The Sun Devils have had some great players stay home and carve out some great careers on Frank Kush Field. Local high school stars have made the short commute after growing up watching the maroon and gold in their young years. Below is a list -- one that we are continuing to update -- of former Arizona high school football stars who also made a big impact in Tempe. Some of them have earned a spot in in the Sun Devil Hall of Fame.
(Note: this page is under construction and we will be adding Sun Devils all the time. By no means is what you see a completed list. If your favorite Sun Devil from an Arizona high school isn't listed, you can either a) assume they will be; b) send Doug Tammaro ( tammaro@asu.edu ) a nice note reminding him of your local heroes.)
///
COREY ADAMS (2009-2012) -- SAGUARO HIGH SCHOOL
Adams anchored a Saguaro defensive line that propelled the Sabercats to three straight state titles from 2006 to 2008. Adams, regarded as one of the best defensive players in the country, was the No. 54 ranked prospect in the country and the fifth ranked defensive tackle by ESPN. Adams, a five star prospect, earned first team All-State honors from the Arizona Republic. As a three year letterman with the Sun Devils, Adams collected 30 tackles, 2.5 sacks including a forced fumble.
///
ADAM ARCHULETA (1996-2000) -- CHANDLER HIGH SCHOOL
An All-State honorable mention in 1995, Archuleta was named the Channel 12 News Defensive Player of the Year. Archuleta was selected to the All-Valley team as a corner back and running back. Archuleta was not initially given a scholarship by ASU, but made the team as a walk on in 1996. After red shirting his first year with the program, he then gained playing time as a backup linebacker in 1997 and eventually worked his way into the starting lineup and was named to the All-Pac-10 First team in 1999. Archuleta was also named the 1999 Pac-10 defensive Player of the year. Archuleta was selected in the first round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams. Archuleta played seven years in the NFL with the Rams, Washington Football Team and Bears and compiled 530 tackles, 18 sacks, four interceptions and three defensive touchdowns. He also earned Sun Devil Hall of Fame honors.
Checking in With Adam Archuleta ?? we are proud of our Sun Devil family and their accomplishments!https://t.co/VMUjeF6lhw
— Sun Devil OSAD (@SunDevil_OSAD) February 19, 2021
///
MARIO BATES (1991-1993) – AMPHITHEATER HIGH SCHOOL
Bates helped carry Amphitheater to the 1990 state title game after breaking the large-schools single season rushing record with 2,740 yards. Once he arrived at ASU he went on to rush for more than 1,000 yards in 1994 as he was honored with first-team All-Pac-10 tailback that year. In his three years with the Sun Devils he went on to rush for 2,025 yards, 14 touchdowns after starting in 33 games in his tenure in Tempe. Bates was selected in the second round of the 1994 NFL draft by the New Orleans Saints, with his best season coming in 1995 when he rushed for 951 yards, seven touchdowns, along with 114 receiving yards. Bates played for the Arizona Cardinals for two seasons and one season with the Detroit Lions.
///
TRENTON BOURGUET (2019-2024) -- MARANA HIGH SCHOOL
Bourguet was a 2019 graduate of Marana High School and finished his high school becoming Marana’s all time leader in pass yards with 7612, with a state record 89 touchdown passes. Bourguet picked the Sun Devils for the next step in his football career in 2019. While he was sidelined through most of the first three years at ASU, Bourguet finally got his chance when he stepped up for an injured Emory Jones and helped the Sun Devils upset No. 21 Washington on October 8, 2022. He then made his first career start against the Colorado Buffaloes on October 29, 2022 and was flawless. He racked up 435 yards passing as well as 3 touchdown passes to help the Sun Devils beat the Buffaloes, 42-34. Bourguet graduated in Spring 2023 with a degree in communications with an MA in integrative sciences & arts.
///
BOB BREUNIG (1971-1974) -- ALHAMBRA HIGH SCHOOL
Breunig, the 10th Sun Devil to be enshrined into the College Football Hall of Fame, was a 1974 All-American who helped the lead the Sun Devils to a 28-8 record and three straight Fiesta Bowl victories as a three year starter. Breunig was the 1974 team MVP, and served as a captain from 1973-1974. In his two years as a team captain, ASU captured two straight WAC championships. Following a prosperous career at ASU, Breunig was selected with the 70th pick in the third round of the 1975 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. Breunig played in 117 straight games for the Cowboys, helping "America's Team" to six NFC Championship game appearances and three Super Bowls, including a victory over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XII. Breunig was inducted into ASU's Ring of Honor in 2012, and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2015.
BRENT BURNSTEIN (1992-1997) -- DEER VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL
Burnstein was a defensive lineman for ASU, and set a school record for field goal blocks with four in 1997. His biggest one came against Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. He was voted an honorable mention on the All-Pac-10 team, and picked up as a free agent the following year by the Houston Oilers and later the Arizona Cardinals.
///
STEVE BUSH (1992–1996) -- PARADISE VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL
Tremendous hands and was a sharp blocker from Paradise Valley, Steve Bush played five seasons at ASU and started 54 games in Tempe as a tight end. Bush caught seven touchdowns in his career which included 737 yards over the five seasons. His best season in Tempe was in 1996 when he caught three touchdowns for 263 yards, before moving on to the NFL as a member of the Cincinnati Bengals in 1997. Bush would play for the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers in his nine seasons in the NFL as a special teams blocker while playing both fullback and tight end in his 118 games in the league.
