Episode 54 - ASU vs USC Preview with Ronnie Lott

Movements and catchphrases are cool and all, but unless they are followed by tangible production, they really don't mean much. Thankfully for Arizona State, the Texas-to-Tempe movement is bearing fruit. Among many Texans that have started making their mark as Sun Devils is defensive tackle C.J. Fite. He played a key reserve role as a true freshman in 2023, and heading into this season, C.J. has emerged as a team leader well positioned to be a key contributor to the ASU defense.

On this episode, C.J. and I discuss his growth as a freshman, his growing leadership role, his new position coach, the Dallas chicken spot that needs a Valley location, and much more.

It was a week of mixed results for the Devils. On one hand, the wrestling and men's swim and dive teams repeated as Pac-12 champions. On the other, baseball and men's hoops were left with tough losses and critical questions to answer. We dive into the highs and lows and break down baseball's early performance with DevilsDigest.com's Scott Sandulli (43:46).

Patience. There's not a ton of it in college football these days. But every so often, it pops up in an inspiring way. Bryce Pierre's entry to football came much later than most, and his path took him from two high schools to junior college before he realized his goal of playing major college football. Since he arrived in Tempe, he's put in the work and done his job while moving up the depth chart. Heading into 2024, he has a chance to win the starting job and show off why his position coach feels he has Sunday potential.

On this episode, Bryce and I discuss his journey from high school wide receiver to college tight end, the lessons he learned from junior college, the influence of Jason Mohns, and much more.

It's been a long road for Emmit Bohle. From a small South Dakota town to 9-man football to Division II to the Sun Devil starting lineup, Emmit's journey has been one defined by perseverance. That was put to the test early last season. After earning the starting right tackle job, he suffered a serious and season-ending leg injury in the season's second game. It was a long road to recovery, but with the support of the program, he applied and received another season of eligibility, and now healthy, is aiming to be a force for the Sun Devils in the trenches this fall.

On this episode, Emmit and I discuss his early days playing 9-man ball, how he went from a 230-pound high school tight end to a Power 5 starting tackle, the pros and cons of being 6'7", what he learned about himself going through the recovery process, the 2024 Sun Devil line, and more.

There's no place like home...but that doesn't mean the homecoming will go well. DeCarlos Brooks returned to the Valley after a few years at Cal, and when he was on the field for the Sun Devils, he produced, including a three-touchdown game to power the win over Washington State. Unfortunately, injuries plagued him throughout the season, and he could never get fully on track. Now healthy, DeCarlos is looking to cap his career with the title of hometown hero.

On this episode, DeCarlos and I discuss his journey from Chandler to the Pac-12 North and back to Arizona, the influence of Shaun Aguano, his favorite wings in the Valley, what he thinks his rating in the new college football video game should be, and much more.

There's no place like home. Since Kenny Dillingham took over in Tempe, a wave of former Valley high school stars have transferred back home to play for the Sun Devils, including Tate Romney. After a season at BYU—where his two brothers starred—Tate came back home and became a starting linebacker for the Devils last fall, and he again looks to be a foundational piece of the ASU defense. On this episode, we discuss how good it is to be home, the thrill of laying out a ballcarrier, the challenge of getting back to football after his LDS mission, what to expect in Year 2 of the defensive scheme, and much more.

The Texas to Tempe pipeline is flowing, and the Sun Devils are reaping the benefits. One of the key pieces is Keith Abney II, a former national champion speed roller blader as a kid who is now a promising young cornerback for the defense. After flashing his potential as a true freshman last year, Abney is primed to make a big leap in Year 2 this fall.

On this episode, Keith and I discuss his speed skating days and how it's helped his game, balancing being a football player and an honors student, what the Texas takeover in Tempe can do for the Devils, and much more.

If good things come to those who wait, Jake Smith is due for greatness. The career path of the one-time 5-star recruit has had its share of twists and turns. Since earning the Gatorade National Player of the Year at Notre Dame Prep in Scottsdale, Smith spent two years at Texas, missed a season due to a foot injury in 2021, missed the 2022 season while at USC, and was denied the chance to play last year due to a faulty NCAA decision following his transfer home to play for ASU. But heading into 2024 healthy and eligible, Smith has a chance to make the hometown fans proud yet again. On this episode, Jake and I discuss the lessons learned through some difficult years, what kept him going, what being back in Arizona has meant for him, the Sun Devil receiver room, and much more.

Play ball, Devils. ASU baseball is back, and that means another spring of Jacob Tobias mashing the ball all around Phoenix Muni. The third year slugger, and former freshman All-American, will be a key piece of Willie Bloomquist's lineup, and another big year could help lead the Devils back to the postseason. On this episode, Jacob and I discuss his favorite home run, the ups and downs of his career, the lessons learned, who's got the toughest pitches on this Sun Devil staff, and more.

Sun Devil baseball is back, and so to is Isaiah Jackson. After a true freshman season in which he showed off elite defensive ability while flashing great potential at the plate, the southern Arizona product is ready for greater heights as a sophomore.

On this episode, Isaiah and I discuss the highs & lessons from last year, the lessons learned, how he laid waste to his little league competition, the influence of Ken Griffey Jr., the nastiest pitches and best tools on the team, and much more.