Anxiousness filled the stands with second-and-10 coming up with 39 yards separating BYU from ending the Sun Devils' postseason dreams. On the next play, redshirt junior cornerback Javan Robinson picked off the pass to save the season.
Robinson is returning for the 2025 season, and so is the majority of the starting defense, with the only losses coming from NFL Draft eligibility. Junior cornerback Keith Abney II, Robinson's partner in crime, will also be back in the desert. The two are ready to get going where they left off.
"It's great having Javan back," Abney said. "After the Texas game, we talked, and we just challenged each other. We're going to step it up a notch. We are going to compete with each other and just try to make each other better every day. Try to become the best corner tandem in the nation."
Both look more refined than last season. So far in spring camp, both look more fluid within their movements, and Robinson looks bigger and more explosive with his change of direction.
Robinson has been day-to-day with an undisclosed injury that has kept him out of team period. He hasn't seen "live" reps yet, so it's been hard to test the offseason work he's put in against talented ASU wide receivers. As friendly banter is exchanged throughout camp, Robinson has to watch from the sidelines.
"I'm that type of player," Robinson said. "When I'm out there, it's like, I'm out there rowdy and stuff. So I love to see it."
READ MORE: Receiver revamp: ASU's new WR core turns heads in spring camp
Playing well on the field isn't the only thing that matters when it comes to being a Sun Devil, and that's something Abney has been learning.
"With Keith, it's more of stepping up and being the leader," said assistant cornerbacks coach Bryan Carrington. "He's a two-time Pat Tillman award winner on our team, and he deserves to have a voice on our team."
Carrington and the other coaches are pushing Abney to reach his true potential and contribute to the team.
"We challenge him (Abney) from a technique standpoint, just making sure that with a guy with his height and weight, you try not to make as many mistakes," Carrington said. "Some guys have the length to where they can get away and have some grace in some aspects. So just making sure that Keith has no margin for error."
Abney and Robinson are excited for a potential opportunity to start, but nothing is guaranteed in college football.
"It's rare these days in college football," Robinson said. "So to have him come back, and for us to be returning starters again, it's amazing. And I love playing alongside Keith."
Redshirt freshman Rodney Bimage Jr. is having a strong spring camp and has taken first-team reps opposite Abney. Bimage Jr. isn't the only contender for a starting spot after transfer portal additions.
READ MORE: Transfer portal review: Who the Sun Devils gained and lost so far
Former Purdue Boilermakers and redshirt seniors Kyndrich Breedlove and Nyland Green flipped to ASU. Breedlove plays more of a strong safety role played by graduate Shamari Simmons last year. Breedlove has mostly been on the second team, and Green is splitting first-team reps with Bimage Jr. opposite Abney.
"I feel like we've all got tight bonds," Abney said. "There's no hatred in that room. It's all love, we're all trying to make each other better."
Edited by Jack Barron, Sophia Braccio and Katrina Michalak.
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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.
