The Sun Devils' New Spark: Can Tyson, Leavitt, and Sims Ignite ASU's Offense?

Ah, college football. It’s a perpetual cycle of hope, of fresh faces, and — let’s be honest — often a good dose of “what ifs.” And right now, in Tempe, the Arizona State Sun Devils are brimming with exactly that sort of potential, especially as we eye some key figures on the offensive side of the ball. Think about it: a dynamic wide receiver poised for a comeback, and a pair of quarterbacks, each with their own unique story, vying for the spotlight. It’s quite the concoction, isn’t it?

First up, Jordyn Tyson. Remember him? The transfer wide receiver from Colorado, who, in truth, gave us some truly electrifying glimpses of what he can do. His freshman year was, well, it was a highlight reel waiting to happen, wasn’t it? That explosive speed, those incredibly shifty moves. But then, a cruel twist: injury. A torn ACL, specifically. It sidelined him, unfortunately, and kept him off the field for all of 2023. Yet, here we are, Spring practices have wrapped up, and the word — the exciting word — is that Tyson is looking like his old self again. He’s running, cutting, doing all the things that made him such a promising talent to begin with. His return, you could say, injects an immediate dose of vertical threat and big-play potential back into the ASU offense, and honestly, they desperately need it.

But a receiver, no matter how talented, needs a quarterback to get him the ball, right? This is where things get really interesting for Kenny Dillingham’s squad. We’ve got two intriguing options under center, each with their own compelling narrative. There’s Sam Leavitt, the true freshman, a transfer from Michigan State. Now, Leavitt is undoubtedly raw, yes, but he’s also dripping with talent. He’s got a cannon for an arm, a surprising athleticism for a quarterback, and that intangible, youthful energy that can really galvanize a team. You saw glimpses of it during the Spring Game, didn’t you? That willingness to take chances, to extend plays. He’s definitely one for the future, a real project with sky-high potential.

Then, we have Jeff Sims. And Sims, well, he’s a different kind of player altogether. He’s a veteran, a grad transfer from Nebraska, bringing with him a wealth of experience — both good and, shall we say, a bit rocky. He’s been in the SEC, he’s faced top-tier defenses, and he understands the pressure of being a starting quarterback at this level. His arm talent is undeniable, and he’s another guy who can make things happen with his legs when the pocket breaks down. For Dillingham, the choice between Leavitt’s fresh exuberance and Sims’ battle-tested leadership isn't just about who throws the prettiest spiral; it’s about who can best steer this offense, who can make those critical, split-second decisions when it truly matters.

The offensive line, in truth, has been a bit of a question mark for ASU. They’ve got some pieces, sure, but consistency has been the elusive goal. Having a dual-threat quarterback, whether it's Leavitt or Sims, who can escape pressure and create with their feet, frankly, buys them a bit more time. It smooths over some of those inevitable growing pains. And with Tyson back to stretch the field, those quarterbacks suddenly have a legitimate weapon, someone who can turn a short pass into a long gain or draw coverage away from other targets.

So, as the anticipation builds for the season opener, the narrative in Tempe feels refreshingly optimistic. The Sun Devils aren’t just looking for improvement; they’re looking for a spark, an identity. And with Jordyn Tyson ready to explode, and the fascinating quarterback competition between Sam Leavitt and Jeff Sims unfolding, well, they just might have found the ingredients for a truly compelling chapter in ASU football. It’s certainly going to be fun to watch, don’t you think?