///
KYLE CALDWELL (2003-2006) -- SAGUARO HIGH SCHOOL
Caldwell was the top rated player in the state by SuperPrep magazine and was awarded the Ed Doherty State Player of the Year award and the Curley Culp Defensive Player of the Year award as a senior. During that senior season, Caldwell accounted for 131 tackles, 34 tackles for loss, 30 sacks, 29 quarterback hurries four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. While Caldwell was busy terrorizing offenses, he also spared time to wreck opposing defenses as well. Caldwell rushed for 515 yards and eight touchdowns as a fullback during his senior season. Caldwell finished his high school career with 334 tackles, 45 sacks, 82 quarterback hurries, 13 caused fumbles and 12 fumble recoveries. Caldwell also scored 18 total touchdowns as a fullback and tight end. Despite nagging injuries in the early stages of his college career, Caldwell only missed three games during his career. Caldwell earned Pac-10 All-Freshman honors in 2003, and was an All-Pac-10 honorable mention in 2006. After his collegiate career, Caldwell went back to his high school roots as the defensive line coach for the Sabercats.
///
DEVERON CARR (2008-2012) -- CHAPARRAL HIGH SCHOOL
Carr was a four-year standout who started every game his final two seasons and played in 42 games, starting in 34. He recorded 86 tackles (68 solo), with a season-high 45 in 2011 and broke up 22 passes in four years, including a team-leading 10 in 2011. He was named a 2013 National Football Foundation Valley of the Sun Chapter College Scholar Athlete Coach's Nominee Honorable Mention pick and graduated in spring 2012 with a bachelor of interdisciplinary studies (Family Studies/Justice Studies). He earned All-Pac-12 honorable mention recognition in 2012 and was part of a secondary that finished the season ranked third nationally in passing defense (167.92) and 10th in passing efficiency defense (105.45), leading the Pac-12 in both. He broke up eight passes, one shy of his team-leading mark of 10 from 2011. Showed great promise before suffering a season-ending injury Oct. 2 vs Oregon State in 2010 after starting in all five games played.
///
CURLEY CULP (1965-1968) -- YUMA HIGH SCHOOL
Sun Devil Hall of Famer Curley Culp excelled in football and wrestling during his high school career, winning back-to-back state wrestling championships in 1963 and 1964. After a dominant high school career, Culp enrolled at ASU. In 1967, Culp was named an All-American on the gridiron and also won the 1967 NCAA heavyweight wrestling championship. After his collegiate career, Culp was selected in the second round of the 1968 AFL Draft by the Denver Broncos, who then later traded him to the Kansas City Chiefs were he became a stalwart presence on their defensive line. Culp anchored the Chiefs front seven, and spent seven years with teh Chiefs from 1968-1974. During his time in Kansas City, the Chiefs beat the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IV, and Culp played a significant role in nullifying the Vikings rushing attack. In 1975, Culp was traded to the Houston Oilers where he notched 11.5 sacks and was named the NFL Defensive Player of the year as well as being selected as a first team All-Pro. Culp was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013.
///
D.J. DAVIDSON (2017-2021) -- DESERT RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL
A three-star recruit rated by Scout who developed into the 147th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, Davidson anchored a Desert Ridge defense that proved to be one of the strongest in the state. He was a 2015 All-State selection by the Arizona Republic after a season where he recorded 57 tackles, 5.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. Davidson has started 16 of the Sun Devils' last 17 games, anchoring the interior of the defensive line. In his career with ASU, Davidson compiled 137 tackles, 16 tackles for loss and five sacks. He was named the Curley Culp Outstanding defensive linemen and was one of two Sun Devils to start all 12 games on defense in 2021. Recorded 31 defensive "stops" on run defense in 2022, good for second in the FBS among interior linemen behind only Cincinnati's Curtis Brooks.
///
DEXTER DAVIS (2006-2009) -- THUNDERBIRD HIGH SCHOOL
Davis was a 2005 graduate of Thunderbird after being awarded an postseason all-region selection by PrepStar Magazine, Davis was a two-time first-team all-state honoree and was named as an All-Arizona selection by the Arizona Republic. In 2004, Davis was named Super All-State in 2004 by Phoenix Metro Magazine and won the Curley Culp Award, which is presented by the Valley of the Sun Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame to the state's best defensive lineman. Upon his arrival at Arizona State, he started all 13 games as a defensive end in 2006, earning his honorable mention Freshman All-America and Pac-10 All-Freshman and honors by The Sporting News. While being presented with the team's Bill Kajikawa Sun Devil Award, given to the team's top freshman player at ASU's year-end banquet after recording six sacks, 10.5 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles in 2006, which was the third most sacks by a freshman, trailing Terrell Suggs (2000) and Shante Carver (1990). Throughout his Sun Devil career Davis ranked third in school history with 31 sacks, totaling 136 tackles (85 solo), 45.0 tackles for loss (minus 248 yards) and 10 forced fumbles in his four seasons after starting all 50 games. Davis went on to play one season in the NFL after being selected in the seventh round by the Seattle Seahawks in 2010.
///
D.J. FOSTER (ASU 2012-2015) -- SAGUARO HIGH SCHOOL
Before starting his career with the Sun Devils, Foster was one of the most prolific players in Arizona high school history. In his senior season at Saguaro, Foster led the Sabercats to the Division III state championship and set state records for the most touchdowns in a season with 60. He also set records for the rushing yards in a game, touchdowns in a game, touchdowns in a career as well as points in a season and career. He earned All-Arizona honors as a running back in 2011 and as a defensive back in 2010. Foster never missed a game at ASU, appearing in all 53 during his time in Tempe. He finished his career with the longest streak of games with a reception in Pac-10/12 history with 53. Foster finished his career second on ASU’s reception list with 222, and sixth in receiving yards with 2,458. Foster also scored 32 touchdowns and tallied 4,829 all-purpose yards during his collegiate career.
///
KEVIN GALBREATH (1990-1992) – MARYVALE HIGH SCHOOL
Playing in all 33 games in his three years as a Sun Devil, Kevin Galbreath has one of many famous plays in Sun Devil history, as in the 1992 season ASU was down 6-0 to the team down south, but he broke off two tackles and scored on a 51-yard touchdown run to lift the Sun Devils to victory as they defeated the Wildcats 7-6 which helped ASU become 6-5 that season. He spent three years in Tempe after coming from Maryvale High School, the Phoenix native had 639 career yards which included four touchdowns with the Sun Devils. Galbreath also played on the special teams unit as he returned kicks and punts all three years, assembling 659 return yards in 33 attempts.
