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.
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The energy and effort were noticeably increased on Thursday, much to the delight of Dillingham. However, with the team still in helmet, jerseys, and shorts, Dillingham and defensive coordinator Brian Ward both indicated that the first two days paint an incomplete picture. The team will be in shoulder pads for Saturday’s practice.
- Saturday’s practice at the Kajikawa Practice Field is open to the public. It will begin at 10 a.m. Dillingham noted that allowing fans for the first practice in pads was not coincidental, hoping that the fan presence will further motivate his players. “You think these kids want to get beat in front of fans? No. There’s a science behind it.”
- The quarterback battle continued Thursday. In 7-on-7 and team sessions, most of the throws were underneath or dump offs. Sam Leavitt continued to show off his arm strength, and had a nice connection with Melquan Stovall for a big gain later in the day. Trenton Bourguet was steady and showed off the veteran chemistry with some of the pass catchers, but he did toss an interception to safety Montana Warren in 7-on-7. Walk-on freshman Navi Bruzon had success attacking the middle of the field, highlighted by a pair of connections to tight end Colson Arends and a deep sideline completion during the team tempo period.
- The pass rush took center stage during the end of practice. The quarterbacks consistently felt quick pressure, with Prince Dorbah, C.J. Fite, Justin Wodtly registering what would have been sacks.
- ASU’s secondary was seen as a strength coming into the year, and the early returns confirm that. Veteran cornerbacks Ed Woods, Javan Robinson, and Keontez Bradley had strong reps in coverage, with freshman Chris Johnson II also performing well. Along with Warren’s interception, fellow safety Xavion Alford continued to excel, and had a great pass breakup in the “main event” session against 6-foot-5, 280-pound tight end Markeston Douglas.
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- Wide receivers Melquan Stovall and Troy Omeire had outstanding days. Stovall showed razor-sharp routes throughout the day and made some impressive catches. He would likely have made a few more big plays had the quarterbacks not misfired on a couple of throws. Omeire used his imposing frame to make a pair of dynamic catches. In the team’s “main event” session, he beat Laterrance Welch on a deep ball for a touchdown, and later in the day, used his speed to blow by Javan Robinson for a score.
