Arizona State football finished with a 3-9 record in Kenny Dillingham’s inaugural season, and expectations are high for improvement in his second year.
Which position groups are likely to show the most progress?
1. Running Back
Despite the addition of Sacramento State transfer Cam Skattebo, the 2022 Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year, the Arizona State Sun Devils struggled with their rushing game last season. They ranked 111th in rushing yards per game with 111.9. To bolster their backfield, the Sun Devils have brought in University of Southern California’s Raleek Brown and Colorado’s Alton McCaskill through the transfer portal, along with highly-recruited running back Jason Brown from Washington.
Brown and Skattebo both offer versatility as receiving threats from the backfield, while McCaskill brings a traditional running style, having scored 16 touchdowns in 2021 with the Houston Cougars. With an improved offensive line and added depth at running back, the Sun Devils are expected to make strides in their rushing game in 2024.
2. Offensive Line
Following a tough 2023 season where the Sun Devils allowed 30 sacks over 12 games and ranked 109th in offensive yards per game, there’s been significant turnover on the offensive line as they approach the 2024 season.
The team has introduced seven new players, including three transfers from the portal and four freshmen, in an effort to strengthen the line. With the addition of former four-star offensive tackle Bram Walden and top junior college transfer Maxwell Iheanachor in 2023, the offensive line will have the chance to demonstrate their skills in the new system under offensive coordinator Marcos Arroyo.
Expect the Sun Devils’ offensive performance to show notable improvement in 2024.
3. Defensive Backs
As they head into the 2024 season, the Sun Devils have prioritized improving their depth at the defensive back position. After struggling defensively in 2023, ranking 120th in passing yards allowed with 260.3 per game, significant changes were necessary to revamp the secondary.
The team has made notable additions, including a strong transfer class featuring former Oregon cornerback Cole Martin, former LSU cornerback Laterrence Welch, Florida safety Kamari Wilson, and New Mexico State safety Myles Rowser.
Additionally, they are bringing in a promising group of freshman cornerbacks from Texas—Tony-Louis Nkuba, Rodney Bimage Jr., and Chris Johnson II. All three have the potential to become key contributors, adding much-needed depth to the restructured secondary for the upcoming season.
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