Sam Leavitt Has Led Sun Devils' Resurgence

After a decade of struggles, Arizona State University's (ASU) football program has finally turned the corner. The Sun Devils are coming off their first 10-win season since 2014 and are poised to make another run at the Pac-12 South title in 2023. Much of the credit for ASU's resurgence goes to head coach Sam Leavitt, who has instilled a new culture of winning in Tempe.

Leavitt's Impact on ASU

Leavitt was hired as ASU's head coach in December 2021 after a successful stint at Coastal Carolina. In his first season, he led the Sun Devils to a 7-6 record, their first winning season since 2014. In 2022, ASU took another step forward, finishing 10-3 and winning the Las Vegas Bowl. Leavitt's success is due in large part to his ability to recruit and develop talent. He has also been able to get the most out of his players, instilling a belief that they can compete with anyone.

Culture of Winning

One of the biggest changes Leavitt has brought to ASU is a culture of winning. For years, the Sun Devils were known as a program that couldn't get over the hump. They would often start the season strong, but they would always seem to find a way to lose close games. Leavitt has changed that mentality. He has convinced his players that they are capable of winning any game, and they have responded by playing with more confidence and swagger.

Recruiting Success

Leavitt has also been very successful on the recruiting trail. In his first two recruiting classes, he has signed some of the top players in the country. These players are already making an impact on the field, and they are a big reason why ASU is expected to be a contender in the Pac-12 South in 2023.

Challenges Ahead

While ASU has made great strides under Leavitt, there are still some challenges ahead. The Sun Devils play in a tough conference, and they will need to continue to improve in order to compete for a championship. They also need to find a way to replace some key players who are graduating, including quarterback Trenton Bourguet and running back Xazavian Valladay.

Conclusion

Despite the challenges, ASU is in a much better position than they were just a few years ago. Leavitt has brought a winning culture to Tempe, and he has recruited some of the top players in the country. The Sun Devils are poised to make another run at the Pac-12 South title in 2023, and they could be a dark horse to make a run at the College Football Playoff.