///
LARRY GORDON (1972-75) -- PHOENIX UNION HIGH SCHOOL
Gordon is one of the greatest defensive players to play for the Sun Devils, in his time at Tempe, he assembled back-to-back seasons with 100+ tackles and led the team in tackles for loss in 1974 with 10. Over the 1974 and 1975 seasons, he gathered numerous honors while playing at ASU. He was named honorable mention All-American, All-Western Conference First Team, and most notably being named the Fiesta Bowl MVP. Gordon was apart of the 12-0 1975 Sun Devil team which finished ranked second nationally, and went on to play in the NFL as he was selected by the Miami Dolphins as a first-round pick and was a rookie starter in 1976.
///
ERIC GULIFORD (1989-1992) – PEORIA HIGH SCHOOL
The wide receiver spent four years in Tempe playing in 43 games for the Sun Devils. Eric Guliford was able to assemble 2408 yards for his career with his 164 receptions which included 11 touchdowns for ASU. While he wasn't only catching footballs, he played a pivotal role in special teams as he had 665 return yards for his career, along with two punt return touchdowns in the 1991 and 1992 season. The Kansas City native was able to play five seasons in the NFL for the Minnesota Vikings, Carolina Panthers and the New Orleans Saints where he appeared in 52 games, and started in 13 over the five-year span. Guliford had 134 career receptions with 1300 receiving yards with one touchdown in his career.
///
N’KEAL HARRY (ASU 2016-2018) -- CHANDLER HIGH SCHOOL
Before becoming one of the best receivers in college football and one of the top prospects in the 2019 NFL draft, Harry led the Chandler Wolves to the Arizona State Championship in 2014. Rivals.com had Harry as a five star recruit and the No.1 wide receiver prospect in the country, and was rated as the top player in Arizona by Rivals.com, ESPN and 24/7 Sports. Harry finished his high school career with 119 catches for 2,715 yards and 25 touchdowns, with his best season coming during the Wolves state championship run where he caught 30 passes for 657 yards and 13 scores. Harry followed up his junior season with a 48 catch season, and went for 802 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games. Harry was the highest rated Rivals.com local recruit to sign with the Sun Devils. After joining the Sun Devils, Harry was twice named to the All Pac-12 first team in 2017-18, and finished his career with 213 catches and 2,889 receiving yards, putting the Chandler native third on ASU’s list at the time of his departure
///
TODD HEAP (1998-2000) -- MOUNTAIN VIEW HIGH SCHOOL
Heap, a 2013 Sun Devil Hall of Fame inductee, was a three-year letterman in football and helped the Toro become the first team to win back-to-back state championships in 1996 and 1997. Heap earned all-State honors, all-Arizona, Super all-State, Arizona 5A Player of the Year, Ed Doherty Player of the Year Award and all-East Valley Two-Way Player of the Year as a senior. When Heap graduated, he was the Mountain View record holder in receiving yards with 1,377, receptions with 87 and most career touchdowns. At the time of his departure from ASU, he was considered the best tight end in ASU and Pac-10 history. Heap was the first tight end in Sun Devil history to earn first team All-Pac-10 honors in 1999, and then followed up the honor with another first team nod in 2000. Heap left ASU as their all time receptions leader for a tight end with 115 catches and the all time leader in tight end receiving yards with 1,685. Heap was selected in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens, where he was selected to back to back Pro-Bowls in 2002 and 2003.
///
ROBERT JAMES (2003-2007) -- MARYVALE HIGH SCHOOL
A four-time letterman in football and two-time in track, James earned first-team all-city honors at running back and second-team honors as a defensive back. He served his football and track teams as team captain for his last two seasons, and compiled 1,300 rushing yards with 16 touchdowns and 54 tackles during his senior year. After red-shirting his first year at ASU, James recorded a sack and six tackles in 2004 before switching from cornerback to outside linebacker in 2005. James had a standout senior year in which he started all thirteen games and earned First Team All-Pac-10 honors after recording a team-high 106 tackles, three sacks, four interceptions, three pass breakups and a forced fumble. He was named ASU's Most Valuable Defensive Player for his consistent performance throughout that season. This led him to the NFL via a fifth round draft pick by the Atlanta Falcons, where he spent five years between the 53-man roster and the practice squad. His last appearance came for the Kansas City Chiefs in their Wild Card loss to the Indianapolis Colts in 2013.
///
BRIAN JENNINGS (1995-1999) -- RED MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL
Jennings was a letterman in football, baseball, basketball, and track, and captained the Mountain Lions football team during his senior year. He earned Honorable Mention All-Region honors at tight end during his senior year. As a Sun Devil, Jennings was a long snapper and tight end, playing in 32 games and recording four receptions, one touchdown, and nine tackles. He would ultimately be remembered as a long snapper after being drafted in the seventh round by the San Francisco 49ers in 2000 and starting for 13 seasons, playing his last game against the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII. He was a Pro Bowl selection during the 2004 and 2012 as a special teams player. Since retiring, he has been a regular on KNBR radio and has appeared on the Point After with Mark Ibanez on KTVU.
///
KEELAN JOHNSON (2008-2012) -- MESA HIGH SCHOOL
Johnson finished his high school career ranked as the No. 3 cornerback in Arizona as well as the No. 9 running back in the state by Scout. Johnson led Mesa High with 16 total touchdowns and led the Jackrabbits in rushing and receiving, carrying the ball 92 times for 761 yards (8.3 YPC) with 11 touchdowns. Johnson also caught 19 passes for 324 yards with two scores. Johnson recorded 1,279 all-purpose yards on offense and totaled 59 tackles with three interceptions at defensive back. Johnson appeared in 49 games, making 18 starts for the Sun Devils, recorded 169 tackles and left Tempe with eight interceptions which was tied for the most picks in the program since 2000. Johnson went undrafted in the 2013 NFL Draft, but played for the Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks from 2013-2015. Johnson has since moved to the Canadian Football League, where he won a Grey Cup in 2016 with the Ottawa Redblacks.
