Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt took the program to the College Football Playoff in 2024, and a former standout NFL offensive lineman has joined the hype train heading into 2025.
Sam Leavitt Praised by Former Pro Bowl Tackle
Former Tennessee Titans Pro Bowl offensive tackle Taylor Lewan heaped heavy praise upon Leavitt. The tackle-turned-media member proclaimed that Arizona State is on the rise and that Leavitt will hear his name called in the first round.
My interview with @TaylorLewan77 about @ASUFootball, Cam Skattebo and Sam Leavitt.
“I think ASU is gonna be on the map for a really really long time”
“Everything I’m hearing about Sam (Leavitt) is he’s a future first round pick” @BlazeRadioASU pic.twitter.com/Hd8gWxZyX8
— George Lund (@Glundmedia) February 6, 2025
Lewan is completely familiar with bold takes that enter the ether. As a result, his words regarding Leavitt hang in the air.
Now, will the Sun Devil quarterback live up to the lofty standards based on just one year of stellar performance, or will Leavitt struggle with the mantle of high expectations firmly placed on his shoulders and the team needing him to lead?
Leavitt enters the 2025 season with just 17 games and 373 career pass attempts in stops at Michigan State and Arizona State. That level of experience will increase this year, but not without struggle.
One of the issues that jumps off the page is Utah. Leavitt will make the trip up to Salt Lake City on Oct. 11. He will encounter a vastly different Utes squad than last season. First and foremost, quarterback Devon Dampier, a New Mexico transfer, leads a spread offense.
The Utes opened up the field and started to bring athletes accustomed to the spread. They want to run the ball first but also throw the ball vertically.
If Arizona State falls behind, Leavitt will need to stand tall in the pocket. What does Utah traditionally do well? Rush the passer. From Nate Orchard to Bradlee Anae, Kyle Whittingham builds his teams around that ferocity.
During the Big 12 Championship Game, Arizona State stomped Iowa State in front of the world. The Cyclones desperately wanted that playoff berth with a team they considered the best in school history. Now, Iowa State wants their revenge.
Rocco Becht, who should garner award consideration, will enjoy this game in front of a home crowd. Despite not possessing a sterling completion percentage (59.4%), Becht’s ability to move outside the pocket makes him dangerous, as he totaled eight rushing touchdowns in 2024.
Iowa State enters the game with no pressure, as that remains with the defending conference champion.
Leavitt enters the season without 2024 conference rushing champ Cam Skattebo. The 23-year-old running back saw his draft stock rise after accumulating 284 yards from scrimmage along with three scores against Texas. That safety valve in the passing game and workhorse back’s departure leads to a void that will be tough to fill.
Leavitt will need to throw more than the 350 times he did last season. Now, defenses will key on him solely. As a result, without an overwhelming rushing threat, defenses can now sit back in coverage and force the underneath throws to move the ball. Play action will not be a factor until the Sun Devils can prove that they can successfully run the ball with conviction.
Lewan’s complete statement rings true. Arizona State could remain good for a while. However, picking Leavitt as a future first round is not. Without a substantial resume to lean on, that will be a tough ask. Plus, to merit such consideration, the Sun Devils need to exceed their 2024 success under Leavitt.
KEEP READING: Sam Leavitt Could Be the Surprise Breakout QB of 2025 for Arizona State
More importantly, the QB needs to tighten his game up. From his footwork to scanning progressions to touch, he must find a way to improve upon that in a hurry. Usually, teams do not draft quarterbacks in the first round on potential or promise.
They must enter the NFL with the ability to immediately start, jumping feet first into the fire, and thrive without a grace period.
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