Sun Bowl prep begins for ASU with roster running thin

Arizona State opened its first full week of Sun Bowl prep with a noticeably thinner roster. 13 players were missing from Tuesday’s practice, some sitting out to prepare for the NFL Draft, others officially in the transfer portal, and several veterans finally undergoing long-delayed procedures now that the regular season is over. It left ASU short-handed as it gears up for Duke, the ACC champion awaiting them in El Paso on December 31.

Despite the trimmed numbers, head coach Kenny Dillingham walked off the field energized.

“I thought the energy was good. I thought the physicality was good. I thought we got a lot of good work in today,” Dillingham noted. “It was a fun day. Told the guys, like you got to love it, and I think our guys love it.”

With that many absences, the staff reduced reps and reshuffled rotations, but Dillingham stated the standard was met on the day. December practices, he reiterated, have to kill two birds with one stone: prepare for Duke and expedite next year’s roster.

“The mission is to get better every single day and become the best version of us,” Dillingham explained. “I had a lot of fun coming out here and getting to coach football. A lot of people don’t get to do that.”

The quarterback room remains one of the most watched groups during bowl prep. True freshman quarterback Cameron Dyer, a former four-star now backing up redshirt senior Jeff Sims, has shown clear late-season growth – particularly in his command of protections, in his timing throws. Progress that came piece by piece, Dillingham noted.

“He could always throw the ball,” Dillingham added. “It’s the timing throws and all those things we’re really trying to grow with.”

Much of ASU’s long-term optimism centers on incoming four-star quarterback Jake Fette, who is ranked the No. 7 QB in the 2026 class, according to On3. Dillingham has repeatedly praised his leadership traits.

“He’s super relatable,” Dillingham explained. “He can connect to people, he’s super intelligent, super competitive. I mean, the dude ran track this last season. And he’s funny. I like funny people.”

Alongside Fette, the team is taking a closer look at newly arrived running back Cardae Mack, the Houston product and ASU’s second-highest signee. His versatility has already impressed the coaching staff.

“There’s a reason Carde is a high GPA kid and high performer,” Dillingham added. “I think his production in high school is going to translate faster at the running back position than most positions.”

That early signing class is also indicative of the program’s recent focus on fit and commitment over volume.

“We wanted guys who truly want to be here,” Dillingham noted. “I think we did that. A lot of our class had been committed for months. They turned down tons of other opportunities because they wanted to be here.”

The program also continues to keep tabs on the health of several key players rehabbing injuries, a group that includes junior running back Kyson Brown. Brown, after entering 2025 expected to carry the load as RB1, played in just four games this season. Though he has started easing into limited drills, Dillingham stated a bowl appearance remains unlikely.

“He’s not medically cleared yet,” Dillingham explained. “It is trending better, though. He’s starting to slowly get into some drills.”

Beyond personnel, Dillingham continues to operate within a December landscape defined by movement, players entering the portal, others declaring for the draft, and some opting to stay engaged in practice while navigating their futures.

“A lot’s going on. It’s a new era,” Dillingham noted. “I just want what’s best for everybody. If what’s best for you is to play in the game, then let’s play in the game. If what’s best for you is not, then come out, be supportive of your teammates.”

Dillingham has again shown he understands the player perspective, whether someone is leaving, staying, or undecided, and continues to emphasize doing what’s best for each player’s future. He reiterated that portal entrants are still welcome at practice, a philosophy he has upheld in multiple seasons at ASU.

“100 percent,” Dillingham stated. “If somebody wants to enter the portal and be a part of our team, they have 100 percent the ability to be a part of this team. This is the 2025 team…If anybody wants to be a part and go through prep, play in the game, and be a part of this team, they have the right to do that because this is still their team.”

***

ASU’s defense highlights the thinness of the roster heading into the Sun Bowl, with eight key players absent from Tuesday’s practice. Injuries, the transfer portal, and NFL Draft preparations created a short-handed look – one that forced defensive coordinator Brian Ward to tweak both practice reps and expectations.

“Anytime you get an opportunity to play another game, it really is a blessing,” Ward explained. “You get three extra weeks of practice to develop the underbelly of your team, get guys healthy, and get a chance to be with this group again. Really, it’s laying the groundwork for the 2026 season.”

Ward also highlighted the challenge the Sun Devils face against Duke’s red-hot offense. Sophomore quarterback Darian Mensah, who threw for 3,646 yards with 30 touchdowns and just five interceptions while leading Duke to an ACC championship, has emerged as one of college football’s top signal-callers, combining precise passing with the ability to extend plays with his legs.

“He’s incredibly talented, has a good grasp of the offense, and puts the ball where it needs to be,” Ward added. “He uses the perimeter skill players well and keeps plays alive with his feet. He’ll be one of the best quarterbacks we’ve faced all year.”

Even with a depleted roster, Ward noted the energy and focus in practice remain high.

“Reps are shorter, rotations tighter, but the physicality was good,” Ward explained. “I thought we got a lot of good work in today. It was a fun day. I told the guys, you’ve got to love it, and I think our guys do.”

