Sam Leavitt, considered a redshirt freshman, will be the starting quarterback for the Sun Devils' 2024 season after impressive performances in training camp.
Head coach Kenny Dillingham named Leavitt as the team's starting quarterback against Wyoming for the season opener on Aug. 31. The decision comes after former ASU starting quarterback Jaden Rashada transferred to the University of Georgia in April.
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Leavitt has taken the majority of first-team reps throughout ASU's camp and commanded five drives during the most recent team scrimmage. During those drives, Leavitt led the offense to two touchdowns with multiple impressive throws, including a 32-yard strike to redshirt sophomore wide receiver Jordyn Tyson.
"In 300 clips of team series scenarios he has two interceptions," Dillingham said. "So you're talking 300 clips. That's roughly five football games and you have two interceptions. That's pretty good."
Leavitt came to ASU via the transfer portal from Michigan State University. He completed 15-of-23 passes for 139 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions last year. He added 13 carries for 67 yards on the ground.
Leavitt showcased his mobility as a quarterback with multiple designed runs and escaping the pocket. He also was able to push the ball down the field but lacked some power on limited attempts.
Leavitt is coming to ASU with the promise that offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo can take advantage of Leavitt's dual-threat nature. Arroyo said he has loved Leavitt's work ethic throughout camp, including when he stayed behind multiple times to "throw more with his receivers."
"He's earned it," Arroyo said. "Everyone's very clear how that's been earned and taken. I think we are excited about it."
The two other quarterbacks in contention for the job were senior Jeff Sims, a Nebraska transfer, and senior Trenton Bourguet. Sims will be the second-string quarterback for the team.
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Sims found a lot more playing time at Georgia Tech in his first three years in college but barely played at Nebraska last season. Sims completed 28-of-47 passes for 282 yards, one touchdown and six interceptions as a Cornhusker. Sims can run the ball and had 42 carries for 189 yards and one touchdown last year.
Sims has struggled recently in camp despite being seen as a potential starter. He faced hard times during the team's most recent full-team scrimmage and struggled to maintain drives.
Meanwhile, Bourguet has had quite the career with ASU completing 304-of-464 passes for 3,091 yards for 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Bourguet also has 51 carries for 85 yards and two touchdowns.
Bourguet has gotten to start some games over the past two years. While he has shown flashes, there are certain limits to his game overall. Where he may lack physically he doesn't lack mentally. Bourguet is a smart player who knows the offense and is considered a coach on the field.
Regardless of who has the starting quarterback job, Dillingham said he's confident that all three quarterbacks can take over at any time and produce.
"We believe we have a lot of starting quarterbacks on this team that can win football games," Dillingham said. "I feel like our quarterback depth is really good."
Edited by Jack Barron, Abigail Beck and Natalia Jarrett.
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Daniel is a senior studying sports journalism. This is his first semester with The State Press. He has also worked at WCSN, OC Riptide, 1550 Sports and AZPreps365.
