Arizona State’s experienced defensive line embraces the “4 = 1” Motto

(Photo: Kaylee Wilkerson/WCSN)

TEMPE — Arizona State’s new-look defense will take the field together for the first time this Saturday against Morgan State.

Through recruiting and the transfer portal, ASU added over 20 players to the unit. With an influx of young players, one position’s collective experience stands out — the defensive line.

The line will once again be anchored by fourth-year player C.J. Fite. This weekend, he’ll line up in the trenches next to three players. When the ball is snapped, all four execute as one body. Sun Devil defensive line coach Diron Reynolds calls it “4 = 1.”

“Four equals one means if one wins, we all win,” fifth-year Baylor transfer Emar’rion Winston said. “C.J. Fite throws a crazy move, he gets a sack, we all push the pocket, he converts and gets it, we all won that rep.”

That identity starts with Fite, whose role has expanded each year he’s been in Tempe. After playing the fifth‑most defensive snaps among the unit in 2023, he placed second and first in 2024 and 2025, respectively.

With more experience, Fite has stepped into a leadership role in the locker room, earning the nickname “Captain Fite.” Like a ship captain, he’s tasked with keeping his crew steady when trouble hits.

“We’ve gone through adversity,” Fite said. “I think we’re mature enough to be able to play our brand of football each game and each play.”

That culture shows up after practice, as defensive linemen are often among the last to exit Kajikawa Practice Fields. Sometimes, they stay to get extra reps on the TEK sled. Other times, like Tuesday, they linger for a chance to bond with each other.

Consistently late to leave are two edge rusher transfers: Winston and fourth-year Michigan State transfer Jalen Thompson.

“My body is building the habit off the field,” Winston said. “And not just habits, but it grows my mind to do things out of those habits.”

Even with plenty of new faces in the room, ASU was able to maintain a sense of continuity. 11 linemen who were rostered last year have returned, and eight of those 11 played at least one defensive snap in 2025.

One of them is fifth‑year Roman Pitre, who is primed for his biggest role yet. On Wednesday morning, the Sun Devils released an official depth chart. At one of the EDGE spots, Pitre’s name is bolded with an “or” designation appearing beneath, right by Winston’s name, which is also bolded, signaling the two veterans will rotate at the position.

“I just want to wreak havoc,” Pitre said. “As the years have progressed, I’ve always gotten a little bit better each year.”

Another veteran presence is fifth‑year Zac Swanson, who has yet to complete a fully healthy season at ASU. In his first year with the Sun Devils, he appeared in 13 games while managing a nagging shoulder injury throughout the season.

In April 2025, Swanson broke his foot when another player fell on his leg during practice. Despite the injury, he pushed through and played 27 defensive snaps last season, although that number was a steep drop from the 261 he logged the year before.

Swanson credits his gritty mindset to his father, Pete, who spent four seasons in the NFL.

“You gotta play through injuries,” Swanson said. “My dad, he had four shoulder surgeries, a foot surgery, he was definitely hurt a lot too.”

A transfer from Texas, Swanson arrived on campus during Fite’s sophomore season in 2024. That was also the year ASU won the Big 12 championship and clinched a College Football Playoff berth.

It has been nearly a year since they stepped onto the field together. With Swanson listed with an “or” designation under fifth‑year Blazen Lono‑Wong, it’s reasonable to expect he could line up next to Fite on a few snaps against the Bears.

“When I came here, (Fite) was already a really good leader,” Swanson said. “He’s the main leader on the team. He’s someone that everyone can count on.”

With the season opener just days away, Fite and the other seasoned linemen are focused on playing with “4 = 1” cohesion. Whether a player is a newcomer or has already worn the Maroon and Gold, the expectation within the group remains the same: play as one.

“We play together,” Fite said. “I’m excited for the new guys to feel what ASU football is about.”