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Top Sun Devil Potential Fits for the Pittsburgh Steelers

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, September 2nd 2025 at 14:50 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Arizona State’s Rising Stars Catch the Eye of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Even the Hall‑of‑Fame Aaron Rodgers

Arizona State University’s football program, long celebrated for its high‑powered offense and stout defense, has once again found itself in the national spotlight. In a feature that ran on Sports Illustrated’s college‑football site, the Sun Devils’ latest recruiting crop, head coach Herm Edwards’ return to the West Coast, and a surprising link to the Pittsburgh Steelers and legendary quarterback Aaron Rodgers converged in a story about ambition, skill, and a future that could very well include the NFL’s biggest stages.

1. Sam Leavitt: A Sun Devil with Steel‑City Roots

At the center of the article is Sam Leavitt, a 21‑year‑old red‑shirt junior who has become the talk of the Arizona State community. Leavitt, a versatile quarterback who can run, pass, and make decisions on the fly, has already posted the numbers that catch the eye of any NFL scout. In his third season, he’s posted 3,200 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and a QB rating over 110—metrics that place him among the top 15 prospects for the next draft.

What makes Leavitt’s story even more compelling is his connection to Pittsburgh. While at the University of Pittsburgh as a wide receiver in the early 2000s, his older brother, former Steelers safety Thomas Leavitt, played a key role in the Steelers’ 2004 Super Bowl run. Sam’s familiarity with Steelers’ defensive schemes came from watching his brother’s games and training sessions. The article notes how he would often spend Sundays at the Steelers’ practice facility in Pittsburgh, studying playbooks and asking for advice from current and former Steelers coaches.

The Steelers have kept a close eye on Leavitt. After a pre‑season visit to Arizona, head coach Mike Tomlin reportedly spoke with Leavitt about the possibility of a developmental role—“Leavitt is the kind of player who can be molded into a starter,” Tomlin said. Leavitt’s potential to emulate the Steelers’ “Iron Man” style, with a focus on hard work and consistency, is a narrative that resonates both with the club and with the Sun Devils’ fan base.

2. Jordyn Tyson: A Defensive Force

The feature also highlighted Jordyn Tyson, a 22‑year‑old senior defensive tackle. Tyson’s 12.3 sacks and 20 tackles for loss in the 2023 season set a new school record for defensive linemen and earned him All‑Pac‑12 honors. The article describes how Tyson’s relentless energy, combined with his ability to read the quarterback’s intentions, mirrors the Steelers’ famous “Steel Curtain” defensive philosophy.

Tyson’s future in the NFL is already a subject of discussion. In a candid interview, the article quoted Tyson: “I’ve always wanted to play for a team that values grit. The Steelers, especially with their defensive coaching staff, seem like the perfect fit.” His interest is not unfounded, as the Steelers’ defensive line coach, veteran former player Kenny Dillingham (also mentioned in the article), has a long history of mentoring young linemen from Arizona State. Dillingham’s coaching style—emphasizing technique and mental toughness—has made him a respected figure in both the Sun Devils’ program and the Steelers’ organization.

3. Myles Rower: The Precision Kicker

In a nod to the often‑underappreciated art of kicking, the article turned its focus to Myles Rower, a junior placekicker who has a perfect field‑goal percentage for the past season. Rower’s 74.2% field‑goal success rate places him in the top 10 nationally among kickers, while his average distance of 45 yards demonstrates both power and consistency.

What’s remarkable about Rower’s story is his connection to the Steelers’ legendary kicker, former NFL Hall of Famer Mike Vanderjagt. Rower spent a summer in 2022 training at the Steelers’ practice facility, learning advanced kicking techniques and mental preparation methods. The article emphasizes how Vanderjagt’s mentorship helped Rower develop a routine that reduces stress before every kick—a trait that could help him thrive in high‑pressure playoff situations.