Ward also underlined that opportunities would continue to present themselves to those who remain prepared for them. Kyan McDonald, a sophomore defensive back who was originally recruited to play cornerback, was moved to free safety at the start of the season.

Despite never having played the position in ASU’s system, McDonald capitalized on a chance created by an ASU injury, recording nine and a half tackles versus Arizona and being a consistent presence in the middle of the field.

“He’s been preparing for a year and a half for his opportunity, and he made the most of it,” Ward added. “There are going to be a lot of guys like that in the bowl game, and I’m excited to see what they can do.”

Junior defensive back Keith Abney II has also anchored the unit with leadership and consistency. A projected day-two NFL Draft pick and recently named All-Big 12 first-team defensive back, Abney “sets the standard for preparation, habits, and daily work,” Ward explained. “He’s the kind of guy you look forward to seeing every single day, regardless of the length of the season.”

Injuries in that loss to Arizona included sophomore defensive back Adrian Wilson and redshirt freshman Rodney Bimage Jr. – their status going forward is uncertain. Ward noted that the team is following medical guidance and ensuring players are fully ready before risking game action.

With injuries like these, bowl preparation also provides an extra teaching opportunity for younger players.

“It’s the difference between listening and hearing,” Ward explained. “These guys have been hearing the same system for one to three years. Now they can take what they’ve learned and actually execute it in game-like settings.”

That experience in high-pressure situations has paid off this year, as the defensive unit has excelled in red-zone stops, third-down stops, and two-minute scenarios. Ward believes those lessons will carry over into El Paso.

“This group has a level of maturity and toughness that shows up in big moments,” Ward noted.

Recruiting remains a point of emphasis for the program. Ward identified newcomers such as Kirtland Vakalahi, who possesses the size, explosiveness, and versatility to be an immediate contributor. For now, ASU’s class ranks No. 36 nationally according to On3, with Vakalahi being one of the most important additions.

“These guys are committed to being here,” Ward added. “That combination of talent, character, and desire to be part of the team is what excites me about our future.”

As ASU prepares to take on the Sun Bowl, Ward stated, the mission is simple: compete, develop some younger players, and set the tone for next season.

“This is an opportunity to test our depth, sharpen fundamentals, and put a consistent product on the field,” Ward explained. “We’ve got a lot going on, but I’m confident our guys will rise to the occasion.”

***

To senior defensive lineman Justin Wodtly, the Sun Bowl isn’t just any game, but rather the last chapter in a long journey of college football. A fifth-year senior who spent his first three seasons at Cincinnati before transferring to Arizona State, he declared for the NFL Draft on December 5, but confirmed he’ll suit up for the Sun Devils one last time.

“I’m gonna play in the bowl game,” Wodtly stated. “There’s no game too big or too small for me. Especially with it being my last year, when you get another opportunity to play an extra game, you always take advantage of it. The group of guys that came out here and took a chance on me—I’m gonna give that same opportunity back to them.”

Wodtly’s career at ASU has been a steady climb, punctuated by a late-season surge. In his final five games, he had a sack to reach a career-high six on the season and finished second on the team. That production came just in time for NFL scouts to take notice and for Wodtly to make his draft declaration.

“I feel like our coaching staff did a really good job putting me in positions to succeed,” Wodtly explained. “Just trusting in the process, trusting the people around me, and then capitalizing on opportunities. Getting hot late in the season was huge for me.”

Redshirt senior Chamon Metayer joins Wodtly, also declaring for the NFL Draft, as the cornerstone in a defensive line that has produced multiple pro-level talents. Wodtly stated that part of the motivation for returning to the Sun Bowl is the locker room’s brotherhood and encouraged others to play if it is right for them.

“Each person’s journey is different,” Wodtly added. “I just encourage guys to do what’s best for them. But for sure, I want one more with the D-line room. That’s important.”

The energy in practice remains high, especially with Diron Reynolds’ defensive line group, who never have a dull moment. Wodtly has played a major role in keeping that joy in competition, even as the season winds down.

“Playing football is fun,” Wodtly explained. “Getting to come out here, put on pads every day, and run around with guys like Jacob, CJ, Clayton, Prince, and Roman—it means the world. I try to keep my energy up and bring fun to the game.”

Reflecting on a season full of ups and downs, Wodtly emphasized the resilience that has defined the Sun Devils, noting that ASU continues to fight regardless of the setbacks.

“R stands for response,” Wodtly added. “We battled adversity, from losing a starting quarterback to a captain early in the season. It’s that next-man-up mentality. We perform our best when our backs are against the wall.”

After the Sun Bowl, Wodtly’s attention will shift to the NFL Draft. He’s finished his degree in liberal studies with a minor in communications and will now shift that attention to draft preparation.

“Being able to chase a lifelong dream means so much to me,” Wodtly noted. “But for now, I’m focused on being where my feet are and enjoying this last game with my guys.”

/">