After years of being "MLB U," ASU is looking to put its stamp on the NFL at the 2026 Draft on April 23.
While ASU has had more players selected at the MLB Draft than any other school, it is more than just a baseball school. Perfectly evidenced by the turnout at its pro day, ASU is weeks away from potentially having multiple names called in Pittsburgh for the NFL Draft.
After stellar careers in Tempe, wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, offensive lineman Max Iheanachor and defensive back Keith Abney II have had their names thrown around as first or second day picks, with the first two being taken in the first round of many mock drafts.
With other players like linebacker Jordan Crook, linebacker Keyshaun Elliott and defensive back Xavion Alford being thrown around in NFL conversations, ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham credits the work ethic of his players that put them in a position of being at the next level.
"The biggest help was their work," Dillingham said. "Not the staff, not a magical person teaching them to step correctly. It was the work that these guys have put in for two or three years."
While Dillingham said the players' work ethic deserves credit for getting them to the pros, players flip the credit back to their coach.
Spending two seasons under Dillingham, Elliott calls on current and future Sun Devils to take advantage of the opportunity that playing under ASU's head coach gives.
"If you have the opportunity to get coached by him, take it," Elliott said. "If you are getting coached by him currently, don't leave it. He changed so much about my game, how I held myself, not only as an athlete, but as a person."
One of the biggest benefits that playing in Tempe has given its players is the opportunity to have career turnarounds. A majority of potential NFL-bound players had the chance to play on the 2024 team that exceeded all expectations, taking a team from a 3-9 record all the way to the College Football Playoff.
Tallying 26 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 2024, defensive lineman Justin Wodtly credits the Sun Devils for giving him the chance to play on Sundays.
"When I walked out of high school, I was bottom of the bottom," Wodtly said. "Nobody believed in me. I don't even know if I had a star as a recruit. When I got to Tempe, it changed everything."
Dillingham also wants to place heavy emphasis on the connection between current players and alumni who went pro.
With former Sun Devils like Chris Edmonds at pro day, Dillingham is happy to see alumni still around the program.
While the list of former Sun Devils in the pros Dillingham has coached is short, he still appreciates appearances from players who went from ASU to the NFL. Whether it's practice, pro day or gameday, he's happy to give them a home to return to.
"I want guys to come back, and I want guys to feel involved here," Dillingham said. "If you graduate from here, I want you to feel like this is home. You can come back whenever you want, and it's a comfort zone."
At ASU's pro day, Dillingham took the time to talk to some big names in the NFL world. In an environment that included Mike Vrabel, Matt Ryan, Kevin Stefanski and more, Dillingham spent a lot of time with Joe Schoen and John Harbaugh, the New York Giants' general manager and head coach.
However, the Giants weren't the only team Dillingham spoke to at pro day.
Making sure to vouch for all of his players who look to be league-bound, Dillingham explained the pitch he gives to all NFL teams.
"I tell all the teams, 'watch the tape and meet our guys,'" Dillingham said. "Meet them, have a conversation with them. They love competition. They're good people."
Edited by Niall Rosenberg, Jack McCarthy and Pippa Fung.
Reach the reporter at aswift10@asu.edu and follow @alexswiftsports on X.
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