Devils Sitdown Series: Two things at the core of ASU defensive end and reptile enthusiast former 5-star recruit
TEMPE, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) — Snakes and sacks are central to ASU defensive end and reptile enthusiast Clayton Smith. A former 5-star recruit, Smith had a slow start in his first year in Tempe due to injuries but finished strong, contributing to sacks in four of the last five games. As he prepares for 2024, he added muscle during the offseason, leading to an impressive spring practice. Smith is also emerging as a leader, representing the program at Big 12 Media Day.
In this episode, we discuss his development and growth, the composition of the defensive line, his NIL opportunity involving reptiles, his new position coach, and more.
Recent Sitdown Series Episodes
Linebackers Coach A.J. Cooper: We discuss his coaching career, returning to the Valley, lessons from a national title three-peat, and the 2024 linebackers, among other topics.
Cornerbacks Coach Bryan Carrington: Bryan and I talk about rebuilding the cornerbacks room, creating a strong culture, keys to recruiting success, and the Texas-to-Tempe connection.
Offensive Line Coach Saga Tuitele: We cover his career, qualities of a good lineman, lessons from a challenging 2023, the Poly pipeline, and this year’s line composition and camp battles.
ASU Athletic Director Graham Rossini: Graham and I delve into the department’s challenges and opportunities, key program outlooks, and the future of college sports.
Center Leif Fautanu: Leif and I discuss overcoming adversity, the 2024 line, his football journey, leadership evolution, and life in the islands.
Tight Ends Coach Jason Mohns: We talk about last year’s lessons, his recruiting success, the new tight end room, and how they’ll fit into the offensive scheme.
Defensive Coordinator Brian Ward: Brian and I discuss the scheme’s progress in Year 2, adjustments for Big 12 play, new team leaders, defense development, and his favorite Valley burrito spot.
Wide Receiver Xavier Guillory: We cover his journey, honoring his late father’s legacy, paving the way for Native athletes, and the 2024 Sun Devil wide receiver room.
Senior Associate AD of Media Relations Doug Tammaro: We discuss his early basketball days, career lessons, favorite Sun Devil moments, the Kyle Dodd rivalry, and the impact of handwritten notes.
Defensive Tackle Dashaun Mallory: As he prepares for the NFL, Dashaun reflects on his journey, growth in Tempe, and appreciation for the small moments.
Offensive Coordinator Marcus Arroyo: Marcus and I discuss his coaching path, lessons learned, why he joined ASU, managing the quarterback battle, and how he would have fit into ASU’s offense.
Offensive Lineman Sean Na’a: We discuss his freshman year lessons, that infamous Salt Lake flight, the 2024 line, and the uniqueness of California high school players.
Defensive Tackle C.J. Fite: C.J. and I talk about his freshman growth, emerging leadership, his new position coach, and his favorite Dallas chicken spot.
Tight End Bryce Pierre: Bryce and I discuss his transition from high school wide receiver to college tight end, lessons from junior college, and Jason Mohns’ influence.
Offensive Tackle Emmit Bohle: Emmit and I discuss his early days playing 9-man football, his transformation from a 230-pound high schooler to a Power 5 tackle, the pros and cons of being 6’7”, recovery process lessons, and the 2024 Sun Devil line.
Running Back DeCarlos Brooks: DeCarlos and I discuss his journey from Chandler to the Pac-12 North and back to Arizona, Shaun Aguano’s influence, cutting his coach’s hair, favorite Valley wings, and his rating in the new college football video game.
Linebacker Tate Romney: We discuss being back home, the thrill of hard hits, returning to football after his LDS mission, and expectations for Year 2 of the defensive scheme.
Cornerback Keith Abney II: Keith and I discuss how speed skating helped his game, balancing football with honors studies, and the impact of the Texas takeover in Tempe.
Wide Receiver Jake Smith: Jake and I talk about lessons from tough years, staying motivated, returning to Arizona, and the Sun Devil receiver room.
First Baseman Jacob Tobias: Jacob and I discuss his favorite home run, career ups and downs, toughest pitches from Sun Devil pitchers, and more.
Outfielder Isaiah Jackson: Isaiah and I discuss last year’s highs and lessons, little league dominance, Ken Griffey Jr.’s influence, and the best tools on the team.
Safety Xavion Alford: Xavion and I discuss overcoming two years on the sidelines, support received, maintaining positivity, the Texas-to-Tempe pipeline, and Tex-Mex cuisine.
Farewell Conversation with Jordan Clark: As he heads to Notre Dame for his final college football season, Jordan reflects on his time as a Sun Devil, the program’s potential, and his exciting future.
Head Women’s Basketball Coach Natasha Adair: Natasha and I discuss the year’s strong start, last season’s lessons, and the progress of the program’s culture and foundation.
Offensive Lineman Joey Ramos: Joey and I talk about the season’s lessons, the One Snap Brotherhood, Tempe’s culture, and his draft dreams.
Goalie TJ Semptimphelter: TJ and I discuss his hockey journey, how sports headgear led him to goalkeeping, the joy of defeating the Arizona Wildcats, establishing ASU as a hockey school, and more.
Head Volleyball Coach JJ Van Niel: JJ and I discuss the strong season start, his reasons for coming to ASU, transitioning from hockey to volleyball, and the best dishes from the team’s Chopped competitions.
Head Football Coach Kenny Dillingham: Kenny and I discuss revamping the program, his early football years, balancing coaching with family life, the quarterback battle, and more.
Hall of Famer DB Mike Haynes: Mike discusses his unlikely road to ASU, tough love from Frank Kush, desire to play WR, favorite Sun Devil memories, helping players transition out of the game, and raising awareness about healthy living.
Hall of Fame Safety David Fulcher: David discusses his illustrious Sun Devil career, Hall of Fame enshrinement, charitable work, time with the Bengals, and views on Herm Edwards and the current Sun Devils.
