Football is back! The Sun Devils are hitting the practice field to open up fall camp. We preview the key position battles, the X-factor players, and the storylines to track over the month of August. Plus, we are joined by ASU offensive lineman Ben Coleman to debut his new series Unblocked (33:49)

Charlie Ragle isn't used to losing football games in Arizona. One of the most success Arizona prep coaches in recent history returned to the Valley last year to become Arizona State's assistant head coach and special teams coordinator. As we know, 2023 was a tough year for the Sun Devils, but through the adversity, Ragle feels the lessons learned will be of great benefit for the program moving forward.

Heading into 2024, Ragle will oversee a special teams unit that will be replacing all of its specialists. With the grind of the Big 12 schedule, their play will be crucial.

On this episode, Charlie and I discuss how the staff navigated the tough year and how they grew, the progress of the program's culture, a rundown of the special teams units and fall camp battles, and much more.

With fall camp just a few weeks away, it's time for one of our annual traditions. We're counting down our picks for the 10 most important (non-quarterback) Sun Devil players for 2024. Plus, we talk to new 2025 defensive line commit Daeshon Morgan (42:15).

Snakes and sacks. Two things at the core of ASU defensive end and reptile enthusiast Clayton Smith. A former 5-star recruit, Smith's first year in Tempe started slow as he battled injuries, but picked up down the stretch, with pieces of sacks in four of the last five games.

Heading into 2024, he added muscle over the offseason, helping him to a very strong spring practice showing. He's also growing as a leader, and was one of the players to represent the program at Big 12 Media Day.

On this episode, we discuss his growth and maturation, the makeup of the D-line, turning his love of reptiles into a NIL opportunity, his new position coach, and much more.

Dead last? Could it be? We kick off our 14th season with a look at the Big 12 and national races. Who are the teams to beat in this new conference? Is ASU's ranking warranted? Which Devils are worthy of preseason recognition? We tackle the conference and make our College Football Playoff picks before talking with 2025 running commit Demarius Robinson (1:16:52).

Kenny Dillingham wasn't the only new Sun Devil coach to return home last year. Along with defensive coordinator Brian Ward, Valley native A.J. Cooper came home to lead ASU's linebackers.

Cooper's path took him from Sunnyslope High School to a productive stint at Glendale Community College, which in turn led to All-American honors as a tight end at North Dakota State. It was then he got into coaching, becoming a part of the Bison national championship dynasty before working his way from Wyoming to Washington State to Tempe. Heading into his second year in the desert, Cooper has some veteran returners to pair with a trio of talented transfers.

On this episode, we discuss his coaching journey, his Valley homecoming, lessons learned from a national title three-peat, the 2024 group of linebackers, and much more.

Is the foundation of a Big 12 champion being built deep in the heart of Texas? We'll see, but the early returns of the Texas-to-Tempe pipeline are promising.

After years of making his name on the personnel and recruiting side, Bryan Carrington debuted as a position coach last year, coaching the Sun Devil cornerbacks. His group flashed some potential, and he continued to do well as an ace recruiter. Now with a year of experience in the role, he's looking to elevate both the on and off field production in 2024.

On this episode, Bryan and I discuss reloading the cornerbacks room, the finer points of building a culture, the keys to recruiting success, the Texas-to-Tempe pipeline, and more.

Viva Las Vegas. Arizona State made their Big 12 Media Day review in the Sin City. I discuss the major talking points of Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark's address with DevilsDigest.com's Hod Rabino. Plus, hear what head coach Kenny Dillingham had to say on stage, and ASU safety Xavion Alford discusses the long and winding year that led to him representing the Devils in Vegas.