**Arizona State Sun Devils Head Coach Raves About Freshmen Standouts in Spring Practice**
As spring football practice heats up in Tempe, Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham has been effusive in his praise for two standout freshmen who are already making waves on the field. With the Sun Devils looking to build momentum after a challenging 2023 season, these young talents are proving they can be key contributors early in their college careers.
### **Freshmen Making an Early Impact**
Dillingham, known for his high-energy coaching style and emphasis on player development, has been vocal about how impressed he is with the performances of wide receiver Jayden Thomas and linebacker Malik Robinson. Both players, part of the 2024 recruiting class, have demonstrated a rare combination of skill, football IQ, and work ethic that has caught the attention of the coaching staff and veteran players alike.
“These two guys are playing beyond their years,” Dillingham said after a recent practice session. “They’ve come in, embraced the culture, and are competing at a high level. They don’t look like freshmen out there.”
### **Jayden Thomas: A Rising Star at Receiver**
Thomas, a four-star recruit out of California, has quickly established himself as a playmaker in the Sun Devils’ offense. With a blend of speed, precise route running, and strong hands, he has given the ASU secondary plenty of trouble in one-on-one drills.
“Jayden has that ‘it’ factor,” Dillingham said. “He’s explosive, he’s confident, and he’s making tough catches in traffic. You can see the trust building between him and the quarterbacks already.”
Veteran wide receiver Elijhah Badger also noted Thomas’s strong work ethic and willingness to learn from older players. “He’s asking questions, staying late after practice, and putting in the extra work,” Badger said. “That’s the kind of mentality you want in a young player.”
### **Malik Robinson: A Defensive Playmaker in the Making**
On the defensive side, linebacker Malik Robinson has been equally impressive. The hard-hitting, instinctive defender from Texas has shown a knack for diagnosing plays quickly and making impact tackles.
“Malik plays with incredible intensity,” Dillingham said. “He’s physical, he moves well, and he’s showing leadership qualities already. It’s rare to see a freshman with his level of confidence and understanding of the game.”
Robinson’s ability to quickly pick up defensive schemes has made him a candidate for early playing time. With ASU’s defense looking to improve under new coordinator Brian Ward, Robinson’s emergence provides a much-needed boost.
### **Looking Ahead to the Fall**
While it’s still early in the offseason, the performances of Thomas and Robinson have generated excitement within the program. Both freshmen will have an opportunity to compete for significant roles when fall camp begins, and if they continue their strong play, they could find themselves in key spots when the Sun Devils open the season.
Dillingham, now in his second year leading ASU, emphasized that while talent is important, continued growth and consistency will determine how much of an impact these young players will have in 2024.
“If they keep working the way they are now, the sky’s the limit,” he said. “They’ve got the tools, now it’s about putting it all together.”
