2 Major Observations From Arizona State's Thursday Practice

In today's edition of the Sun Devils Insider Podcast, we take a look at three major observations from the day that was on Thursday.

Cutter Boley (#8 QB) during ASU football practice at Kajikawa Practice fields in Tempe, Arizona, on March 19, 2026. | Mark Henle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

TEMPE -- In today's episode of the Arizona State Sun Devils Insider Podcast, we take a look at three major observations from Thursday's practice and what they mean for the ASU program going forward.

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Below are pertinent topics that remain relevant during spring - follow them below with Arizona State on SI.

Growth of Defense Being Closely Monitored

The Arizona State defense has greatly benefited from the amended contract that head coach Kenny Dillingham agreed to back in December, as one of the main perks of the new deal included a salary pool for assistant coaches that was raised by more than one million dollars.

The fallout from the uptick in salary pool included moving Brian Ward to a lone-track role as defensive coordinator, which also allowed the hiring of Demetrice Martin as CB coach and promotion of David Gibbs to safeties coach. Bryan Carrington was promoted to assistant head coach and passing game coordinator, which will give the defense more eyes around them this season, as it is largely comprised of new players.

Arizona State defensive coordinator Brian Ward runs a drill for his secondary during the first day of fall practice in Tempe, Ariz. on July 30, 2025. | Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The secondary has been especially impressive through two-plus weeks of spring. Carrington previously alluded to how crucial the increase of scholarship cornerbacks was - the group went from five to eight. LSU transfer Ashton Stamps has been the single most eye-opening performer thus far, pushing forward the notion that the Sun Devils' cornerback room has potential to be even better in 2026.

The safety room has benefited greatly from having more eyes on it, as Lyrik Rawls brings experience and standout all-around play reminiscent of Xavion Alford. Jessiah McGrew has been the ball hawk that is traditionally sought after in a Ward-coached defense, while Montana Warren has the potential to move back to safety in his own right after primarily playing nickel last year.

Nov 8, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Kansas Jayhawks safety Lyrik Rawls (2) against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Special Teams Battles Remain Crucial

There are several position battles raging for Jack Nudo's group - including kicker, punter, and return specialists.

Mar 3, 2026; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils head football coach Kenny Dillingham (left) with booster Jay Blegen against the Kansas Jayhawks at Desert Financial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The punter spot is held down by the returning Kanyon Floyd - who played through last season with a nagging injury - and Nick McLarty, a 6'7" transfer from Ohio State that has displayed a rocket leg throughout spring. Carson Smith is the favorite to be the starting kicker, but Carston Kieffer is in the way. Lastly, the return specialists continue to shuffle around, but Jaren Hamilton and Cory Butler Jr. remain the favorites to sit back in the roles.