///
TYLER JOHNSON (ASU 2017-2021) -- HIGHLAND HIGH SCHOOL
Before he transitioned to defensive end, Johnson was a jack of all trades player at Highland High School in Gilbert. Johnson recorded a rushing, receiving, punt return, and kick return touchdown in his varsity career and was named to the 2015 All-Arizona first team as a tight end by the Arizona Republic. Johnson was the No. 4 prospect in Arizona according to Scout, and was ranked No. 281 in the ESPN top 300. Johnson earned playing time in the back half of the 2018 season after converting to defensive end, and his 20 pressures over the final seven weeks of the season were the ninth most among edge rushers in the Pac-12. Despite the Sun Devils only playing four games in 2020 Johnson had his best season to date, recording five sacks.
///
LEVI JONES (1998-2000) – SANTA CRUZ VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL
Levi Jones was one of the most dominant offensive lineman in Sun Devil football history. He went from a walk-on defensive lineman as a freshman at Arizona State to one of the most reliable offensive lineman in the nation. Made the move from left guard to left tackle for his final two seasons at ASU, blossoming in the role of protecting the quarterback's blindside. Jones won the Morris Trophy in 2001, given to the best offensive lineman in the Pac-12 as voted on by the players. He was named a Football News second-team All-American after a stellar senior campaign. After moving to left tackle following his sophomore season, Jones received first-team All-Pac-10 honors in 2001 and second-team honors in 2000. Jones played sparingly on the defensive side of the ball as a freshman, registering 13 tackles and one sack while receiving Honorable mention Pac-10 All-Academic honors. After his ASU career, Jones was drafted 10 th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft. Jones became the highest drafted Sun Devil since Gerald Riggs in 1982 and tied for the sixth-highest draft pick in Sun Devil Football history with his former teammate Terrell Suggs. Jones went on to play seven seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, making 89 starts on the offensive line, mostly at left tackle. Jones also played one season for the Washington Redskins, starting eight games before retiring.
///
TODD KALIS (1983-1987) – THUNDERBIRD HIGH SCHOOL
Started his Sun Devil Career as a defensive linemen until he was told he'll be moving to the offensive side of the ball. After not playing a lot in 1984, he was able to start every game as a guard from 1985 through 1987 as he ended his career with 36 straight starts as a Sun Devils which included being a part of the 1986 Rose Bowl Team which defeated Michigan. After his career in Tempe, he was then selected in the fourth round by the Minnsota VIkings in the NFL Draft. Kalis played six seasons for the Vikings and started in 15 games. He would spend two more seasons in the NFL, one with the Steelers and his last with the Bengals. He would play 103 NFL games while starting in 67.
///
LARRY KENTERA (1947-1949) – GLOBE HIGH SCHOOL
A 2012 inductee of the Sun Devil Hall of Fame, Kentera was a player from 1947-1949. He then coached the ASU football team under head coach Frank Kush from 1966-1978. He was the defensive coordinator during his last five seasons and many top players were drafted under Kentera's stewardship, including Bob Bruenig, Curley Culp, Michael Haynes, Al Harris, Ron Pritchard, all of whom were All-America selections or made Pro Bowl appearances. The Sun Devils went a combined 113-33 in his 13 seasons including 11-0 in 1970 and 12-0 in 1975. His defenses posted eight shutouts and he went 12-1 against Arizona.
///
BOB KOHRS (1976-1979) – BROPHY PREP
Kohrs had an outstanding high school career at Brophy College Prepatory and was recruited to play for the ASU in 1976. He notched 214 tackles and 30 sacks in his career. In 1977, he helped the Sun Devils clinch a half-share of the WAC title and berth in the Fiesta Bowl. The next season, in a game against new Pac-10 rival and secon-ranked USC, Kohrs racked up six tackles, including a sack, three fumble recoveries, and three pass deflections, earning himself "Player of the week" honors from Sports Illustrated magazine. Later in the 1978 campaign, he had 15 tackles against Arizona and made first-team All-Pac-10 in 1979. He was drafted in the second round of the 1980 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played five seasons in the NFL before retiring after the 1985 season.
///
JASON KYLE (1987-1990) -- TEMPE McCLINTOCK HIGH SCHOOL
Drafted in the fourth round of the 1995 NFL Draft by the Seahawks, Kyle played for the Browns, 49ers, Panthers and Saints and was on the Super Bowl winning Saints in 2009 (XLIV) as their long snapper. He played linebacker at ASU and played in the East/West Shrine Game, Senior Bowl and Blue/Gray Football Classic. A three-year letterman and a two-year starter, he finished his career with 204 tackles, 12 stops for a loss, four sacks and two interceptions in 31 games with 17 starts. He led the Sun Devils with 130 tackles as a senior in 1994 while starting 11 games at inside linebacker and played in every game and started six contests at inside linebacker as a junior and ranked second on the squad with 74 tackles to go along with three sacks and an interception.
///
NATHAN LaDUKE (1987-1990) -- ALHAMBRA HIGH SCHOOL
Inducted into the ASU Hall of Fame in 2006, LaDuke was a three-year starter at free safety who earned second-team All-America honors following his junior and senior seasons and received All-Pac-10 recognition following the 1988-90 seasons. He was a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award in 1989 and 1990 and was named ASU's Most Valuable Defensive Player for the 1989-90 seasons, and earned the team's Tim Landers Iron Man Award as a junior in 1989. LaDuke was a Sun Devil co-captain in 1990, and led the squad in total tackles (122) and interceptions (four, two returned for touchdowns). He paced the team in interceptions during the 1988-90 seasons, the only player in Sun Devil history to lead the squad in interceptions during three seasons, and set the school's all-time career mark in interception return yards. He finished career tops in ASU history with 238 career solo tackles and was selected by the Phoenix Cardinals in the 11th round of the 1991 NFL Draft.
