Jordan HammArizona State coaches wanted to make sure they knew what they were getting with Sam Leavitt.
Ahead of his visit this offseason, offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo had gone through his high school and Michigan State tape, and liked what he saw, but he needed to really know Leavitt. He got to know what the young quarterback was all about when the two sat down for six hours during Leavitt’s official visit. They watched tape, went to the board and there was no place to hide.
Arroyo wanted to ensure Leavitt had what it took to run an offense at a high level, but he also wanted to show what he and head coach Kenny Dillingham could provide the quarterback to thrive. Knowing Leavitt had multiple visits lined up after Tempe, Arroyo then wanted to ensure his potential new quarterback wasn’t leaving without a commitment.
Mission accomplished.
It was an afternoon (and evening) that helped two “football junkies” nerd out together and connect. Leavitt canceled the rest of his visits, committed to the Sun Devils, starting a path for Leavitt be named QB1 months later.
But Dillingham has said multiple times that nothing is ever promised to a player. It will be determined on the field through competition. Leavitt came into a quarterback room that had Trenton Bourguet – entering his sixth season with the team – and fellow redshift freshman Jaden Rashada.
Entering summer, Rashada had transferred and the Sun Devils were clear they wanted to add another quarterback to the room. Eventually, Nebraska transfer Jeff Sims made the move to Tempe as well. It was a healthy competition according to Dillingham, and one that Leavitt needed to earn to win.
The transformation into the starting quarterback was also fueled by an evolution in Leavitt’s leadership skills.
Leavitt wanted to come in and lead when he got into the program this spring, but a serious of conversations with Dillingham impacted how he led. The quarterback admitted he had been harsh in his communication with his teammates and himself. He could still attack the day passionately, but communicating with a bit more nuance paid dividends in how his teammates received his feedback and collaboration.
He’s found a place with coaches he’s connected with and teammates who have embraced him.
But now, the real work begins.
