Football

2024 Sun Devil Football Roster Breakdown: 3,091 yards and 13 touchdowns that includes 304-of-464 (.655)

Nero Scofield

Sun Devil football begins its first season in the Big 12 in 2024. Check out a breakdown of the roster by position here as the preseason forecasts begin to roll in.

Quarterbacks, coached by Marcus Arroyo:
Trenton Bourguet, often hailed as Mr. Sun Devil, stands out as one of the finest teammates in the program’s history. He boasts 3,091 passing yards and 13 touchdowns, completing an impressive 65.5% of his passes (304-of-464). Notably, he remains the last quarterback to defeat Washington in a regular season game. Senior transfer Jeff Sims, who saw action at Nebraska last year with two starts, completed 28-of-47 passes (59.6%) and rushed for 189 yards. Sims previously spent three seasons at Georgia Tech (2020-22), amassing 4,464 passing yards and 492 rushing yards with six touchdowns in his freshman year. Sophomore Sam Leavitt, who appeared in four games for Michigan State as a freshman, threw for 139 yards and two touchdowns. Leavitt, ranked Oregon’s top player in the Class of 2023 by On3, earned Gatorade Oregon Football Player of the Year honors. His family pedigree includes his father Jared, a former BYU football player, and his brother Dallin, who played at Utah State and BYU before embarking on a successful NFL career. Freshmen Christian Hunt, Navi Bruzon, and Tyler Laskaris complete the quarterback roster. Bruzon, named Arizona Player of the Year at Liberty High School, adds depth and promise to the Sun Devils’ quarterback lineup. Last season, ASU fielded four scholarship quarterbacks, with five players taking snaps, including running back Cam Skattebo.

Running backs, coached by Shaun Aguano:
Cam Skattebo made a notable impact in his first season at ASU following his transfer from Sacramento State in 2022. He led the team with 788 rushing yards and nine touchdowns while also recording 30 receptions for 362 yards. Skattebo showcased his versatility by handling punting duties with an average of 42.5 yards per punt and a long of 53 yards. He was instrumental in key moments, including a memorable 25-yard touchdown pass against UCLA. When healthy, senior DeCarlos Brooks contributed significantly, averaging 5.4 yards per carry and scoring three touchdowns on 48 carries. Sophomore Kyson Brown emerged as a valuable asset on special teams in his freshman year, totaling 106 yards on 23 carries. The Sun Devils’ running back depth is further enhanced by transfers like Alton McCaskill, who excelled at Houston before a stint at Colorado, and Raleek Brown, a promising USC transfer who showcased his versatility in all phases of the game during his freshman campaign. Freshman Jason Brown is also poised to make an impact.

Tight ends, coached by Jason Mohns:
The tight end position at ASU will see new faces taking on key roles, including junior transfers Cameron Harpole from San Diego State, Markeston Douglas from Florida State, and Chamon Metayer from Colorado. Harpole, originally from Prosper, Texas, played in 11 games for San Diego State in 2023, contributing seven receptions for 69 yards while also making appearances on special teams in 2022. Douglas made significant contributions to Florida State’s ACC championship season with 11 catches for 136 yards and two touchdowns last year, further bolstered by a standout performance in the Cheeze-It Bowl victory over Oklahoma. Freshmen Coleson Arends, Sinjin Schmitt, Jayden Fortier, and James Giggey are also expected to vie for playing time, with Fortier currently recovering from an ACL injury.

Wide receivers, coached by Hines Ward:
Excitement surrounds the wide receiver corps at ASU, led by the anticipation of Jake Smith’s debut after transferring from USC. Smith brings experience from Texas and USC, where he showcased his talent with notable receptions and touchdowns. Senior Melquan Stovall, who began his collegiate career at Nevada, has amassed 139 career receptions, including a standout season with 56 catches in 2021. Xavier Guillory, despite battling injuries, demonstrated his capability with impressive numbers at Idaho State in 2022. Malik McClain, a transfer from Penn State and Florida State, aims to make a significant impact in his senior season. Promising sophomore Jordyn Tyson, recovering from injury, looks to build on a strong spring showing. Junior Troy Omeire, standing tall at 6-4 from Sugar Land, Texas, contributed 20 receptions for 223 yards in 2023. Additional depth is provided by Coben Bourguet, Armon Collins, Max Ware, and incoming freshmen Kaleb Black, Korbin Hendrix, Jamaal Young, Derek Eusebio, Deric English, Zechariah Sample, and Justice Spann.

OFFENSIVE LINE (COACHED BY SAGA TUITLE)

Leif Fautanu, who transferred from UNLV, distinguished himself by starting every game and playing nearly every snap. His performance was characterized by exceptional cleanliness and efficiency in his role as an offensive lineman. Emmit Bohle, standing tall at 6-7, returns after recovering from a season-ending broken leg sustained in the second game against Oklahoma State. The team faced numerous injuries, resulting in the utilization of 10 different starting offensive line combinations. Max Iheanachor showed promise during the spring but was sidelined due to injury. Sophomore Sean Na’a made a significant impact in his freshman year, starting at left guard and left tackle while also transitioning to center during the spring. Jalen Klemm joined from Washington, adding depth and experience. Seniors Ben Coleman and Cade Briggs are poised to cap off their collegiate careers on a high note. The junior contingent includes Kyle Scott, Bram Walden, Josh Atkins, and Colby Garvin. Redshirt freshmen Sirri Kandiyeli, Joey Sua (a transfer from Arkansas), Keona Peat, and Makua Pule, as well as true freshmen Terrell Kim, Kaden Haeckel, Luis Cordova, Carson Keim, Connor Cameron, Semisi Tonga, and Champ Westbrooks, complete the diverse and talented offensive line roster.