///
CHASE LUCAS (ASU 2016-2021) -- CHANDLER HIGH SCHOOL
Lucas, a seventh-round (No. 237) draft pick by the Detroit Lions in 2022, helped lead the Wolves to the 2014 Arizona State championship and was the third ranked prospect in the state by Rivals.com, and the fourth best by 24/7 Sports. A running back in high school before switching to play defensive back at ASU, Lucas rushed for 2,219 and 25 touchdowns while racking up north of 1,000 receiving yards as well. During the Wolves 2014 state championship run, Lucas rushed for 1,126 yards on 155 carries (7.26 YPC) and 13 touchdowns. After redshirting his first season at ASU, 2021 was Lucas’s sixth year in Tempe. He was the 2021 captain and finished second in ASU history in games started with 49 and played in 53. He earned Pac-12 All Conference honors for the third time and a Frank Kush captains award winner in 2021. He posted 223 total tackles in five seasons at ASU and collected 34 tackles and broke up six passes in 2021. Went 5-0 against Arizona and had six career interceptions, including three in 2018.
///
ART MALONE (1967-1969) -- SANTA CRUZ VALLEY UNON HIGH SCHOOL
A 1979 Sun Devil Hall of Fame inductee, the fullback post rushed for 1,439 yards in 1969, the second best single season total in ASU history. He finished fifth best in career rushing in 1967-69. He made All-Western Athletic Conference first team in both 1968 and 1969 and NEA second team All-America in 1969. He played seven seasons in the National Football League, first with the Atlanta Falcons, who drafted him in 1970, and later with the Philadelphia Eagles.
///
BEN MALONE (1971-1973) -- SANTA CRUZ VALLEY UNON HIGH SCHOOL
At the time one of only backs in ASU history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season, he set Sun Devil single-game records for yards rushing (250) and touchdowns (5) in his senior year. Originally drafted by the Miami Dolphins, he finished his professional career with the Washington Redskins. Click here to learn more about Ben, who passed away in 2020.
STEVE MATLOCK (1970-1973) -- ALHAMBRA HIGH SCHOOL
Matlock was an offensive guard for the Sun Devils from 1970-1973, and was a starter on the 1971 team that went 11-1 and beat Florida State in the first-ever Fiesta Bowl. ASU went up 45-38 with a last-minute Woody Green rushing touchdown behind Matlock and Roger Davis. Matlock was a team captain in 1972, and was later inducted into the Phoenix Union High School Sports Hall of Fame.
///
JIM MCCANN (1969-1970) -- NORTH HIGH SCHOOL
McCann was a punter for the Sun Devils that went 11-0 in 1970 and won the Peach Bowl against North Carolina. He was later selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the 8th round of the 1971 NFL Draft. He spent four years in the league, averaging 37.6 yards per punt.
///
RANDALL McDANIEL (1984-1987) -- AGUA FRIA HIGH SCHOOL
McDaniel played football and ran track at Agua Fria before his career at ASU. At ASU, McDaniel helped propel the Sun Devils to their first ever Rose Bowl appearance where the Sun Devils handed the Michigan Wolverines their only loss of that season. McDaniel was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 1988 NFL Draft and he went on to play 14 seasons and make 202 consecutive starts. McDaniel also made 12 straight Pro Bowls and nine straight All-Pro teams. In 1997, McDaniel became the first guard in NFL history to catch a touchdown pass in the Pro Bowl.
///
SHAUN McDONALD (1999-2002) -- SHADOW MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL
McDonald was one of the top offensive weapons in the west and earned All-American honors from SuperPrep and was listed as the No.14 skill athlete in the country. McDonald was the No.5 wide receiver in the Western Region by PrepStar magazine, and was named to the All-State First-Team by Arizona Football Magazine. Once he got to ASU, McDonald was a first-team All-Pac-10 preseason selection by Football News and a second-team selection by the Sporting News. McDonald was a Third-Team All-American in 2002, as well as an All-Pac-10 first team selection in 2001 and 2002. McDonald was drafted in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams. McDonald's best season came in 2007 when he caught 79 passes for 943 yards and six touchdowns as a member of the Detroit Lions. He is a member of the 2023 Sun Devil Hall of Fame class.
///
CHRIS McGAHA (2005-2009) -- MOON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL
McGaha received recognition as the Arizona Republic's Big School Player of the Year in 2004, as well as the Arizona Cardinals high school Player of the Year. McGaha was also a first-team All-Arizona selection as well as an All-Playoffs selection by Azpreps.com. In the 2004 4A state championship game, McGaha hauled in seven catches for 137 yards and two touchdowns while also adding an interception on the defensive side in a comeback victory over Glendale Cactus. McGaha led the state in Arizona in receiving in 2004, finishing the year with 82 catches for 1,593 yards and 22 touchdowns. One of the most prolific receivers in ASU program history, McGaha finished his Sun Devil career with 168 catches for 2,242 yards and nine touchdowns. McGaha ranked third in career receptions when he left ASU and was one of six players to notch both 150 receptions and 2,000 receiving yards. McGaha also appeared in 50 games for ASU, making 42 consecutive starts to end his career.
///
JAMAL MILES (2009-2012) -- PEORIA HIGH SCHOOL
An offensive, defensive and special teams threat during his time at Peoria, Miles' all-around talent made him a four star recruit from Rivals.com. Miles led the state of Arizona with 197.1 rushing yards per game, totaling 2,168 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns. In four years at ASU Miles continued to be a multidimensional weapon, hauling in 10 receiving touchdowns, racking up three kick return scores, and two rushing touchdowns as well as a punt return score.
