Devil’s Junkie Podcast

Ralph Amsden takes a deeper look at Arizona State basketball's struggles in Pac-12 play, catches up with a recent Sun Devil basketball commit, and uses Arizona State football recruits to rebut the national narrative that Herm Edwards is in over his head as a recruiter.

Breakdown (97 minutes)

Intro: Why is Arizona State basketball stuggling in Pac-12 play, and how do they break out of this slump? 

16:50- Discussing Bobby Hurley's contract extension.

21:40- Analysis of Arizona State basketball commit Jaelen House, including an interview with House and his high school coach Mike Bibby.

30:25- Herm Edwards' comments about recruiting on the Golic and Wingo show caused a national media stir- was the reaction justified?

49:50- Saguaro LB/DB Connor Soelle, younger brother of ASU LB Kyle Soelle talks about his ASU offer, his recruitment, and his recent visit to Arizona State.

1:01:50- Chandler QB Jacob Conover talks about Herm Edwards' ability to connect to recruits, his newfound interest in Arizona State, and his unique status as an LDS recruit.

1:09:40- Final thoughts on Herm Edwards' ability as a recruiter, and what Arizona State's responsibility to the local high schools are.

1:21:00- Hunter Mayginnes was dropped by Arizona State in favor of the potential for more highly desired recruits? Right move or wrong move?

1:27:20- The first edition of the "Sumlin vs Edwards Scorecard"

 

 

In this 91-minute episode of the Devils' Junkie Podcast, host Ralph Amsden examins University of Arizona's hire of Kevin Sumlin, and how it impact Arizona State. Is it really a home run hire that leaves egg on the face of Arizona State, or is there more to it than the national narrative that's been presented?

Plus:

(21:40) DevilsDigest.com Publisher Hod Rabino talks Arizona State basketball, and how their hot start has impacted a fan base and city that is hungry for a contender.

(37:00) ArizonaVarsity.com Lead Basketball Analyst Gregg Rosenberg talks about what 2019 verbal commit Jaelen House, son of Eddie House, can add to the Sun Devil Hoops program.

(50:00) DevilsDigest.com Reporter Justin Toscano talks ASU baseball, and what fans can expect from a team that has put themselves under the microscope.

(1:14:00) 2019 Defensive Back Noa Pola-Gates talks about his recent offer from Arizona State.

(1:21:40) Ralph Amsden closes out the show by answering listener questions.

Ralph Amsden dissects Arizona State's 52-31 Sun Bowl loss to North Carolina State while driving back from El Paso, and attempts to connect the errors of this particular game to recurring themes of the Todd Graham era. Armand Perry joins the podcast to talk about his life away from football, as well as what Todd Graham helped instill in him as a football player and young man. Finally, Ralph breaks down what Herm Edwards' priorities will be as he takes over Arizona State football. 

Breakdown (96 minutes)

Introduction:

Ralph Amsden discusses Arizona State's loss to North Carolina State, and includes press conference comments from Todd Graham.

Former Arizona State defensive back Armand Perry (36:20):

Armand Perry discusses what he saw on the field at the 2017 Sun Bowl, and how he believes they'll regroup. Perry also discusses what he's been up to since retiring from football, and how Todd Graham positively affected his life beyond the gridiron.

What's in a legacy? (42:30):

Ralph Amsden works through the complex legacies of some of Arizona State's seniors and potential early entrees into the NFL draft, like Christian Sam, Kalen Ballage, Demario Richard, JoJo Wicker and more.

Final Thoughts: How can Herm Edwards right the ship? (59:45)

A look at what new Arizona State football coach Herm Edwards' initial priorities in taking over the program, as well as an examination of the expectations for next year, and a look at how Edwards' fate is ultimately tied to the fate of Athletic Director Ray Anderson. 

Hod Rabino joins Ralph Amsden to discuss the roller coaster of events that took place this past weekend, including the Territorial Cup victory and the firing of Todd Graham. 

Breakdown (98 minutes)

Introduction:

Ralph Amsden breaks down a chronological order of events, from DevilsDigest.com reporting Todd Graham would be fired on Friday evening, to Ray Anderson and Todd Graham's post-firing press conferences on Sunday afternoon.

DevilsDigest.com Publisher Hod Rabino (52:27):

An analysis of all that led tot he firing of Todd Graham, as well as the lasting impact of Ray Anderson's decision.

Final Thoughts (1:25:33):

Ralph Amsden breaks down what this firing means for Ray Anderson's potential legacy at Arizona State.

Arizona State lost 44-37 to a team they should have beat. What went wrong? I re-hash the UCLA debacle and muse on a few other topics (like home attendance) during my drive back from the Rose Bowl. 

After Arizona State's 30-10 win over Utah in Salt Lake City, Devil's Junkie Podcast Host Ralph Amsden shares his thoughts about the sudden resurgence of the program while driving back through Utah and Northern Arizona on the way to Tempe. How has Todd Graham and his staff accomplished this? Can they match up with USC? Here's a one-hour stream-of-consciousness on those topics and more. 

In the wake of a 34-24 loss in Palo Alto, Ralph Amsden and Chilly did a post-Stanford Periscope session, answering questions and musing on Arizona State's strengths and weaknesses five games into a 2-3 season. This is the audio from that Periscope session. 

After Arizona State's 52-45 loss to Texas Tech in Lubbock, Devil's Junkie Podcast Host Ralph Amsden shares his thoughts about the state of the program while driving back through west Texas and New Mexico on the way to Tempe. Is the program in the right hands? Can the reset of conference play provide an opportnity to right the ship? Here's a 90-minute stream-of-consciousness on those topics and more. 

Arizona State landed talented St. John Bosco RB Demetrious Flowers as part of a two-day run that saw three California prospects commit to the Sun Devils. Flowers talks with Ralph Amsden about his recruitment, and what led to his decision to head to Tempe next year. 

Arizona State's second of three commitments in a three day span, 2018 Mission Viejo LB Christian LaValle, talks with Ralph Amsden of The Devil's Junkie Podcast about what led to his verbal pledge to the Sun Devils.