Devil's Junkie Podcast

Arizona State landed talented St. John Bosco RB Demetrious Flowers as part of a two-day run that saw three California prospects commit to the Sun Devils. Flowers talks with Ralph Amsden about his recruitment, and what led to his decision to head to Tempe next year. 

Arizona State's second of three commitments in a three day span, 2018 Mission Viejo LB Christian LaValle, talks with Ralph Amsden of The Devil's Junkie Podcast about what led to his verbal pledge to the Sun Devils.

2018 Calabasas outside linebacker Reggie Hughes announced his commitment to Arizona State via social media on Monday, June 19th, and was kind enough to join me for a quick recap of what went into his decision. 

In this 2+ hour extended episode of The Devil's Junkie Podcast, Ralph Amsden goes in depth with members of the Devil's Digest staff on football, basketball and baseball. First, Ralph talks about some of the recent departures from the program, as well as some other media reports involving Arizona State football. Then, publisher Hod Rabino drops in to talk about who ASU fans can expect to step up in the wake of Kareem Orr's transfer and Armand Perry's medical retirement. Next, Speak of the Devils co-host Joe Healey talks about the recently released gametimes for ASU football's forst three contests, as well as what he's discovered during his series of in depth previews of the Sun Devils' 2017 foes. We also have Justin Toscano on the podcast to discuss Bobby Hurley's May 31st press conference, as well as give his impression of the 2017-2018 ASU basketball squad. Finally, Justin addresses the drama filled baseball season from the perspective of one of the closest reporters to the action, and discusses whether he f

In this 80 Minute Episode Ralph Amsden interviews Rivals Southeast Recruiting Analyst Woody Wommack, Arizona State Offensive Lineman Marshal Nathe, and DevilsDigest.com publisher Hod Rabino.  Intro: What will it take to get ASU football to the next level? Recruiting Update (13:30): Arizona State is at the bottom of the Pac-12 2018 verbal commitment totem poll. A look into why ASU has started slowly- plus, who is ASU looking at and what positions are they prioritizing? Interview with Woody Wommack (37:45): Who performed well in the Rivals regional combine and camp in Los Angeles? Why has ASU largely missed on the players they've recruited from the southeast? Interview with Marshal Nathe (56:40): Marshal Nathe talks about his experience coming back from injury, transitioning to center, and how his family and coach Graham have shaped his values, work ethic and leadership ability. Interview with Hod Rabino (1:05:20): A look at why players cycle in and out of the basketball program with relative frequency, and whe

Saturday, March 18th was Arizona State's 2017 Spring Junior Day. Some of the best and brightest of the class of 2018 made the trip to Sun Devil Stadium to from all over the southwest, where they observed practice, met with coaches, and sat through presentations on the future of Sun Devil football. On this special episode of The Devil's Junkie Podcast, I talk to 13 players that visited the campus for Junior Day, and get their feedback on what they saw.  Chandler (AZ) Hamilton QB Tyler Shough (1:00) Gilbert (AZ) Perry QB Brock Purdy (6:35) Scottsdale (AZ) Notre Dame Prep ATH Cole Fisher (10:10) Phoenix (AZ) Mountain Pointe S Kenny Churchwell (13:55) Scottsdale (AZ) Saguaro ATH Giovanni Miranda (20:50) Safford (AZ) OT Ralph Frias (25:30) Phoenix (AZ) Pinnacle OT Ben Fox (30:30) Chandler (AZ) Hamilton DE/OLB Brayden Flynn (37:20) Phoenix (AZ) Mountain Pointe RB Gary Bragg (42:55) San Bernardino (CA) Aquinas RB Branden Rankins (46:50) Manvel (TX) CB Kameron Pedesleaux (51:30) Newbury Park (CA) DT Kamakani Crosby (

In this 59-minute episode of the Devil's Junkie Podcast Ralph Amsden gets into the first few practices of the 2017 spring session. Does this Arizona State team have an identity? How are the new coaches faring? Which players have made strides forward? How should fans approach 2017 knowing that it's likely make or break for this staff? We get into all that in this episode, as well as conversations with senior running backs Kalen Ballage and Demario Richard. Devils Digest staff writer Fabian Ardaya talks about the Sun Devils' offense and the quarterback battle, while Devils Digest publisher talks about the defense, Todd Graham's evolution as a coach, and the message board community Rabino has helped foster over the last two decades. Finally, Ralph Amsden answers questions from Devils Digest subscribers. Intro What have spring practices looked like? How should fans view this 2017 team? Interview with Kalen Ballage (18:40) Ballage had an opportunity to pursue an NFL career- instead, he returned for his senior seas

The Devil's Junkie Podcast, S3E3 (80 minutes): 2017 could bring good things for Arizona State football and basketball, so long as everything goes according to plan. Will it? Ralph Amsden addresses concerns with the way the basketball team is constructed, whether the 2017 football signing class will make an impact, and the non-stop football coaching carousel. He also breaks down who ASU football is looking to recruit in the early stages of the 2018 cycle, and takes questions from DevilsDigest subscribers. Intro A look at the shortcomings of this year's ASU basketball team in the wake of a 68-43 home loss to Cal, and a discussion about whether or not they're primed for future success.  Segment 2 (7:20) A breakdown of ASU football's 2017 signing class. Will they make an impact right away?  Segment 3 (27:30) Arizona State can't seem to stop hiring coaches that end up linked to jobs elsewhere. Why is this happening, and how will it affect Todd Graham? Is there an end in sight to the non-stop coaching carousel?  S

In this edition of the Devil's Junkie Podcast, Ralph Amsden examines the make-up of the coaching staff after the arrival of Billy Napier, previews ASU's 2017 class on the eve on signing day, talks with some walk-ons that the Sun Devils are bringing into the program, and takes questions from the Devil's Digest subscribers. 