///
ZACH MILLER (2004-2006) -- DESERT VISTA HIGH SCHOOL
Miller finished his Sun Devil career with the sixth most receptions in school history. Miller caught at least one pass in 33 of 35 career games and finished his career as ASU's receptions and touchdowns leader amongst tight ends. Miller was selected in the second round by the Oakland Raiders in the 2007 NFL Draft and spent four seasons with the silver and black, catching at least 44 passes in each season he was there. Miller's best season came in 209, where he caught 66 passes for 805 yards and three scores. Miller was selected to the Pro Bowl after a 60 catch, 685 yard, five touchdown campaign in 2010. Following his Pro Bowl nod Miller signed with the Seattle Seahawks, where he was a member of the Super Bowl XLVIII Championship team.
///
KEVIN MINIEFIELD (1989-1992) -- CAMELBACK HIGH SCHOOL
Miniefield was a football and basketball star at Camelback High School before making his impact for the Sun Devils. Miniefield was a three-year starter at cornerback and earned first-team All-Pac 10 Conference honors in 1992 as he played in the Blue-Grey Classic, an all-star bowl game. After his senior year, he was drafted in the eighth round in the 1993 NFL draft (201st pick overall) by the Detroit Lions and went on to play five seasons in the NFL, four with the Chicago Bears and one with the Arizona Cardinals. He compiled 100 tackles, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and a 48-yard defensive touchdown in 51 career games. After his NFL career, Miniefield owned a clothing store in the Phoenix area before joining the Sun Devil Club in 2008. Kevin’s position as Associate Director of Former Student-Athlete Engagement consists of cultivating relationships that foster a lifelong connection with Sun Devil Athletics for all letterwinners.
///
JOHN MISTLER (1977-1980) – AMPHITHEATER HIGH SCHOOL
Mistler graduated from Sahuaro High School in Arizona earned All-America and All Pac-10 honors in 1980 after leading the Sun Devils with 53 receptions for 573 yards and 11 touchdowns. He finoshed career second in Arizona State history with 156 career catches and 21 touchdowns, as well as third in career receiving yardage (2, 149). He was named the most valuable player at the 1978 Garden State Bowl, as the Sun Devils defeated Rutgers, 34-18. Following his collegiate career, Mistlerplayed for the NFL's New York Giants for four seasons (1981-1984) and was inducted into the Sun Devil Hall of Fame in 1990.
///
KENNY MITCHELL (1995-1998) – PEORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Mitchell was a star wide receiver, catching 88 passes for 1,534 yards and six touchdowns in his Sun Devil career. One of Jake Plummer's favorite targets, he was a part of the 1996 team that shut out two-time defending champion Nebraska 19-0, won the Pac-10, and made the Rose Bowl. He would go on to sign as a undrafted free agent with the Washington Redskins before injuries got in the way of his NFL career. Mitchell came back to Arizona wanting to become a fighter pilot, but after a mix-up with paperwork, he found a different calling. He would end up making sergeant at the Phoenix Police Department after graduating with a degree in integrated arts education and family studies.
///
ALVIN MOORE (1978-1982) – COOLIDGE HIGH SCHOOL
During Alvin Moore's senior season at ASU, the Sun Devils won their first nine games and rose to No. 3 in the AP rankings. They let a Rose Bowl berth slip away with losses in the final two games before bouncing back to beat Oklahoma in the 1983 Fiesta Bowl. Moore, a runningback for the Sun Devils, averaged 4.4 yards per carry over his four seasons, and was given 105 carries for 412 yards and four touchdowns in his senior season. He also collected 15 receptions for 176 yards. Moore went on to be drafted in the seventh round of the 1983 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Colts. He would play five seasons for the Colts, Detroit Lions, and Seattle Seahawks.
///
MIKE NIXON (2006-2009) -- SUNNYSLOPE HIGH SCHOOL
The No.1 player in Arizona by SuperPrep.com posted a 37-11 record as a quarterback and was twice named to the All-State team as a Safety. After high school, Nixon signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers out of high school and played in their farm system until 2005. Once he got to ASU, Nixon appeared in all 50 games during his four years and made 31 starts. Nixon emerged as one of the best players on the Sun Devil defense in 2008 and led the team in tackles from 2008-2009. Nixon also led the Pac-10 in interceptions in 2008 with five.
///
MIKE PAGEL (1977-1981) -- WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL
A 1994 inductee to the Sun Devil Hall of Fame, Pagel was one of the most prolific passers to play at ASU. He earned AP and Sporting News Honorable Mention honors in 1981, and was named to the All-Pac-10 First Team that year. His best game came against Stanford in 1981 where he went 26-34 for 446 yards and seven passing touchdowns, the latter of which remains a single game record. Voted team captain and MVP for that season, he also played in the East-West Shrine Bowl and Olympic Gold Bowl games. Pagel also played baseball for the Sun Devils, sporting a .320 batting average and had 44 RBI's while scoring 49 runs in the 1982 season. He would go on to be drafted by the Baltimore Colts in the fourth round of the 1982 NFL Draft. In 12 NFL seasons, Pagel recorded 9,414 passing yards, 49 touchdowns, and a passer rating of 63.3. A year in the arena league in 1994 would see him pass for 46 touchdowns and 2,713 yards.
///
ANTHONY PARKER (1984-1988) -- MCCLINTOCK HIGH SCHOOL
A highly talented starting cornerback and a stellar returner, in 1986 Parker had the third-best single-season punt return average in school history (19.8) – an average that would have been the nation’s best if he had registered enough returns. Parker ended his career second all-time at ASU in career punt return yards (829) and earned Second-Team All-Pac-10 honors as a returns specialist in 1985. Parker went on to play nine seasons as an NFL cornerback after going undrafted in 1989, mainly remembered as a Minnesota Viking. With 104 games played and 69 starts, Parker racked up 15 interceptions and took four back to the house. He also picked up eight fumbles and scored on three of them, and totaled 363 tackles.
///
COLIN PARKER (2007-2011) -- HAMILTON HIGH SCHOOL
Son of fellow alum Anthony Parker, the Hamilton alum was the No. 35 outside linebacker in the nation, and the No. 1 linebacker in Arizona by Rivals.com. Parker struggled with injuries which limited his time on the field during his junior and senior season. Parker totaled 140 tackles during his time at ASU, and appeared in 44 career games including 18 starts.
