ASU Looking To Add SEC Talent To Improve Defense
Georgia's Quintavius Johnson and South Carolina's Vicari Swain among early targets
The Devil's Due Mailbag — Offseason Transfer Portal Coverage
By Diego Alfaro
The Arizona State Sun Devils were a maligned defensive unit last year. Lyrick Rawls, Owen Long, Ashton Stamps, and Emar'rion Winston provided plenty of oomph for the Sun Devils, but the talent level dropped off considerably behind them.
Now, all four of those marquee players have left Tempe. In response, Charlie Weis Jr. and his staff are working 'diligently' to add proven talent in the transfer portal.
And it starts in the SEC, according to Weis Jr.
"It's the premier conference in the country. I know that first hand," said the former Ole Miss and LSU offensive coordinator, "You've got to have a different mentality to cut your teeth in that conference. When you recruit a guy from the SEC, you know one thing for sure. He's got the attitude you want on defense."
The Sun Devils only have 13 and a half returning sacks next year (Martell Hughes (3), CJ Fite (5.5), and Zac Swanson (5)) and are looking at a defense without their unquestioned leader in Owen Long.
Enter Quintavius Johnson and Luke Ferrelli.
Johnson came to Georgia as a touted four-star recruit, but has had a hard time cracking the competitive rotation for the Georgia Bulldogs. Johnson contributed two sacks in 2025, but only a single sack in 2026.
"He's got the tools, but the consistency is what causes concern," said one source close to the Sun Devils. "Right now, Weis Jr. and Aldridge are hoping that the lack of consistent playing time is a direct cause of his lack of production."
"It's a calculated risk, but when you're losing so much production, sometimes you've got to roll the dice and hope you strike gold."
Luke Ferrelli was embroiled in a recruiting scandal last season, when Dabo Swinney accused Pete Golding of tampering with the former Cal MLB. Ferrelli responded by turning in a solid season for the Rebels as they reached the National Championship Game, contributing 83 tackles, five TFLs, and an interception. Despite that production, and the Rebels' success last season as the SEC Championship and National Champion runner-up, Ferrelli is looking for greener pastures.
"No one really knows right now," said one source inside the Rebels program. "We all thought he was happy. He never said anything to Pete, or anyone else on the staff about being unhappy. His declaration blindsided everybody."
The Sun Devils are reportedly heavily pursuing Ferrelli to replace Owen Long, with Ole Miss desperately trying to retain their own player, and Clemson hunting for a second chance at adding the versatile linebacker.
In addition to Johnson and Ferrelli, the Sun Devils are eyeing a number of cornerbacks via the transfer portal, headlined by South Carolina corner Vicari Swain.
"The Sun Devils defense was bombed last year. And now they're losing Rawls and Stamps. They've got to do something," reflected another Sun Devils' staffer.
In addition to Swain the Sun Devils are heavily involved with Cam Chadwick from Virginia Tech and Kodi Blackwell of Buffalo.
"All three corners have one thing in common."
"Man coverage."
While Johnson and Ferrelli are needs for the Sun Devils, adding at least one high-end corner is a must have for the Sun Devils defense, unless they plan on winning every game via shootout in 2027.
Johnson, Ferrelli, and Swain are all expected to visit Tempe in the coming days, with Chadwick, Blackwell, and ULM QB Austin Carlisle expected to be hosted in Tempe the following week.
all bout bringing bodies into the stadium
