Episode 471 - 10 Breakout Candidates for Spring Practice

ASU's spring football practices are nearly here, presenting a major opportunity for players aiming to make their mark. We spotlight 10 returning Sun Devil players who we think are poised to climb up the depth chart and become contributors in 2026. Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://azfamily.tv/SotDYT Follow the show on Twitter: https://x.com/sotdpodcast Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakofthedevils Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sotdpodcast   

The road to a title starts in the trenches, and the Sun Devils are looking to a Champ to lock down the right side of the offensive line. Coming in two years ago as a highly-regarded—yet undersized—offensive tackle, Champ Westbrooks put in the hard work to bulk up, and he earned his first-career start in last season's Sun Bowl. Now with two seasons of experience and his 6-foot-5 frame coming in over 300 pounds, he's aiming to win a starting tackle job along the Sun Devils' offensive line. On this episode, Champ and I discuss his football journey, the early Snoop League days and his time on defense, how he's grown over his years in Tempe, why the D-line may need a Champ package, the best accents on the team, and more. Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://azfamily.tv/SotDYT Follow the show on Twitter: https://x.com/sotdpodcast Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakofthedevils Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sotdpodcast   

It's a busy time for Sun Devil sports. Molly Miller's Sun Devils continue to make a push towards the NCAA Tournament, Arizona State's beach volleyball and women's tennis teams are climbing in the polls, the softball team's bats are on fire, and several ASU players are climbing up NFL Draft boards after strong Combines. Plus, the baseball team is looking to regroup after a tough road trip to Texas.

Don't look now, but ASU has another emerging volleyball powerhouse. While JJ Van Niel has led the indoor team to back-to-back Big 12 championships, Kristen Glattfelder has the beach volleyball squad off to a 6-0 start and into the nation's top 10, one year after setting the program's single-season wins record. With a talented roster, the Devils are looking to make more history this season. Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://azfamily.tv/SotDYT  Follow the show on Twitter: https://x.com/sotdpodcast Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakofthedevils Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sotdpodcast   

As we know, life can, and does, take many turns. Some are joyous, like becoming a father. Others are devastating, like suffering a season-ending injury. Arizona State linebacker Zyrus Fiaseu has experienced both recently, with each having a profound impact. After a successful petition to get an extra year of eligibility following last year's injury, he's aiming to end his college career on an impactful note. On this episode we discuss his journey back from injury, fatherhood, the Werewolf mentality, the impact of the Poly Pipeline on the Sun Devil program, how he keeps his hair flow going strong, and more. Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://azfamily.tv/SotDYT Follow the show on Twitter: https://x.com/sotdpodcast  Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakofthedevils Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sotdpodcast   

NFL Draft season is in full swing, and four Sun Devils are currently at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis aiming to move up the boards. In that spirit, we review some of the all-time best Combine showings by ASU players. Then we have some fun, drafting teams on non-football Sun Devil greats we think would have put on a show at the Combine. Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://azfamily.tv/SotDYT  Follow the show on Twitter: https://x.com/sotdpodcast  Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakofthedevils  Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sotdpodcast   

ASU football has now had one full pass through the full list of Big 12 opponents. There's been some incredible matchups and games with massive stakes that have reverberated off the field. We all know Arizona tops the rivalry rankings, but how should the Sun Devils feel about their new conference mates? Brad Denny and Joe Healey unveil their rivalry rankings and tiers to see how the (sports) hatred stacks up behind the Wildcats.  Follow the show on Twitter: https://x.com/sotdpodcast  Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakofthedevils  Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sotdpodcast    Subscribe to the show on YouTube: https://azfamily.tv/SotDYT 

One of the major storylines of the 2025 Sun Devil season was injuries. That, in turn, gave way to opportunities. When star safety and team leader Xavion Alford was lost due to injury, there was a significant void left in the secondary. But newcomer Adrian "Boogie" Wilson stepped in, stepped up, and helped ASU to a successful season. He's now poised to be a key and veteran presence on the revamped Sun Devil defense. On this episode, we discuss how he took advantage of the opportunity, the origins of his nickname, the new-look secondary, and much more.  

College is fun! So much so, we've seen some pro basketball players try to find a way back to playing in college. In that spirit, we conduct a fun Back-to-School Draft, in which we select competing teams of five that are comprised of all-time Sun Devil greats that we wish could come back and don the maroon-and-gold one more time. Make sure to tell us which team you think is best, and which ASU legends would make YOUR TEAM. Subscribe to the show on YouTube: http://bit.ly/3Q4cKEM Follow the show on Twitter: https://x.com/sotdpodcast Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakofthedevils Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sotdpodcast

The tight end is alive and well within the Arizona State offense. It was largely MIA in the several years prior to Kenny Dillingham's arrival, but the position has now had a player with at least 30 catches in each of Kenny's three seasons in Tempe. And beyond the pass catching, the offense often features two, three, or more tight-end formations. Even though All-Big-12 honoree Chamon Metayer is off to the NFL, the position is primed to remain a strength. A big reason is rising sophomore A.J. Ia. A four-star signee out of California, the 6-foot-6, 260-pounder brings rare skills and a lauded work ethic to position coach Jason Mohns' room. With a year of experience under his belt, he could be a breakout star in 2026. On this episode, we discuss his football journey, the origin of his work ethic, the 2026 tight ends, the impact of the Poly Pipeline, his growing group of bowlers on the team, and more.