ASU Linebackers Ready to Run It Back for Another Year

(Photo: Spencer Barnes/WCSN)

TEMPE — Upon his arrival in 2023, Arizona State defensive coordinator Brian Ward implemented a Nickel Defense or 4-2-5 scheme. The design requires athleticism, versatility and, most importantly, the ability to stop both the run and pass.

One of, if not the, most critical component in ASU’s Nickel Defense comes from the two linebackers allowed on the field. While the Sun Devils’ coaching staff can take comfort in having the position group be composed of mostly returning players, spring camp has put the linebacking core under an intense microscope before the kick-off of this upcoming season.

“Based on our system, the most coaching and teaching and the moving parts is going to happen with the linebacker room,” Ward said. “In a lot of systems, it’s on the safeties and on the outside linebackers. With our system, it’s really on those backers having that continuity and chemistry.”

Under the stewardship of linebackers coach A.J. Cooper, ASU’s linebackers were a major contributor to the overall defense going from eighth-worst amongst Power 5 teams to 38th-best in the country during the 2024 season. Four members of the group finished top-10 on the team in total tackles while also recording at least one interception.

However, the season’s end meant the departure of redshirt senior Caleb McCullough who led all linebackers on the team in total tackles and tackles for loss. The void he leaves will have to be filled from within as rotational players step up towards a starting role and freshmen from last season come into their own.

Senior Keyshaun Elliott returns to the starting job he occupied in 2024 in hopes of putting a stamp on his remarkably consistent collegiate career. The Missouri native spent his first two seasons at New Mexico State where he earned a Conference USA Second-Team selection before transferring to ASU. In 13 games, he recorded 65 total tackles, four tackles for loss and an interception.

Spring camp thus far has given Elliott a chance to use his status as an established veteran amongst the linebackers to lead by example and even add long-snapping to his arsenal for a potential run at going pro.

“Personally, I always try to critique myself to the max, put in extra work, make sure I’m taking care of my body,” Elliott said. “If an opportunity comes, it’s going to happen. I’m going to put in the work that it takes to do that, but my main focus right now is doing what’s best for the team.”

The leading candidate to fill the shoes of McCullough and assume a starting position alongside Elliott is senior Jordan Crook. After recording 40 tackles in 25 games at Arkansas, Crook exploded onto the scene during his first season in Tempe by finishing sixth on the team in total tackles after playing in the final 11 games of the 2024 season.

His work ethic on the practice field alongside his dedication to improving his pass coverage hasn’t gone unnoticed by Cooper who expects major things from Crook this year.

“Crook brings a different energy on the field, in the locker room and in the weight room,” Cooper said. “That guy loves football. I think he really loves being at ASU, and with the work he puts in here, I’m really proud of him for how far he’s come as a person, as a player in the last year since I’ve been here.”

Redshirt senior Zyrus Fiaseu is another transfer portal addition who has gradually evolved into a heart-and-soul leader of the linebacking room. A pick-six on the second play of the season was a precursor to a 2024 campaign where the Nevada native played in all 14 games and collected 34 tackles following a three-year stint at San Diego State.

Outside of his standard of providing consistent play as a rotational piece, Fiaseu is a respected voice in the locker room due to his experience and the drive he showcases during practices at spring camp.

“He’s been very consistent and that’s what I appreciate about him,” Cooper said. “Now what you’re seeing, his consistency is standard and his play is increasing slowly but surely. And I’ve been very appreciative of that. That’s something we talked a lot about in the offseason, and you can see he’s definitely putting that to use out here.

“I think he’s got a voice in the locker room tape. I think he has a lot of respect that’s been earned in the locker room from the way he goes to work.”

Rounding out the linebacking core is the potential second-year jump of sophomore Martell Hughes. Unlike his three veteran teammates, Hughes has been a Sun Devil since day one of his collegiate career. Despite getting reps in 13 games, the learning curve from transitioning from playing safety in high school hampered the San Diego native from carving out an extensive role as a freshman.

The offseason and spring camp has seen Hughes take the necessary measures to step up his game. He’s added 20 pounds to his weight while working towards becoming more familiar with the system in order to improve his comfort level when on the field.

“He’s moving as good, if not better than he was last year,” Cooper said. “He’s more physical, he’s more disruptive. He’s got a better grasp of the defense, so I’m really, really excited for him. He’s got a chance to be a weapon for us.”

One thing head coach Kenny Dillingham and his coaching staff have preached time and time again as the team gets back to work is that there’s always room for improvement. Just because a majority of ASU’s linebackers are experienced and accomplished doesn’t mean they can skip out on putting in work during the spring. The Sun Devils’ 4-2-5 defense requires the linebacking core to be at its best which means trying to top last year’s heights starting now.

“Not looking too far ahead and definitely not looking in the past; just stay present, focused and not forgetting about the standards,” Cooper said. “Pushing those guys, holding those guys at the standards regardless of if you’re a true freshman or a fifth-year senior.”