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Arizona State’s Transfer Linebackers Class is Loaded

Arizona State had a lot of needs that had to be fixed this offseason. The O-Line, D-Line, running backs and secondary were all huge needs for the Sun Devils. If you look at last year, almost all of those positions dealt with injuries galore. Most of the secondary entered the transfer portal after the season. One group that wasn’t talked about that much was the linebackers, but Head Coach Kenny Dillingham attacked that group in the transfer portal and hit big. Let’s take a look at the three linebackers that Dillingham brought in.

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Jordan Crook

Crook was the first one to join the class. Crook was a three-star transfer and high school recruit from Duncanville, Texas. He went to Arkansas for his first two years. Crook played in every game but only had two starts and combined for forty tackles in two seasons. Despite limited opportunities, Crook had shown much promise at Arkansas, so Dillingham took a chance on him. The 6’0 220 pound linebacker had offers from all of the big schools coming out of high school. Schools like Baylor, Nebraska, and Oklahoma State were after him, so he definitely has potential. The two years of eligibility will help Crook gain a consistent role, but he should have a starting job quickly.

Zyrus Fiaseu

Fiaseu is the first of two players who were the best linebackers on their previous team. Fiaseu was at San Diego State. He played so well last season that he was named Defensive MVP for the Aztecs. The linebacker redshirted his first year, then barely played his second, so he had to prove himself in his redshirt sophomore season to have a chance. He did. Fiaseu had 66 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and 11.5 tackles-for-loss. The 6’0 200 pound starter was electric, and he was an All-Conference Team Honorable Mention. Fiaseu brings something most ASU transfers don’t, which is proven experience of being the best at a high level. The former Aztec has that, making him a big piece in the middle of Brian Ward’s defense.

Keyshaun Elliott

Elliott committed this morning to the Sun Devils. He is the first linebacker on this list not to have multiple Power 5 offers. The former New Mexico State Aggie was a two-star out of high school, but man, he proved himself on the field. Elliott didn’t play much during his freshman year but still registered 27 tackles. However, this year, he nearly quintupled that. Elliott had 111 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble this year. That type of production makes you valuable to any team, especially one like Arizona State, who needed linebacker help. Elliott’s production was good enough to earn him All-Conference USA Second Team honors. He is the only player in ASU’s transfer class to be given any conference honor. So, let it be known that Elliott will be a go-to guy for Ward this year. He will be special.

This has been a record-breaking recruiting month for Kenny Dillingham and his team. He has consistently recruited high-level players throughout the month. The linebacker core is no exception. Dillingham is building a program very impressively right now. Will this lead to on-field success?

Former Arizona State Cornerback Eric Allen is an NFL Hall of Fame Finalist

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Zac Tipton is a reporter of the Arizona State Sun Devils for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account @Ztip22Tipton.

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