///
JEFF PAULK (1995-1998) -- CORONA DEL SOL HIGH SCHOOL
The Corona Del Sol product was drafted in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons after playing 43 games in his career. Averaged 6.2 yards per carry (43 carries for 267 yards) in ASU's 11-0 Rose Bowl regular season. Click here for a great story from 2016 on Paulk and his Sun Devil teammates.
///
MIKE POLLAK (2003-2007) -- CORONA DEL SOL HIGH SCHOOL
Pollak carved out a solid seven-year NFL career after getting drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the second round in 2008. The Corona del Sol graduate was first-team pick by the Arizona Republic and also a solid baseball player in high school. The starting center in his junior and senior years, he received All-Pac-10 second-team in 2006 and in 2007 he received first-team honors. He received the Tim Landers Iron Man Award, Cecil Bono Team Captain Award and Pat Tilllman Award team awards following his senior season.
///
PAUL RAY POWELL (1967-1968) -- SANTA CRUZ VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL
A 1978 Inductee to the Sun Devil Hall of Fame, Powell was a defensive back and placekicker on the 1967-68 football teams. He was the NCAA kick-scoring champion in 1968 with 77 points. On the baseball team in 1969, he set an NCAA record for hits in a season, was a First-Team All-American and the Sporting News Player of the Year, and won the national championship with the Sun Devils. He went on to be the seventh overall pick and the first collegiate player to be drafted in the 1969 MLB draft, and played for the Minnesota Twins and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
///
GERELL ROBINSON (2008-2011) -- HAMILTON HIGH SCHOOL
Robinson was the No. 1 player in Arizona and the No.77 player in America according to Rivals.com during his senior year at Hamilton in 2007. Robinson was rated as the No. 78 player in the country according to Scout.com. During his two years at Hamilton, the Huskies posted a 25-2 record as Robinson made an impact in all facets of the game. Robinson threw six touchdowns, rushed for four and caught nine. On Hamilton's 2006 state title run, Robinson was mainly featured on defense. The all-purpose athlete tallied 49 tackles, eight interceptions and a fumble recovery. Robinson picked the Sun Devils over Notre Dame and Oregon. Once he got to campus, Robinson appeared in 47 games making 25 starts over four years. He finished his career with 135 catches for 2,071 yards and 12 touchdowns.
///
KYLE SOELLE (ASU 2017-2022) -- SAGUARO HIGH SCHOOL
During his senior season at Saguaro, Soelle was named to the Arizona All-State second team, was ranked the No. 5 prospect in Arizona by 24/7 sports and helped lead the Sabercats to the 2016 AIA Division 4A State Championship. After putting himself on coaches' radars in 2015 as a tight end, he transitioned to defense for his senior season and racked up 53 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss and recorded nine sacks.
///
CONNOR SOELLE (ASU 2019-2022) -- SAGUARO HIGH SCHOOL
Soelle was a part of the Sabercats program that won back-to-back AIA State Championships, and was a finalist for the 2018 Ed Doherty Award, given annually to the top player in the state of Arizona. In his senior season, he earned 121 total tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, three interceptions, and racked up 279 rushing yards on 19 carries (14.7 yards/carry) with five touchdowns, and caught 11 passes for 272 yards and two touchdowns. In 2018, Soelle earned a selection to the Arizona Football Coaches Association Big 25 as one of the top four linebackers in the state, and made the AZFCA All-6A First Team as a linebacker. At Arizona State, Soelle earned Special Teams MVP for the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
///
PHILLIPPI SPARKS (1990-91) -- MARYVALE HIGH SCHOOL
While Darren Woodson had to walk on at ASU and earn his spot, Sparks, his Maryvale teammate had an equally adverse road. Before Sparks boasted two stellar seasons in Tempe, he played two seasons at Glendale Community College where he led the Guacho's to the 1988 Junior College National Championship. After his two years of Juco football, Sparks made the short trip to Tempe where he was named to the All Pac-10 second team during his first season with the team. In 1991, Sparks was named to the All Pac-10 first team and entered the NFL Draft. Sparks was selected in the second round by the New York Giants and played nine years in the NFL before retiring after the 2000 season.
///
NORRIS STEVERSON (1928-1931) -- MESA HIGH SCHOOL
Steverson was a halfback for the Bulldogs of Arizona State Teachers College, and was voted an Honorable Mention AP All-American in 1931. He also earned All-Southern Conference honors for 1931 campaign that saw Arizona State go 6-2 and win the Border Conference. In 1934, he played for the Cincinnati Reds of the NFL and then the Tulsa Oilers of the AFL.
///
TERRELL SUGGS (2000-2002) -- HAMILTON HIGH SCHOOL
Listed as the No. 1 jumbo athlete in the nation by SuperPrep Magazine, Suggs was named the 2000 Arizona player of the year by USA Today. Suggs was a dominant all around athlete and racked up 297 carries for 2,274 yards and 26 touchdowns in a one-back offense in 2000. Suggs holds the Hamilton record for the most rushing yards and touchdowns in a game with 367 yards and five touchdowns in a 48-21 win over Yuma Kofa. After high school, Suggs wrecked havoc in the Pac-10. In 2002 Suggs became the NCAA record holder for sacks in a season with 24. In that same season, Suggs also recorded the most tackles for loss in the country with 31.5 while leading ASU to a berth in the Holiday Bowl. Suggs won the Ted Hendriks award, given to the nations best defensive end. Suggs also won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, the Lombardi Award, the Rotary Lombardi Award, the Bill Willis Trophy and the Pac-10's Morris trophy. Suggs was selected with the 10th overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens where he would be named the 2011 Defensive Player of the Year and would be selected to seven Pro-Bowls. Suggs is a two time Super Bowl champion, winning his first title with the Ravens in 2012 and his second as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2019.
