Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham Optimistic After Practice Bounce-Back
As the 2025 Arizona State football season approaches, head coach Kenny Dillingham has expressed optimism following a lively practice session on Friday. This comes after a previous practice left him feeling dissatisfied. With exactly four weeks until the season opener, the Sun Devils are ramping up their preparations during fall camp.
Dillingham Reflects on Team’s Progress
During a media availability on Friday, Dillingham described the day’s practice as “awesome,” highlighting the competitive and energetic atmosphere. He noted, “Back and forth all day, competitive, energetic, working to get better, staying off the ground, playing like we’re a veteran team. So, a lot of positives today.” This positive energy was a stark contrast to the previous day’s performance, which had left the coaching staff concerned.
In an analysis of a specific play, Dillingham addressed a pick six thrown by quarterback Sam Leavitt during a 7-on-7 drill. He emphasized the need for improved communication, particularly on underneath routes during early downs. “We weren’t quite on the same page on offense. We need to ensure we are synchronized,” he explained. This kind of transparent feedback is characteristic of Dillingham’s coaching style.
Cultural Shift in Arizona State Football
Dillingham, who is focused on transforming the program’s culture since the tenure of Herm Edwards, has continuously advocated for his motto, “Activate the Valley.” He shared a light-hearted moment when asked whether the phrase had been trademarked, confirming it had been done by the Board of Regents shortly after his announcement.
The Sun Devils will return to their regular practice schedule on Monday, with fans looking forward to further insights from Dillingham. The team is set to officially kick off the season on August 30, 2025, against Northern Arizona University, followed by a significant matchup against Baylor University on September 20, 2025. With the season rapidly approaching, Dillingham’s commitment to accountability and culture change remains at the forefront of Arizona State’s ambitions.
For more updates on Arizona State football and insights into the potential for Leavitt to earn All-American honors, stay tuned and engage with us on social media.