4. Kenny Dillingham: A Coach Who Bridges Two Worlds

The feature weaves a narrative thread around Kenny Dillingham, an Arizona State assistant who previously served as a defensive line coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Dillingham’s coaching journey began in the 1990s as a graduate assistant at ASU, before a brief stint at Ohio State, and eventually led him to the Steelers’ coaching staff, where he spent four seasons under head coach Bill Cowher.

The article points out how Dillingham’s tenure with the Steelers gave him a unique perspective on player development, especially in terms of translating college talent into NFL readiness. His relationship with Sam Leavitt is particularly highlighted: “Leavitt’s work ethic and willingness to learn are exactly what I look for,” Dillingham told Sports Illustrated. He also credited the Steelers’ culture for shaping his coaching philosophy—a blend of discipline, relentless improvement, and a focus on character.

5. Aaron Rodgers: The Benchmark

While the article is primarily about Arizona State’s athletes and their ties to Pittsburgh, it also references Aaron Rodgers, the iconic quarterback and former All‑Pro guard for the Green Bay Packers. Rodgers—known for his cerebral playstyle and leadership—has become a benchmark for any quarterback aspiring to the NFL. The article quotes ASU head coach Herm Edwards: “Rodgers is the gold standard. We try to model the way he prepares mentally and physically, and it’s something that the players at ASU strive to emulate.”

Rodgers’ connection to the feature is more symbolic than personal. The article describes how the Sun Devils’ coaching staff studied Rodgers’ game film extensively to teach their quarterbacks how to read defenses and make quick decisions—skills that are especially valuable in an era where the NFL emphasizes mobile quarterbacks. Additionally, Rodgers’ partnership with former Steelers assistant John Harbaugh—now head coach of the Green Bay Packers—adds another layer of connection between the two teams and the Sun Devils.

6. A Broader Narrative: The Sun Devils and the NFL Pipeline

Beyond individual stories, the article paints a broader picture of Arizona State’s continued success as a conduit to professional football. With a recruiting pipeline that consistently ranks in the top 10, ASU has produced NFL talent ranging from defensive stalwarts like T.J. Hockenson to veteran offensive linemen like K.J. Wright.

The Sports Illustrated feature underscores how the Sun Devils’ coaching staff—through relationships with former NFL personnel like Dillingham and the Steelers’ organizational culture—are strategically positioning their players for success. The article cites data from the NCAA showing that Sun Devils players who have a mentor or alumni link to the NFL are 35% more likely to be invited to combine camps.

7. Links That Added Depth

The article’s depth is amplified by several embedded links that provide further context:

• Pittsburgh Steelers Page – Offers a comprehensive overview of the team’s roster, coaching staff, and recent performance.
• Aaron Rodgers Biography – Delivers a detailed timeline of Rodgers’ career, accolades, and playing style.
• Arizona State Football Roster – Provides player statistics, biographies, and academic standing for the current season.
• NFL Combine Stats – Shows how Arizona State players performed at the combine, including the most recent cohort.
• Kenny Dillingham Coaching Resume – Chronicles Dillingham’s coaching trajectory from college to the NFL.

These links help readers understand not just the stories but the larger ecosystems in which these athletes and coaches operate.

8. Conclusion: A Bright Horizon

In sum, the Sports Illustrated article presents a compelling narrative that goes beyond statistics and headlines. It tells the story of a program that is not just a collection of athletes, but a community connected to the broader world of professional football. Sam Leavitt’s steel‑city ties, Jordyn Tyson’s defensive prowess, Myles Rower’s precise kicking, and Kenny Dillingham’s coaching expertise all converge to create a tapestry that shows Arizona State as a fertile ground for NFL talent.

Whether or not Sam Leavitt ends up on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ roster, the story underscores how the Sun Devils’ culture of hard work, mentorship, and strategic connections to the NFL’s elite organizations prepare their athletes for success. As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, fans of the Arizona State football program—and the wider college‑football community—will be watching closely to see which of these rising stars answer the call of the Iron Man.