ASU’s offense working on passing drills early Tuesday morning pic.twitter.com/fOCHwJZO9j
— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) August 13, 2024
Gov. Kenny Dillingham
Practice was inside the Verde Dickey Dome at the Kajikawa Practice Fields after Dillingham called Monday “the hardest practice” in his two years at ASU.
He tells the players he’ll take care of them as long as they’re practicing hard, and the outside work in the heat on Monday was rewarded with an inside session on Tuesday.
“Once you guys grow up and you put in the work, then I’m gonna be your governor,” Dillingham said he told his team. “They put in the work and I have to govern them from themselves. Tomorrow, we’re gonna get back after it (outside) though, so they better strap it up.”
Ward said the depth on the defense helps keep legs fresh, especially on days when the team is outside and heat is a factor. He pointed to ASU’s 14-week schedule with two bye weeks as a challenge they’re gearing up to be ready for.
The Sun Devils have less than three weeks now before they start that schedule on Aug. 31 when Wyoming comes to Mountain America Stadium. Wyoming prep hasn’t started quite yet, though.
“We’re focused on us,” Dillingham said.
Arizona transfer Kongaika brings the energy
Jacob Kongaika, a defensive tackle entering his first year with ASU after transferring from rival Arizona, is a cog on a defensive front that emphasizes an unorthodox technique allowing for fluid play along the line.
arizona state defensive tackle jacob kongaika on how he’s fitting in after transferring from arizona and the emphasis this defensive front puts on takeaways. pic.twitter.com/pkLUFmCAjp
— Damon Allred (@iamdamonallred) August 13, 2024
“When I met with Coach Ward the first time, he told me that he wants the D-line to play freely and be able to just make plays wherever you can and get vertical, get up the field,” Kongaika said. “At (Arizona) we didn’t do that too much, but now that I’m here it’s just a lot of fun, I’m able to just fly around and have fun and play the game.
“We actually like to get to the quarterback a lot. We emphasize reaching and running … and if it’s quick passes, try to get our hands up and tip balls.”
Kongaika over the weekend was keeping spirits high at the start of practices by being himself: singing along to “Hey Ya” or “Party in the USA” ahead of the Camp T scrimmage.
“I like to have a lot of fun, I like to spread happiness and joy,” Kongaika said. “There’s times where I have to lock in a little and I just have to bring energy for the team. If we’re a little down on a day I have to bring energy for the team … and I know they do the same for me.”
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Publish date : 2024-08-13 11:26:00
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