Arizona State defensive linemen MyKeil Gardner (93), left, and Jacob Rich Kongaika (98) train during football practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe on Aug 1, 2025. Cheryl Evans/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Good and Not So Good from Sun Devil Fall Camp

Originally posted on Arizona State Sun Devils on SI
By Kevin Hicks | Last updated Aug 3, 2025 9:00 AM ET

TEMPE -- Week one of Arizona State football's fall camp is now in the history books - Kenny Dillingham's program is now set to prepare for Camp Tontozona for several days of team bonding and practice.

With that in mind, ASU on SI takes a look at both positives and negatives that can be taken out of the first three days of practice.

Good: Jaren Hamilton

The wide receiver core as a whole has impressed in general - including Zechariah Sample and Malik McClain.

However, Hamilton has stood out in particular, especially during Friday's practice. Hamilton was not only explosive in the indoor portion of practice, but he looked the part as a route runner and all-around threat as well.

The redshirt freshman could play his way into being a starting player for the Sun Devils in 2025.

Not-So-Good: Thursday Practice

Thursday's practice was slammed by coach Dillingham as low-passion and low-energy.

Cheryl Evans/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

While the 35 year old praised certain players such as LB Jordan Crook, he also alluded to the possibility that Arizona State could win five or six games if they consistently practice with that lack of care.

The Sun Devils obviously rebounded nicely in succession - so until a bad day is encountered again, it seems to be a blip on the radar.

Good: Kicking Situation is Improved

The kicking situation in Tempe was even worse compared to the typical college program in 2024 - the team left more points than they should have on the board due to the general unreliability and the three different kickers combined to go 11-20 on attempts.

In comes Jesus Gomez - who had knocked down nearly 80% of his field goal attempts while at Eastern Michigan. The step up has been evident in camp so far - with the strong legged kicker knocking down attempts from 50 yards at times.

Not-So-Good: Star Players Sitting Out Due to Injury

While Xavion Alford and Myles "Ghost" Rowser are getting held out of practice in the short-term due to minor knicks according to Dillingham - it is a reason for concern, at least to some degree.

The Sun Devils are a deeper team this season compared to last, but the injuries that are piling up now could be an omen for what is to come - even the minor issues are eye-opening.

Read more on the case for Leavitt to be an All-American selection at season's end here, and if Dillingham has any built-in recruiting advantages in his role here.

This article first appeared on Arizona State Sun Devils on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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