///
SHAWN SWAYDA (1992-1996) -- BROPHY COLLEGE PREPATORY
Shawn Swayda was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 1997 and played four seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. He was a three-year starter and earned honorable mention All-Pac-10 in ASU's 1996 Pac-10 title season.
///
VI TEOFILO (2011-2015) -- MOON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL
A state champion wrestler and standout lineman at Moon Valley, Teofilo also aided the Rockets' rushing attack in short yardage situations with 16 carries for 32 yards and a touchdown. Teofilo was rated as the No. 16 prospect in Arizona by SuperPrep. When Teofilo saw the field at ASU, he stayed on it making 40 consecutive starts from 2012-2015.
///
JIM WARNE, JR. (1985-1987) -- TEMPE HIGH SCHOOL
At Tempe High School, Warne was All-State in football, shotput, and powerlifting. This led him to a full-ride football scholarship at ASU, where he was an offensive tackle on the 1987 Rose Bowl Championship team. He was voted 1986 All-Pac-10 Tackle by the coaches/media and selected to the Hula Bowl All-Star game. At ASU, he was also a National Champion/All-American powerlifter. Warne was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 11th round of the 1987 NFL Draft, and played in the WLAF/NFL Europe in 1991 and the Arena Football League in 1992. In 2023, Warne was an inductee to the North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame.
///
MORRISON WARREN (1946-1947) -- PHOENIX UNION COLORED HIGH SCHOOL
Warren was one of the stars of Sun Devil football in the mid-1940's. He led the team in rushing with 181 yards on 76 carries in 1946 and in scoring with eight touchdowns in 1947. He ran for a career-high 141 yards on 21 carries against Arizona on Nov. 15, 1947. Warren was also a pioneer for African-American athletes at what was then known as Arizona State College. n 1947, after Texas schools had told Arizona State not to bring African-American players to their games, ASC administrators vowed that the school would only play in games where all its players could play. Later in his life, Warren would become an education professor at ASU. He was also the first African-American to be elected to the Phoenix City Council (1966-70) and the first to be elected President of the Fiesta Bowl (1982).
///
CHRISTIAN WESTERMAN (2013-2015) -- HAMILTON HIGH SCHOOL
Westerman was one of the highest touted recruits in Arizona high school football history. ESPN ranked Westerman the No. 2 offensive tackle and the No. 6 ranked player nationally. The All-USA first team selection helped guide Hamilton to back-to-back undefeated seasons during his junior and senior years, helping the Huskies to a 29-0 record in that span. After a brief stint at Auburn from 2011-12, Westerman returned to Arizona to join the Sun Devils in 2013 as a redshirt sophomore. Westerman appeared in 26 games, making 25 starts during his time as a Sun Devil and was selected in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals.
///
DANNY WHITE (1971-73) -- WESTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL
The first native Arizonan to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, White quarterbacked the Sun Devils to a 32-4 record over three seasons and led the Sun Devils to three straight wins in the Fiesta Bowl over Florida State, Missouri and Pittsburgh. White also punted for the Sun devils, averaging 41.7 yards. He set records for passing yards with 6,717 and passing touchdowns with 64. White played professionally for 15 years with the Memphis Southmen of the World Football League from 1974-1975, and with the Dallas Cowboys from 1976-1988.
///
WILFORD "WHIZZER" WHITE (1947-1950) -- MESA HIGH SCHOOL
The father of Danny White, "Whizzer" finished his career with 3,173 rushing yards which was the most in program history. White scored 48 touchdowns during his collegiate career, tallied 16 100-yard games and had his number 33 retired by the school. His 1,502 yards in 1950 is still the second best mark in school history for rushing yards in a single season. White was drafted in the third round of the 1951 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears.
///
JIMMY WILLIAMS (1981-1984) -- TEMPE HIGH SCHOOL
Williams outperformed everyone's expectations after a freshman season that didn't see him record much time. In his second year, he recorded 153 tackles which marks him third all-time. He would be an Honorable Mention All-Pac-10 in 1982, and notched 145 tackles the next year. ASU went 16-6-1 in those two years, and 1984 was set to be Williams' best year before an injury derailed those hopes. Williams remained captain of the team and stayed around the program.
///
KYLE WILLIAMS (2006-2009) -- CHAPARRAL HIGH SCHOOL
The No. 8 player in the state by Rivals.com, Williams was named the Big School Player of the Year by the Arizona Republic in 2005. Williams compiled 2,294 all-purpose yards and 30 touchdowns as a senior and led the Firebirds to a 11-2 record and a Desert Valley League championship. Williams picked up right were he left off once he got on campus, as he appeared in 41 games throughout his career. He totaled 109 receptions, 1,626 yards and 18 touchdowns during his collegiate career. Williams was also a dynamic kick returner, fielding 74 punts for 768 yards and 31 kickoff returns for 709 yards.
///
MARCUS WILLIAMS (1990-1993) -- MCCLINTOCK HIGH SCHOOL
Williams completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Justice Studies and was a member of the 1997 Rose Bowl and Sun Bowl teams. During his senior season, Williams averaged 43.6 yards as a punter, earning first-team All-Pac-10 honors. After graduating from ASU in 1997, Williams pursued a professional football career by competing in training camps with the Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots, playing with the Rhein Fire in the NFL Europe and the XFL’s Las Vegas Outlaws.
///
DARREN WOODSON (1988-1991) -- MARYVALE HIGH SCHOOL
As a senior at Maryvale, Woodson earned All-Metro Division AAA and All-City honors. Woodson did not meet the qualifications to receive a scholarship, so he walked on with the Sun Devils where he would be coached by then linebackers coach Lovie Smith. Smith helped mold Woodson into a ferocious hitter and tackle machine, as he led the Sun Devils in tackles in 1989 with 122 including five for loss. After his collegiate career, Woodson was drafted in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. Woodson became aa three time Super Bowl champion, a five time Pro-Bowler and a four time first team All-Pro with the Cowboys. Woodson was inducted into the Cowboys Ring of Honor in 2015.