Arizona State Turning To Plan B
With Swain and others looking elsewhere, ASU relies on familiarity
The Devil's Due Mailbag — Offseason Transfer Portal Coverage
By Diego Alfaro
Nearly everything was lining up for the Arizona State Sun Devils in the transfer portal. They're currently the favorites to land a number of their targets, including Austin Mack and Luke Ferrelli.
The other shoe has just dropped.
ASU entered the transfer portal wanting to add at least two starting caliber cornerbacks in the portal. Weis Jr. and his staff went aggressively after former South Carolina CB Vicari Swain, Buffalo's Kodi Blackwell, and VTech's Cam Chadwick. According to a source inside the Sun Devils program, they've received word that all three targets are exploring other options, with Arizona State 'off the table.'
Instead of wallowing in their loss, Weis Jr. pressed forward thanks to the advice of a new staffer.
"He was adamant about bringing him in for a workout from the beginning," noted the source, "Weis Jr. assured him he'd get a look, but wanted to press for the higher touted prospects."
"He" refers to newly appointed defensive back coach Patrick Surtain Sr. "Him" refers to the man that Surtain Sr. not only recruited at Florida State, but coached as well.
JaBril Rawls.
The 6'1 cornerback was the primary nickel corner for the Seminoles last year, recording 80 tackles and two interceptions during the season. Ultimately, Rawls wanted to enter the portal in search of a better scheme fit for his abilities, and Surtain Sr. certainly thinks it's in Tempe.
"He's physical, aggressive, and isn't scared to put his face in the fan," repeated one scout with knowledge of Surtain Sr.'s pitch to Weis Jr. "He needs to work on his man-coverage skills, but that's something Surtain Sr. thinks he can help polish."
In addition to Rawls, the Sun Devils have invited Kansas State corner Zashon Rich to Tempe as well, hoping to bolster their depth with the current Wildcat.
While their loss in the cornerback market slowed some of their momentum in the portal, Weis Jr. came right back.
The Sun Devils are now reportedly in the mix for both Keon Keeley and Myles Graham, from Notre Dame and Florida respectively.
Keeley was a rotation pass-rusher for the Fighting Irish this season, recording 43 tackles, 3 TFLs, and a sack for the top-ranked Irish defense. With a crowded rotation in front of him, Keeley left South Bend in search of more playing time and an ideal fit.
"If he goes to Tempe, they expect him to slide right into the spot vacated by Emar'rion Winston," noted the source.
Meanwhile, Myles Graham is expected to join Martell Hughes, and hopefully Luke Ferrelli, to form one of the most formidable linebacking groups in the Big XII.
Listen, losing out on the top corners in the portal is rough. But, here's what is encouraging. We pivoted quickly and aren't only looking at grabbing a few high-upside corners, but continuing to stack talent at linebacker and on the defensive line. The best way to make a suspect secondary look passable? Get after the passer.
With the transfer portal in full swing, we should start seeing players make their commitments official in the coming days. If recent reports are any indication, it'll be a busy day for the ASU admissions staff sooner than later.