EDGE (COACHED BY CHARLIE RAGLE)

Prince Dorba, who transferred from Texas, made an immediate impact in Tempe during the 2023 season. He recorded six sacks, highlighted by a standout performance with 2.5 sacks against Colorado, and amassed 14 solo tackles throughout the year, including a notable eight-tackle outing against Fresno State. Clayton Smith, a transfer from Oklahoma, contributed to the team’s defensive efforts with 21 tackles, including 5.5 tackles for loss, in nine games last season. Elijah O’Neal, a junior college addition, is set for a promising second season at ASU. J’Mond Tapp, another Texas transfer, enters his sophomore year ready to contribute after appearing in nine games last season and making eight tackles. Senior Anthonie Cooper, unfortunately, will miss the upcoming season due to injury. Redshirt sophomores Roman Pitre, Myles Amey, and Chance Symons are set to compete for playing time, along with freshman Albert Smith and Salesi Manu, hailing from Reno.

INTERIOR DEFENSIVE LINE (COACHED BY DIRON REYNOLDS)

Sophomore C.J. Fite, following a solid freshman campaign, is poised to make significant contributions this season. Junior Jacob Rich Kongaika joined the Sun Devils after transferring from Arizona, adding depth to the defensive line. Senior Jeff Clark, previously at Louisville and Georgia State, brings valuable experience after appearing in 13 games for Louisville last year, tallying 14 tackles. Junior Justin Wodtly, a transfer from Cincinnati, adds depth to the defensive front. Sophomore JP Deeter, transferring from Purdue, strengthens the defensive line with his presence. Redshirt sophomore Blazen Lono-Wong, originally from Hawaii, brings energy and determination. Louisiana native redshirt freshman Landen Thomas is ready to showcase his potential. Freshman Ramar Williams, from Eastmark High School in Mesa, adds youthful vigor to the defensive line. Redshirt senior Harold Brooks III had a strong season at City College of San Francisco in 2021. Ian Shewell, transferring from New Mexico, appeared in nine games for the Lobos in 2022. Redshirt sophomore Tristan Monday, transferring from Wisconsin, brings a decorated high school career with impressive stats, including 79 tackles for loss and 26 sacks.

LINEBACKERS (COACHED BY A.J. COOPER)

Senior Caleb McCullough brings a tenacious and experienced presence to the Sun Devil defense. Redshirt junior Zyrus Fiaseu led San Diego State in tackles with 66 in 2023, showcasing his versatility with 5.5 sacks and five passes defended. Krew Jackson returns home to Arizona after two seasons at Kansas State. Junior transfer Keyshaun Elliott and junior Jordan Crook add depth and athleticism to the linebacking corps. Sophomore Tate Romney, a local product, provides consistency and reliability. Redshirt freshman K’Vion Thunderbird and freshmen Martell Hughes and Prayer Young-Black bring youthful energy and potential.

SAFETIES (COACHED BY BRIAN WARD)

Shamari Simmons, a transfer from Austin Peay, made an immediate impact in 2023 with a team-high 73 tackles. Senior Macen Williams adds experience and leadership to the safety position. Xavion Alford is eager to contribute following his transfer. Adama Fall and Myles Rower are expected to see significant playing time, with Rowser having excelled at New Mexico State with 70 tackles and earning FCS Freshman All-American honors at Campbell in 2022. Kamari Wilson joins from the SEC, adding depth and talent to the safety group. Cole Martin returns to Arizona after a stint at Oregon, bringing intelligence, athleticism, and versatility to the position. Redshirt freshmen Montana Warren, Jack Bal, and Tommy Romano, along with Kyan McDonald, are poised to compete for playing time.

CORNERBACKS (COACHED BY BRYAN CARRINGTON)

Junior Laterrance Welch, a transfer from LSU, brings extensive experience, having played in 22 games over two seasons. Redshirt sophomores Joe McGinnis II and Javan Robinson, a transfer from Washington State, add depth and skill to the cornerback rotation. Keontez Bradley, a redshirt freshman from Ohio, brings exceptional speed and agility. Sophomore Keith Abney had a productive freshman season and is a member of Barrett, The Honors College. Freshmen Rodney Bimage, Chris Johnson Jr., Tony-Louis Nkuba, Jamori Williams, Nikko Klemm, and Plas Johnson round out a competitive group vying for playing time.

SPECIALISTS (COACHED BY CHARLIE RAGLE)

ASU faces the task of replacing key specialists from last year. Freshman Kanyon Floyd and senior Race Mahlum are contenders for the punting duties. Sophomore Ian Hershey and redshirt freshman Carston Kieffer will compete for roles in both punting and kicking. Parker Lewis, a senior transfer from Ohio State, assumes responsibilities as the kicker. The long snapping duties will be handled by sophomore transfer Tyler Wigglesworth from Northern Arizona and redshirt freshman Cole Marszalek.

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