Arizona State looking to improve this year on injury-filled first season under Kenny Dillingham

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Kenny Dillingham spent much of his first season at Arizona State plugging holes.

Injuries plagued the Sun Devils during Dillingham's return to his alma mater, forcing him to use non-quarterbacks under center and even bust out the swinging gate on offense in an attempt to be competitive.

Arizona State labored to a 3-9 season, winning two Pac-12 games, but should be in position to improve upon that as the program moves to the Big 12 this season.

“I knew what I was getting myself into when I got here so what excuse can I make?” Dillingham said. “We have a plan to get this program to where I believe it can go and that’s to be a championship contender in the Big-12 year in and year out. We’re en route to that plan. It doesn’t always happen as fast as people want, but the key is to not get distracted by what other people in the microwave society want."

Dillingham ignited the Arizona State fan base with his enthusiasm after being hired from Oregon prior to last season and still has them believing even after the struggle in 2023.

Most of the Sun Devils who were hurt last season are back and healthy, and Dillingham has used the transfer portal to fill holes in the roster.

“We want to get better," Dillingham said. “We want to grow every single day. There’s not a win total. There’s not a goal like that. It’s just be the very best we can be at everything we do.”

Leavitt's turn

Arizona State lost quarterback Jaden Rashada to Georgia via the transfer portal after an injury-plagued 2023 season, setting up an open competition for the starting job this season.

Sam Leavitt earned the nod toward the end of fall camp, beating out Nebraska transfer Jeff Sims and returner Trenton Bourguet.

A 6-2 redshirt freshman transfer from Michigan State, Leavitt will attempt to give Arizona State some stability at a position that's been wracked by injuries the past few seasons.

Leavitt had a slight edge coming out of spring practices and impressed Dillingham with his mobility and ability to take care of the ball. He threw for 139 yards on 15-of-23 passing with two touchdowns and two interceptions in four games as a freshman last season.

Versatile Skattebo

Cameron Skattebo had quite an impact at Arizona State last season after transferring from Sacramento State.

The senior was one the Pac-12's hardest running backs to tackle and was one of the nation's most versatile players. Skattebo took more than 350 snaps at running back, 50 at quarterback, lined up at slot or outside receiver and tight end, played some on kick return and punt coverage. He also proved to be an adept pooch punter, averaging 42.8 yards on eight punts.

Line help

Two of Arizona State's biggest concerns last season were the lines on both sides of the ball.

The offensive line had a hard time protecting the quarterback — a big reason for the multitude of injuries — and the defensive line struggled to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Arizona State will get guard Ben Coleman and right tackle Emmit Bohle back from injuries and Dillingham bolstered the line through the transfer portal. The defensive line lost three starters, but the returning players have experience and the additions from the portal should help.

Schedule

Arizona State has games against Wyoming and Texas State on its nonconference schedule, sandwiched around a home game against Mississippi State.

The Sun Devils' inaugural Big 12 schedule includes road games against Texas Tech, Cincinnati, No. 17 Oklahoma State, No. 18 Kansas State and rival Arizona. The home conference slate includes Kansas, No. 12 Utah, UCF and BYU.

___

AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

John Marshall, The Associated Press