Sun Devil Source Analysis: Every Spring, Some Players Elevate Their Play In Surprising Ways
Player Profile: Kyle Scott
Position: Offensive Line
Class: Junior
Height: 6 feet 5 inches
Weight: 330 pounds
2023 Season Recap: Scott served as a backup and contributed on special teams in two games against USC and Cal during his inaugural season at Arizona State after transferring from junior college the previous summer.
Sun Devil Source Analysis: Each spring, certain players showcase unexpected improvements. While some may regress as preseason camp approaches in August or once the season begins, others persist in their development, transforming from overlooked figures to crucial backups or even starters. Scott demonstrated during spring practices that he is determined not to be overlooked.
Last season, Scott struggled significantly, often finding himself behind walk-ons on the depth chart and unable to earn playing time even when several players in his position group were injured. Offensive line coach Saga Tuitele frequently corrected and criticized him for lack of focus and slow adaptation to coaching adjustments. However, there has been a notable turnaround. Scott impressed coaches with his winter workouts, earning some first-team reps at right tackle during spring practices, which he handled competently.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing a robust 330 pounds, Scott possesses ample size and sufficient athleticism for this level of play. Previously, his technical skills and drive were lacking, hindering his ability to earn game opportunities. This has since changed. While he remains a bit of a dark horse to crack the top seven or eight players in his position group, he is now a viable option at both guard and tackle due to his improved trajectory and versatility. He may be best suited at guard, although he moves well enough to also excel at right tackle, a position he played at Riverside Community College in 2021 and 2022.
Scott’s footwork and grasp of offensive concepts have notably advanced, boosting his confidence. While he still needs refinement in his hand techniques and more nuanced aspects of his game, his improved approach to assignments has allowed him to play more instinctively and showcase his physical attributes effectively. Arriving last summer, he struggled to catch up with the playbook, but those issues seem largely resolved, enabling him to perform more fluidly.
Projected Depth Chart Status: If Scott’s rapid progress continues into the fall, he could emerge as a top backup option at guard or tackle this season and potentially compete for a starting role next year following the departure of several starters in 2024.
