Kenny Dillingham said during spring ball that he didn’t have high expectations for the ‘second portal.’ Most of the half-dozen transfers he subsequently added are firmly within the Sun Devils’ two-deep, including two who may start.
After spring ball, Malik McClain, Chamon Metayer, and J’Mond Tapp—three transfers with complex pasts—stayed behind for extra practice at Mountain America Stadium. With no coaches present, the setting was tranquil. Alongside redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt, they enjoyed the moment, catching passes under the vast desert sky. The noise of their previous struggles seemed to fade away.
“They might have gone through a couple of schools and faced some issues,” said Dillingham. “But now they’re part of our team, and they’re genuinely good people. The negative perceptions about them weren’t accurate.”
McClain, a four-star recruit, had offers from top programs like Florida State, Penn State, and Alabama. He started at Florida State, where ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham was the offensive coordinator during his freshman year. McClain recorded 33 catches for 396 yards and five touchdowns over two seasons before transferring to Penn State. After limited success there, he moved to ASU for his senior year.
Metayer, who led Cincinnati in touchdown receptions as a sophomore, transferred after receiving a No. 7 ranking as a tight end. Colorado showed interest, but after spring practices, the situation fell through until Dillingham reached out.
Tapp, a former four-star defensive end from Texas, struggled with limited game time and tackles. ASU offered him another opportunity.
“It’s interesting how people can be shaped by their surroundings,” Dillingham noted. “Some are just grateful for a second chance and it’s reflected in their work ethic.”
Initially skeptical about the upcoming transfer portal, Dillingham found early success with the players he acquired. McClain is now a contender for a starting wide receiver spot. Metayer has secured a top position in the new tight end group. Junior Alton McCaskill is vying for a role in a strong running back corps, and senior quarterback Jeff Sims is now the top backup to Leavitt. Sophomore defensive tackle Zac Swanson is working with the second team, and Tapp, though possibly on the fringe of playing time, adds valuable depth.
“This is the new reality in college football—essentially a free-agency system where you have to quickly integrate new players,” said offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo.
Though new to the program, these players have been adapting quickly. Camp has ended, and the Sun Devils will start their season next Saturday. McClain, adjusting to his third playbook in under a year, is using flashcards to learn his plays.
“Time isn’t on my side,” McClain said during camp. “I need to adjust my daily habits and schedule to meet my goals. I use flashcards to go over every play.”
McClain and Metayer, both 6-foot-4, have differing builds—Metayer is 255 pounds and embraces the physical style ASU needs from its tight ends.
“I’m all about making sacrifices,” Metayer said. “I’ll do whatever the team needs—fullback, tight end, Wildcat. It’s all good with me.”
He’s even adept at one-handed catches on back-shoulder throws. Despite their lack of initial acclaim, Dillingham feels fortunate to have these players.
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