ASU linebacker Zyrus Fiaseu (30) comes onto the field prior to a game against UCF at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Nov. 9, 2024. Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Underrated Sun Devils: Zyrus Fiaseu

Originally posted on Arizona State Sun Devils on SI
By Kevin Hicks | Last updated Jul 8, 2025 2:00 PM ET

Arizona State's offense will inevitably receive the bulk of focus from the outside world heading into the new season - the unit does possess two potential first round NFL draft picks in 2026, after all.

That doesn't mean that the defense should be lost in translation.

The Sun Devils finished the 2024 season with the best run defense in the Big 12, along with creating a high volume of turnovers that catalyzed many scoring drives by the offense.

Among the most unheralded players on the defense is linebacker Zyrus Fiaseu - a second-string player that could end up being a key to the defense reaching its ceiling in 2025.

What Fiaseu brings to the table for Brian Ward's defense:

High IQ

Fiaseu left a strong first impression on the Sun Devil fanbase from his very first minute wearing the maroon and gold in game action.

The San Diego State transfer took an interception to the house less than one minute into the season opening game against Wyoming.

How about a pick-six for the first score of the 2⃣0⃣2⃣4⃣ season?

Zyrus Fiaseu returns the INT as @ASUFootball gets things started with a BANG.#Big12FB | FS1 pic.twitter.com/wtKvVsWNuT
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) September 1, 2024

Fiaseu is exactly the player that Kenny Dillingham actively seeks out - someone who is proactive, anticipatory, even-keeled, and very committed to playing their role.

Run Support

Perhaps the most vital piece of the puzzle that Fiaseu brings to the table is an unrelenting physicality that extends to being key run support behind what should be a stout Arizona State defensive line.

While Elliott and Crook are well-rounded linebackers themselves, having quality depth is obviously paramount - and Fiaseu is just that, especially in the run support sphere.

Potential to Create Chaos

While the opening interception was the only turnover Fiaseu forced in his opening season with the Sun Devils, he has potential to play right into Ward's hands.

The senior recorded 5.5 sacks and four forced fumbles in his final season with San Diego State in 2023 - that could serve the Sun Devil defense that is extremely predicated on making life tough on opposing quarterbacks and creating turnovers in key moments.

Read more on Arizona State star Sam Leavitt being named the preseason Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year here, as well as Leavitt, Jordyn Tyson, C.J. Fite, Xavion Alford, and Ben Coleman being named to preseason All-Big 12 honors here.

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

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