Six former Texas Longhorns players are currently on the Arizona State Sun Devils roster, and they’re looking forward to meeting their old team on the field in the Peach Bowl in Atlanta on Jan. 1.
For some former Longhorns now-turned Sun Devils players, this is more than just a game; it’s a chance to make a statement. As fans get ready to watch both teams face each other on the field, a little history will add context to the deeper feelings some players hold, which might be a factor in the game.
Zac Swanson Slams Texas Longhorns With Scathing Statement
Defensive lineman Zac Swanson made it pretty clear that he intends to prove a point to Texas in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. While addressing reporters, Swanson explained the events that led to his departure from Texas and showed the contrast between his time with the Longhorns and with the Sun Devils.
ASU DT Zac Swanson, a Brophy Prep product who spent two years at Texas, on a possible Longhorns matchup:
“That’s my dream…That’s a team that kicked me out…They said if you want to stay at Texas, you might as well quit football and just go to school here.” pic.twitter.com/DBKCK6cR1w
— SunDevilSource.com (@SunDevilSource) December 16, 2024
“That’s my dream. That’s a team who kicked me out and told me I was never gonna be good enough to play there, so that’s something that has been on my agenda for a while,” Swanson said.
Swanson also revealed that Texas advised him to quit football and focus on his education. Naturally, he wasn’t too pleased to hear that.
“It was probably the worst thing that was ever said to me, and it was just said so carelessly. Like they didn’t care it was changing my entire life. But now, being here and experiencing everything I’ve experienced here at home, it’s the best thing that could have ever happened to me.”
Safety Xavion Alford, who also played for the Longhorns, didn’t seem excited at the prospect of meeting his old team on the field. Rather, he seemed a little nonchalant about it, seeing little difference between the Texas matchup and other games.
“I view it as obviously just another game, but it would be very unique for me,” Alford said. “It’ll be kind of funny seeing some of those familiar faces … but it’d be a great feeling, especially after the game, you know, once we get the win.”
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Alford began his college football career at Texas but later moved to Tempe, where he cemented his place as one of Arizona State’s best players. This season, he’s totaled 82 tackles and two interceptions on 835 defensive snaps.
Other former Longhorns players include edge rushers Prince Dorbah and J’Mond Tapp, as well as wide receivers Troy Omeire and Jake Smith. Bryan Carrington, who served Texas as their director of recruiting, now coaches the cornerbacks for the Sun Devils.
Steve Sarkisian and Kenny Dillingham Share Thoughts
Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian responded to comments from his former players with surprising positivity.
“For them to be in the quarterfinals of the CFP, I’m really happy for those guys,” Sarkisian said. “Our players were talking about it today, so and so, you know that name started popping up again today. I do think that’s the era of college football where we’re at now.”
ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham, on the other hand, expressed distaste for these developments. For Dillingham, the extra excitement over this game is a cause for alarm.
“If you’re not equally excited to play in the Peach Bowl with eight teams left in college football, then we got a problem,” Dillingham said. “There should be no more level of excitement for who we play. Lik, this is an opportunity that some people dream their entire life to have.
“So I would hope our guys that have that background have the same exact excitement, passion and belief as the other players. I would hope it’s everybody focused on us being the best version of us and not those distractions.”
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