Arizona State spring football practice reports

TEMPE, AZ (AZFamily) — The second year of Kenny Dillingham’s tenure in Tempe is underway. Following a 3-9 debut season, Arizona State’s head coach is looking for a significant jump in 2024. Those efforts begin in earnest with the 15 practice sessions this spring, culminating in April 26′s spring game. With a core of returners bolstered by a talented group of newcomers, there is no shortage of intriguing storylines and position battles to track.

For each practice, we’ll provide notable updates and observations, as well as interviews with key Sun Devil players and coaches. Watch for new Speak of the Devils episodes each Monday night during spring for in-depth recaps of the key developments.

Practice 1: March 26

With the team in helmets, jerseys, and shorts, Dillingham said Tuesday’s opening sessions was “solid.” He stressed that communication was a focal point this spring, and he praised the linebackers and safeties for their performance in that area.

• The quarterback battle will be the biggest storyline of the spring. However, due to Jaden Rashada’s recovery from a thumb injury, a three-way battle will have to wait for fall camp. Veteran Trenton Bourguet had a solid day, highlighted by a strong team tempo period, while Michigan State transfer Sam Leavitt showcased a strong arm but did toss a few interceptions. True freshman walk-on Navi Bruzon also had several impressive throws, but was off target on a few throws in the day.
• New offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo was vocal in his instruction of the quarterbacks throughout the day.
• The wide receiver room is dealing with injuries, as top receiver Elijhah Badger and Xavier Guillory will likely miss all of spring practices, and Jordyn Tyson missing Tuesday’s session (Tyson is expected back later this week). The group is deep, however, and players such as Troy Omeire and Kaleb Black made the most of their reps.
• While Bryce Pierre is expected to lead the tight end group, ASU added a pair of FBS transfers in Markeston Douglas (Florida State) and Cameron Harpole (San Diego State). Douglas looks every bit the listed 6-foot-5 and 280 pounds
• We’ll get a better read on the position battles along the offensive line once pads come on later in spring, but veterans Emmit Bohle and Ben Coleman practiced after missing last season with injuries. Bohle opened the year as ASU’s right tackle starter, while Coleman was expected to start at left guard before an offseason injury. Newcomers Josh Atkins (Hawaii) and Jalen Klemm (Washington) worked at left tackle, as Bram Walden is out for spring with an injury.

• ASU’s defensive line room is deep and has a new position coach in Diron Reynolds. With Clayton Smith and Prince Dorbah, ASU returns a pair of explosive pass rushers, and the interior of the line was bolstered with the addition of Jacob Kongaika (Arizona), Jeff Clark (Louisville), JP Deeter (Purdue), and Justin Wodtly (Cincinnati). True sophomore tackle C.J. Fite, still just 18 years old, looks primed for a big step forward.
• ASU brought in three transfer linebackers: Zyrus Fiaseu (San Diego State), Keyshaun Elliott (New Mexico State), and Jordan Crook (Arkansas). Elliott ran with the first team, alongside veteran Caleb McCullough. Along with returning starter Tate Romney, this should be one of the most intriguing positions in spring. True freshman Martell Hughes added an interception during the day.
• Despite losing two starters, the secondary appears deep. The group is led by a potentially elite safety tandem of Shamari Simmons (ASU’s 2023 team MVP) and Xavion Alford. Several newcomers made their mark with interceptions, including cornerbacks Laterrance Welch (LSU) and Javan Robinson (Washington State).
• Several returning players showed off the results of their offseason weight room work, notable defensive end Clayton Smith who appeared to add some good muscle. Running back Cam Skattebo looked leaner and more explosive during his work today.
• Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson took in ASU’s practice. The Tucson native played 7-on-7 with Bourguet