Kenny Dillingham, the offensive coordinator for Arizona State, recently sat down with Pete Thamel and Rece Davis on the College GameDay podcast to discuss his star quarterback, Sam Leavitt. And from the way Dillingham spoke about Leavitt, it was clear that he holds him in high regard.
“He’s a competitor,” Dillingham said with a smile when asked about Leavitt. “He makes plays that we don’t even call the play for.”
This statement speaks volumes about Leavitt’s talent and ability on the field. It’s not often that a coach openly admits to relying on a player to make plays outside of the designated play call. But for Leavitt, it seems to come naturally.
Last season, Leavitt led Arizona State to a 4-2 record, throwing for 2,701 yards and 21 touchdowns. He also rushed for 255 yards and 5 touchdowns, showcasing his versatility and athleticism. However, despite his impressive numbers, Dillingham believes that Leavitt still has room for improvement.
“He’s a young quarterback, and he’s still learning,” Dillingham said. “We’ve put a lot on his plate, and he’s handled it well, but there’s always room for growth.”
Dillingham’s honesty and willingness to push Leavitt to be better is a testament to his coaching style. He knows that Leavitt has the potential to be one of the best quarterbacks in the country, and he’s not afraid to challenge him to reach that level.
But it’s not just Leavitt’s talent that sets him apart. Dillingham also praised his work ethic and leadership qualities.
“Sam is a great leader,” Dillingham said. “He’s always the first one in and the last one out. He sets the tone for the rest of the team, and they all look up to him.”
This type of praise from a coach is invaluable for a player like Leavitt. It not only boosts his confidence but also motivates him to continue working hard and improving his game.
However, Dillingham also admitted that he may have set Leavitt up to struggle at times last season. But it was all part of the plan to help him grow as a quarterback.
“We put him in some tough situations last year,” Dillingham said. “But it was all for his development. We wanted him to face adversity and learn how to overcome it.”
And it seems that Leavitt has taken those lessons to heart. He has already shown significant improvement in his decision-making and ability to read defenses during spring practices.
But Leavitt isn’t the only one who has been making strides. Dillingham also announced that Jordyn Tyson, a former wide receiver, will be taking on a new role as a tight end this season.
“Jordyn has been working hard during the offseason to make the transition to tight end,” Dillingham said. “He’s a great athlete, and we believe he can make a big impact at that position.”
This move not only shows Dillingham’s ability to adapt and utilize his players’ strengths but also speaks to the team’s depth and talent. With Leavitt at the helm and players like Tyson stepping up, Arizona State’s offense is poised to have a successful season.
In conclusion, Kenny Dillingham’s praise for Sam Leavitt and his willingness to push him to be better is a testament to the quarterback’s talent and potential. And with the addition of Jordyn Tyson to the tight end position, Arizona State’s offense is looking stronger than ever. Fans can’t wait to see what this dynamic duo will accomplish on the field this season.
