significant time and learning ahead of schedule, which will pay off moving forward.
DL Clayton Smith (R-Jr., 6-4, 245)
Smith starts his second year with the program. He had a solid first year with 21 tackles and seven quarterback hurries. The defensive line was a bit limited last year due to injuries and a lot of players were asked to play more snaps than they likely would have if there were others to work into the rotation. Hopefully, with more depth players are going to be able to go harder for longer. That should make Smith a more imposing presence. He's packed on 15 pounds of muscle since last season. ASU also has a new defensive line coach in Diron Reynolds whose specialty is training his players to get after the passer.
WR Jordyn Tyson (R-So., 6-2, 195)
Tyson was this spring what Xavier Guillory was last spring. He was particularly impressive when it came to making the explosive plays, something that the Sun Devil offense was lacking a year ago. Tyson flashed his potential as a true freshman at Colorado in 2022 before sustaining a knee injury toward the end of the season. That ailment kept him out for the balance of last season. With Elijhah Badger in the transfer portal, Tyson looks more than capable of stepping into that role as lead wide receiver and possibly a kick return specialist.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: ASU football players who might have moved up the depth chart
