ASU Offensive Line Remains a Work-In-Progress

(Photo: Maya Diaz)

TEMPE — While it may not be the most highlight-worthy position on the field, few can argue against the importance of having a strong offensive line. Whether protecting the quarterback from the pass rush or opening up lanes for the running game, winning plays are made possible by first winning in the trenches.

20-year coaching veteran Saga Tuitele was brought in to be Arizona State’s offensive line coach as part of head coach Kenny Dillingham’s inaugural staff with this in mind. In just two seasons, his efforts paved the way for running back Cam Skattebo to rush for over 1,700 yards while only allowing quarterback Sam Leavitt to be sacked 1.5 times a game on average in 2024.

However, this spring has put Tuitele at the helm of a transition period in his position group. Having to fill the shoes of recent departures while trying to ensure a step forward is taken next season leaves the offensive line in a state of flux going forward.

“Communication, alignment, you just have to improve everything,” Tuitele said. “It’s not one specific thing, but just controlling what you need to control and as you get through it, make sure they’re ready by the first game.”

ASU will be without two previous starters on the offensive line going into the 2025 season in center Leif Fautanu and right guard Cade Briggs. Replacing Fautanu in particular is of critical importance for the Sun Devils due to his first-team All-Big 12 caliber blocking and previous position on the Pat Tillman Leadership Council.

When approached by Tuitele about making the transition from left guard to center, graduate Ben Coleman accepted the challenge without hesitation. The son of a former NFL second-round pick enters his seventh year of eligibility and is coming off an outstanding 2024 campaign where he had the sixth-highest pass-blocking grade among all FBS players according to PFF.

Despite the challenges that come with becoming the focal point of the offensive line and building a strong rapport with Leavitt, Coleman has embraced the switchover with open arms this spring.

“I think the biggest issue is just footwork,” Coleman said. “I think me and Sam (Leavitt) have had a great relationship and it’s really important. I think that was the easiest part of the transition. Understanding where to put everybody on the same page.

“My missed assignments have been super low, that’s something I pride myself on. My penalties have been super low, so those are two things I always think of is I want to have low penalties and I want to have low missed assignments. That way the only thing I’m worrying about is the physical aspect, and I feel like that’s easy to correct.”

The newfound vacancy at the starting left guard spot has resulted in a competition between redshirt sophomore Sean Na’a and redshirt senior Jimeto Obigbo.

Since committing to ASU in 2023, Na’a has been no stranger to facing and adapting to adversity. The California native went from being given starting duties one day before a game due to injuries to seven straight starts his freshman season. Fast forward two years later, he’s practicing with the first team offensive line while also being named to the Pat Tillman Leadership Council.

On the other hand, Obigbo spent two seasons at both Incarnate Word and Texas State before transferring to Arizona State in January. The seventh-best pass blocker in the Sun Belt Conference last season according to PFF has impressed Tuitele during the last five weeks of camp in spite of the learning curve that comes with joining a new offensive scheme.

“I make it hard for him because I want him to be able to come through and get through all the adversities, and he understands that,” Tuitele said. “I always ask him. I say, ‘Do you want me to pat you on the back, or do you want me to step on you so you can grow?’, and he says, ‘Coach, just keep pushing.’ He’s doing a good job, he’s got thick skin. He’s going to make mistakes, but he’s improving a lot.”

Obigbo and Nebraska transfer Xander Ruggeroli are the only two members of the offensive line out of the 15 on the current roster who weren’t on the team during the 2024 season. Two of those familiar faces, redshirt seniors Max Iheananchor and Josh Atkins, look to return to the starting positions they held last year.

Iheanachor committed to ASU from East Los Angeles College in 2023, and just like Na’a, was forced to start as a freshman. His over 200 snaps without giving up a sack earned him the starting right tackle position the next year, and he’ll compete to keep that spot against Ruggeroli and redshirt freshman Champ Westbrooks.

After one season each at Houston and Hawaii, Atkins arrived in Tempe through the portal in 2024 and started at left tackle during all 14 games. This spring, the Arlington native has not only dropped down to 315 pounds but has taken it upon himself to make his voice heard amongst his teammates.

“I would really say that Josh Atkins really stepped up in his role,” Obigbo said. “He lost some weight, so now he can actually speak and have the breath to actually lead so I’d say he probably had the biggest leadership jump.”

The final piece of the puzzle is redshirt senior Kyle Scott potentially becoming a full-time starter for the first time as a Sun Devil. Following a season-ending injury in 2023, he took over at right guard after Cade Briggs suffered a wrist injury and started six of the final seven regular season games. In his last year of eligibility at the collegiate level, Scott is taking no shortcuts in trying to put out the best version of himself during practice to ensure he’ll be able to finish what he started.

“I’m trying to continue to grow, just taking it one day at a time,” Scott said. “Doing better with the technique, trying to fine-tune the little details.”.

The Sun Devils return four of their five primary starters on the offensive line from last season. At the same time, Coach Tuitele has made no promises and encouraged competition at every single position from starting center to third-string guard.

With 13 returners alongside a mix of experienced veterans and hungry young guys, spring camp is just the first step in ASU determining who is ready to set the tone for the offense.

“Luckily we don’t have to make a decision until August,” Tuitele said. “I couldn’t tell you who’s starting. The backups are doing good, you’ve got a lot of choices. You’ve got a lot of young guys. But, I’ll let you know in August.”