What Does Sam Leavitt Need to Improve in 2025?

The Arizona State QB is in a great spot - but isn't flawless.

Nov 16, 2024; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) hands off to running back Cam Skattebo (4) against the Kansas State Wildcats during the second quarter at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-Imagn Images | Scott Sewell-Imagn Images

Sam Leavitt is an undeniable force in the world of college football and has been one of the paramount focuses of the offseason after guiding Arizona State to a first-ever College Football Playoff appearance to cap off the 2024 season.

Much of the intrigue surrounding Leavitt as a player is based on the perceived lack of 'holes' in his game. The redshirt sophomore is one of the most well-rounded players in all of college football, balancing risk-taking with protecting the ball - all while displaying a big arm, incredible athleticism, and the ability to be an astute decision maker.

Blake Brockermeyer of CBS Sports named one aspect each of the biggest stars in college football can improve on in the upcoming season - Leavitt's happened to be 'cutting down on overthrows.'

Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) throws a touchdown pass to wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (0) against the Utah Utes in the first half at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Oct. 11, 2024. | Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

More rationale from Brockermeyer:

"The more I watch Leavitt, the more I like him. Scrappy, clutch, accurate, and in control of Kenny Dillingham's offense, he doesn't leave many holes to pick at. But almost all of his interceptions were overthrows to open receivers. Trusting his arm, ripping throws instead of guiding them, and keeping the ball down will push him from solid to special."

The 'overthrow' mantra is a point of improvement that is more small-picture compared to many other high-level quarterbacks. Leavitt's accuracy is typically phenomenal, and the field general frequently makes incredible throws from different angles - but he did have an occasional issue of overthrowing a deep shot.

Leavitt's expected personal progression, being more comfortable in OC Marcus Arroyo's playcalling structure, and the Sun Devil roster adding speedster WR Jaren Hamilton - among other targets - are reasons to believe that this part of his game will be more refined in 2025.

Sep 21, 2024; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) takes a snap against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the first half at Jones AT&T Stadium and Cody Campbell Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images | Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images

The Sun Devils are also sure to face stout defenses in 2025 - with Utah and Texas Tech examples of well-built units that possess especially strong front-lines.

Leavitt will get the opportunity to show marked growth compared to last season, beginning tonight, but his first major test is set to be next Saturday - when the Sun Devils take on Mississippi State in a contentious road battle.

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

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