Jordan HammIt’s been an incredibly busy 48 hours for the Arizona State Sun Devil football program.
The NCAA announced infractions on the four former staffers and the program as a whole. The full investigation into recruiting violations during the COVID dead-period is almost complete.
The agreed-upon penalties included four years of probation, a fine, a self-imposed bowl ban in the 2023 season, vacation of records for contests in which ineligible student-athletes competed, scholarship reduction and recruiting restrictions.
Arizona State also saw quarterback Jaden Rashada, wide receiver Elijhah Badger and tight end Bryce Pierre enter the transfer portal.
On Saturday, the football team returned to business on the field, and coaches felt this was one of the best sessions the team has had all spring.
Kenny Dillingham said he could not comment on the NCAA investigation as it was not completed, but he did give some insight into the team’s attitude as it navigates the transfer portal window.
“If you’re one toe in, if there’s a little bit that’s not all-in, you have no chance to reach your potential,” Dillingham said after practice. “If we have a football team that’s all-in, every single person, every single day, everybody is going to become a multiplier.
“If we get 120 kids that are multipling eachother to become better, everybody is going to reach a potential higher than they thought they could be.”
Dillingham also made it clear that Michigan State transfer Sam Leavitt would be the starting quarterback if the team had a game tomorrow, but there is still plenty of time for the other quarterbacks in the room to make up ground in that competition. He also will look to add to the quarterback room through portal, and that would be the case if Rashada had not entered the portal.
The Devils will also be looking to add to the tight end. It was a thin position numbers-wise prior to Pierre’s departure, and now it’s down to three active player in that room.
Tight ends coach Jason Mohns said Markeston Douglas likened the room the three amigos.
It’s an addition the team would like to make soon, but making the correct decision is the priority.
“Obviously as soon as possible, but not at the risk of bringing in the wrong guy,” Mohns said. “We have to do our due diligence. It’s speed-dating. We have to find the right (culture fit), and I think that’s where relationships come into play.”
Mohns said he’s been in contact with coaches that recruited Saguaro High School six or seven years ago when he was leading the Sabercat program that are currently connected to tight ends in the portal.
“You get real feedback on guys,” Mohns said. “Relying on relationships, trusting relationships, trusting film…seeing if they fit the scheme.”
The Sun Devils will look to reload in certain areas, and things could change quickly if other departures occur. But right now, the coaching staff’s message is that they want to be with players that are all-in in Tempe.
