LAS VEGAS — Arizona State will not face Colorado this season, but Arizona will do so on Oct. 19, in Tucson. Among the many transfers coach Deion Sanders is relying upon, is senior defensive lineman B.J. Green, who spent three years in Tempe before hitting the transfer portal.
Green first came to ASU in 2021 as a walk-on because his godfather was close to former defensive line coach Robert Rodriguez. Green eventually earned a scholarship and progressed to the point that he was the team’s fiercest pass rusher. Last season he was a second-team All-Pac-12 selection with 39 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, six sacks and 11 quarterback hurries.
Green initially committed to Washington, but backed out of that pledge with the coaching change before eventually landing in Boulder.
Colorado was a natural choice not just because it prefers to build through the portal but because the Georgia native has a long association with Sanders. Green has made a good impression in a short time.
“B.J. Green is already a leader,” Sanders said. “Do you know that B.J. Green played for me when he was five through seven years with T.R.U.T.H. in south Dallas? He’s been a part of my life for a long time. They raised him right at Arizona State. For him to come over now, it’s phenomenal. His work ethic, the way he approaches and attacks the game is phenomenal. His want. His desire. His will. I just got finished doing an interview, they said you have two young men projected to be probably be the top five picks, yeah, but we want four in the first round. The only way that’s going to happen is that we win and they’re dominant. B.J. Green could be one of those guys, and I think he will be one of those guys because he wants it that much.”
‘Fresh Start’: Big 12 Football Media Days marks start of new era for Arizona State
Arizona duo a big draw
Arizona was the last team up on the second day. It marked the Big 12 debut for new coach Brent Brennan who brought with him quarterback Noah Fifita, wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, linebacker Jacob Manu and defensive back Gunner Maldonado.
Brennan was asked about the transition from the previous coaching staff and the key to bringing back Fifita rather than seeing him hit the portal as is often the case when a coach goes elsewhere. Brennan said the players were the factor in keeping the core of the team together.
Fifita was the team’s breakout performer after coming in for injured starter Jayden de Laura. He was named the Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year after making 12 appearances with nine starts. He posted the highest single-season completion percentage (72.4%) in program history, completing 241-of-333 pass attempts for 2,869 yards and 25 touchdowns with just six interceptions.
“I would say TMac (McMillan) and Jacob Manu and Jonah Savaiinaea had more to do in keeping Noah Fifita here than I did. The truth is these players really loved each other. Coach (Jedd) Fisch and that staff recruited a bunch of quality young men that were incredibly committed and connected, and I think that’s what contributed to them wanting to stay.”
Council launched
The Big 12 launched its first Alumni Council comprised of 32 former athletes from men’s and women’s programs out of each Big 12 institution. The Council was created to leverage the experience and expertise of some of the Big 12’s most notable alumni, who will provide insight on topics such as brand building, athlete relations, storytelling and digital content.
Each member will receive a variety of resources and amenities, including access to the Big 12’s Business Advisory Board for professional networking, league support of council member’s community initiatives, media opportunities on behalf of the league and VIP access to all Big 12 Championships and Conference events.
Representatives of Arizona State are Briann January (basketball) and Lawrence Guy (football) while Arizona’s participants are Jennie Finch (softball) and Richard Jefferson (basketball).
There are some noteworthy figures representing other schools including former NFL standouts Steve Young (BYU) and Andre Ware (Houston) and former MLB standout Kevin Youkilis (Cincinnati).
Roth starts new venture
Among those on hand at the media days was Yogi Roth, one of the former voices and integral figure with the Pac-12 Network. Roth says he has been overwhelmed with questions about his future and he now has the answer.
Roth launched a podcast and newsletter venture dubbed Y-Option, which he promotes as “college football through the lens of the West Coast football fan.”
Roth says that he derived the name from the West Coast offensive play concept where the tight end or ‘Y’ position runs a go route and has the option to run straight, hook it up, break in or break out. An option if you will. It also seemed relevant as each of the Pac-12 fan bases is seeking new options from a content standpoint.
Side notes
-
Most teams brought four players although a few brought five. Colorado only brought three: Shedeur and Shiloh Sanders and punter Mark Vassett. Versatile two-way standout Travis Hunter was scheduled but did not make the trip. No explanation was given.
-
The first day went by without any references to the Big 12 as “Pac-12”, but as the second day closed and the moderator thanked all for coming, he mistakenly said “Pac-12.”
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Colorado football coach Deion Sanders lauds ASU transfer B.J. Green
AZCentral | The Arizona Republic