Season 3 of The Devil's Junkie Podcast kicks off with host Ralph Amsden examining the recent coaching departures, as well as how they're impacting both recruiting and Arizona State's impact in the Pac-12.  Intro: Ralph compares Arizona State's recent coaching carousel to the smash hit film, Good Luck Chuck. A film, ironically, directed by a man named Mark Helfrich. Segment 1 (3:45) Why did Chip Lindsey leave for Auburn? A look at how Arizona State lost their second offensive coordinator in two years, as well as an examination of how all the rest of the assistant coaching changes Arizona State has experienced are impacting Arizona State's ability to be succesful on the field, as well as in recruiting. Segment 2 (22:13) What direction will the Sun Devils go in theis search for an offensive coordinator? A look and the candidates, and why they might, or might not fit.  Segment 3 (37:35) Arizona State has managed to secure a decent amount of talent over the last two seasons in spite of instability. Ralph breaks do

In this episode Ralph Amsden brings in DevilsDigest.com publisher Hod Rabino to talk recruiting questions and concerns regarding the 2017 class, as well as Hod's memories of this year's group of seniors. He also talks with DevilsDigest staff writer Fabian Ardaya about the type of offense that Utah runs, and about Arizona State's chances of knocking off the ranked team. 

Ralph Amsden, Brett Quintyne and Chilly talk about Arizona State's 37-32 loss to Washington State, as well as Todd Graham's confrontation with Mike Leach afterward.  Brett interviews Pac 12 Network TV Analyst Anthony Herron about what he saw from this Sun Devils team. The guys preview and make predictions about Arizona State's trip to take on 2-5 Oregon. 

Ralph Amsden, Brett Quintyne and Chilly talk about Arizona State's flat performance in Boulder, and grapple over whether or not ASU lost to a "better" team. The topic of Manny Wilkins is a sore subject, figuratively and literally- should he have been left in? Ralph asks Brett and Chilly whether the NCAA should step in and do something to put an end to Mike Leach's accusations of Arizona State attempting to gain an unfair advantage through signal stealing.  Last, the guys talk about what ASU needs to do to take down their third air-raid opponent of the season this weekend. 

Ralph Amsden, Brett Quintyne and Chilly reflect on Arizona State's 23-20 win over UCLA to move to 5-1, and discuss what to expect in an upstart Colorado team in Boulder next week.  With Dillon Sterling Cole likely to start, and Jack Smith likely to fill an emergency backup role as Manny Wilkins heals and Brady White sits out an extended period, the guys let you know what you can expect from both quarterbacks. They also discuss Brady White's debut performance.

Ralph Amsden, Brett Quintyne and Chilly talk about Arizona State's blowout loss to USC, and what needs to be done to right the ship this week to secure a win over the UCLA Bruins.  The guys discuss the blowouts that have occurred during the Todd Graham era, and whether those types of losses are keeping people from being satisfied with the overall success of the program. They also continue to beat to death the notion that ASU has gotten away from its (or perhaps never had a) commitment to the running game.  Brady White's pros and cons are discussed and the guys predict the outcome of this week's game. 

Ralph Amsden, Brett Quintyne and Chilly walk through what was a bizarre and discouraging first half for Arizona against Cal, and then an insane offensive and defensive explosion in the second half to keep the Sun Devils undefeated.  The guys talk about Arizona State's shift in recruiting priorities under Donnie Yantis, and how locking up locals translates into future recruiting success. Last, a preview and prediction for ASU's week 5 game against the embattled USC Trojans. 

Ralph Amsden, Brett Quintyne and Chilly discuss Arizona State's 32-28 win over UTSA, and look ahead to the Sun Devils attempt to go 4-0 with a victory over Cal.  The guys discuss Cal's roster and tendencies, and give their predictions about who will come out on top.  Additional topics include whether Manny Wilkins is risking his body the way he runs the ball, nitpicking the holes (if there are any) in N'Keal Harry's game, and the seemingly awful run of luck for Pac-12 South teams in recent weeks. 

Ralph Amsden, Brett Quintyne and Chilly talk about Arizona State's 68-55 win over Texas Tech, and talk about how this win adjusts season expectations. The guys talk about whether Manny Wilkins has shown his entire repertoire, and discuss whether or not to credit Todd Graham for so many players that have changed positions seeing playing time.

Ralph Amsden, Brett Quintyne and Chilly talk about Arizona State's 44-13 win over Northern Arizona, and preview Texas Tech as the upcoming opponent.  The guys do a position-by-position breakdown of the week 1 performances, and discuss whether Manny Wilkins looks good enough to be in the saddle for the long haul. They also break down which recruits showed up, and what Arizona State's chances are at landing them. Last, DJ Foster made the Patriots 53-man roster, and Ralph doesn't think ASU fans should be entirely happy about that. Chilly and Brett offer their feedback on that hot take.

Ralph Amsden talks with Brett Quintyne and Chilly about how ASU football's offseason has gone, including Pac-12 Media Day, Camp Tontozona, and Arizona State's in-house Media Day.  Includes Interviews with Christian Sam, Kareem Orr, Demario Richard and Todd Graham. The guys also talk about the state of ASU basketball, and Brett has a lengthy interview with ArizonaVarsity.com head basketball analyst Gregg Rosenberg.