Deep within the trees of Camp Tontozona, a fierce quarterback battle was brewing. Four players were competing for one starting role.
With Sam Leavitt departing for LSU and Jeff Sims out of eligibility, a hole opened up for the Sun Devils in the quarterback room.
The lone returning quarterback, Cameron Dyer, did not play his freshman season, and three other talents of varying backgrounds are looking to fill the void.
Cutter Boley transferred in following two seasons at Kentucky. Mikey Keene is making his fourth stop in six seasons. He spent two years each at UCF and Fresno State before being the backup quarterback at Michigan last season. Finally, Jake Fette joins as a four-star recruit and ESPN's No. 4 quarterback in the class.
Going into fall camp, a haze had fallen over the QB room, with no starter being listed. Head coach Kenny Dillingham said during camp that the final-day scrimmage would be a "big day" in deciding a starter for Week 1, according to DevilsDigest.
READ MORE: Offensive observations: Main takeaways from ASU spring football
While no starter was named immediately following the scrimmage, Boley and Keene split most of the reps, potentially lining up a QB battle for the two transfers. Dyer and Fette also saw time on the field.
The battle for the starting spot hasn't deterred the four from connecting off the field, using Camp T as a perfect place to build a bond between the Sun Devils.
"We've got four dudes that are all ready to play, ready to win for us," Keene said following the scrimmage. "We love each other in that room."
Keene also emphasized that winning is the team's priority, meaning each will be happy for the quarterback the coaching staff decides puts ASU in the best position to win.
Support and teamwork have been the message all camp long. From sixth-year guys like Keene to true freshmen like Fette, the team has been able to put the hustle of school and life aside to spend the weekend bonding with their teammates.
"When you're back in Tempe, you're brothers in the facility, but outside of that you just hang out with your little clique," Fette said. "Out here, you don't just meet up with your cliques; you hang out with the entire team."
This bonding experience was also a chance for fans to get a first real look at the team, with Saturday's scrimmage open to the public. Sun Devil faithful took this opportunity by storm, lining up lawn chairs bright and early despite the 90-minute drive from the Tempe campus.
Dillingham and the players certainly noticed this action from the fanbase.
"This has got to get you juiced to play football," Dillingham said. "It's one of my favorite days of the year."
The moment was particularly special for Keene, who is making a return home after spending his high school years playing for Chandler High School.
"It's been a while since I've been back home," Keene said. "I've got some special memories in that place, and (I'm) excited to make some wins."
Edited by Alex Swift, Carsten Oyer, and Claire Bixby
Reach the reporter at aldeutsc@asu.edu and follow @AlanDeutschend3 on X.
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Alan Deutschendorf is a sports editor in his fourth semester with State Press. He was previously a sports reporter, covering volleyball, softball and a variety of other sports. Alan also works as an Event Assistant in the Edson Events office and is on the Sun Devils Roundnet club team.
