ASU may be on an extensive break with a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff, but multiple players have been honored for how impactful they have been on the journey to becoming Big 12 champions.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Associated Press‘ Big 12 awards were announced on Thursday and seven Sun Devils were recognized.
2024 AP Big 12 awards
Coach of the Year: Kenny Dillingham (unanimous)
Newcomer of the Year: quarterback Sam Leavitt
First Team: defensive back Xavion Alford, running back Cam Skattebo, offensive lineman Leif Fautanu
Second Team: Leavitt, defensive lineman CJ Fite, wide receiver Jordyn Tyson
Last Thursday, the Big 12 announced the first and second teams, Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, Offensive and Defensive Freshmen of the Year and honorable mentions.
Tyson and Fautanu were on the conference’s first-team while tight end Chamon Metayer and linebacker Keyshaun Elliott made the second-team. Linebacker Caleb McCullough, offensive lineman Ben Coleman and defensive back Myles Rowser were honorable mentions. Tyson was the Big 12’s Offensive Newcomer of the Year and Leavitt was the Offensive Freshman of the Year.
The Coach of the Year by the AP and Big 12 itself, Dillingham has changed the whole trajectory of a team that finished dead-last in the Big 12 Preseason Media Poll to becoming a conference champion and true contender for the National Championship. Establishing a culture of dedicated players who want to play for ASU after many players transferred from other situations, the Sun Devils went from 3-9 last year to 11-2 and received the No. 4 spot in the CFP.
Hitting the ground running from the time he stepped foot in Tempe, Leavitt has been a revelation since Jaden Rashada transferred to Georgia before the season began. Leavitt has completed 180-of-287 passes (62.7%) for 2,444 yards, 21 touchdowns and just five interceptions in 11 games, with Arizona State going 11-1 with him under center.
While he won’t be available for the CFP, Tyson blossomed in his first year at ASU. Finding instant chemistry with Leavitt, the Texas native finished the season with 75 receptions for 1,101 yards and 14 touchdowns before suffering an undisclosed injury vs. Arizona on Nov. 30.
Dec 7, 2024; Arlington, TX, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils running back Cam Skattebo (4) celebrates with Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham with the Big 12 Championship trophy after the game against the Iowa State Cyclones at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
The major story around Arizona State’s “Cinderella Story” of a season can be attributed to Skattebo and how dominant he has been for the majority of the year. The running back has rushed for 1,398 yards and 17 touchdowns from 247 carries while also picking up 35 receptions for an additional 468 yards and two touchdowns. Skattebo received one vote out of 43 for the AP Player of the Year.
After being ruled out for the entire 2022 season with a leg injury before his second-time transfer waiver was rejected in 2023, Alford has quickly become a leader and key contributor to ASU’s defense. Alford has amassed 75 tackles, defended two passes and snagged two interceptions in 774 defensive snaps.
ASU will await the winner of No. 5 Texas and No. 12 Clemson to see who the Sun Devils will face in the Peach Bowl on Jan. 1 in Atlanta, Ga. Clemson and Texas will clash on Dec. 21 in the first round of the CFP.
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Reporter Alec Cipollini covers the Phoenix Suns, ASU Athletics and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @AlecCipollini
