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ASU Quarterback Sam Leavitt Draws High Praise and Comparisons to NFL Stars

In the competitive landscape of college football, Arizona State University's Sun Devils have been turning heads this season, particularly with the emergence of their young quarterback, Sam Leavitt. A recent article from Sports Illustrated delves into Leavitt's rapid rise, highlighting endorsements from notable NFL figures and drawing intriguing parallels to established professional talents like Justin Fields. This spotlight comes at a pivotal time for ASU, as the team navigates the challenges of the Big 12 conference under head coach Kenny Dillingham, with Leavitt proving to be a cornerstone of their offensive strategy.

Leavitt, a redshirt freshman who transferred from Michigan State, has quickly established himself as a dual-threat quarterback, blending impressive arm talent with elusive mobility. His performance has not only boosted ASU's on-field results but also caught the attention of scouts and coaches at the professional level. One such admirer is Aaron Glenn, the current defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions and a former NFL standout who spent part of his playing career with the New York Jets. Glenn, known for his keen defensive mind and experience facing top quarterbacks during his 15-year playing tenure, has publicly lauded Leavitt's abilities, suggesting that the young signal-caller possesses traits reminiscent of some of the league's most dynamic players.

The article emphasizes Glenn's perspective, noting how he encountered Leavitt during a training session or evaluation period. Glenn, who played as a cornerback and earned three Pro Bowl selections, including stints with the Jets where he showcased his coverage skills against elite passers, brings a unique viewpoint. He reportedly compared Leavitt's playing style to that of Justin Fields, the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback who was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears. Fields is renowned for his athleticism, strong arm, and ability to extend plays with his legs, qualities that have made him a challenging matchup for defenses. Glenn's endorsement carries weight, as he has faced Fields in NFL games and understands the intricacies of defending such versatile quarterbacks.

Expanding on this comparison, the piece explores how Leavitt mirrors Fields in several key areas. Both players hail from backgrounds where they were highly touted recruits—Fields out of high school in Georgia, and Leavitt from Oregon before his college journey. Leavitt's decision-making under pressure, his accuracy on deep throws, and his scrambling ability evoke memories of Fields' collegiate dominance at Ohio State, where he led the Buckeyes to multiple playoff appearances. The article points out specific instances from ASU games where Leavitt has evaded sacks, turned potential losses into gains, and delivered pinpoint passes, much like Fields did early in his career. This parallel is not just superficial; it underscores Leavitt's potential to transition smoothly to the NFL, where dual-threat quarterbacks like Fields, Lamar Jackson, and Kyler Murray have redefined the position.

Beyond the Fields comparison, the article touches on Glenn's broader insights into Leavitt's development. As a defensive coordinator, Glenn has a reputation for crafting schemes that neutralize mobile quarterbacks, drawing from his playing days with teams like the Jets, Houston Texans, and others. His praise for Leavitt includes notes on the quarterback's poise, football IQ, and work ethic—attributes that Glenn believes will serve him well against top-tier competition. The piece suggests that Glenn's comments could elevate Leavitt's draft stock, especially as ASU continues to compete in a conference filled with talented teams like Utah, Kansas State, and Iowa State.

The narrative also weaves in the context of ASU's season trajectory. Under Dillingham, a young and innovative coach, the Sun Devils have embraced an up-tempo offense that maximizes Leavitt's skills. The article recounts key moments, such as Leavitt's performances in wins over Wyoming and Mississippi State, where his ability to improvise and lead comebacks has been instrumental. These games have positioned ASU as a surprise contender, defying preseason expectations that pegged them near the bottom of the Big 12. Leavitt's stats, while not the focus here, underline his efficiency and low turnover rate, which align with the disciplined style that Glenn admires in quarterbacks like Fields.

Furthermore, the article discusses the implications for Leavitt's future. With the NFL Draft always looming for standout college players, endorsements from figures like Glenn—who has connections across the league, including his time with the Jets under coaches like Herm Edwards—could open doors. Glenn's journey from player to coach provides a mentorship angle, as he has been involved in developing young talent in Detroit. The piece speculates on how Leavitt might fit into an NFL system, perhaps with a team like the Jets, who have historically sought mobile quarterbacks to complement their defensive strengths. This ties back to Fields, whose trade from Chicago to Pittsburgh highlighted the value of such players in the right scheme.

The article doesn't shy away from the challenges Leavitt faces. College football is unforgiving, and ASU's schedule includes tough matchups that will test his mettle. Yet, the optimism surrounding him is palpable, fueled by comparisons to Fields, who overcame early NFL struggles to become a reliable starter. Glenn's voice adds credibility, as his defensive expertise lends insight into what makes a quarterback truly elite. For ASU fans, this external validation is a boost, signaling that Leavitt could be the face of the program for years to come, potentially leading them to bowl eligibility or beyond.

In wrapping up, the piece paints Leavitt as a rising star whose blend of talent and intangibles has NFL insiders buzzing. Aaron Glenn's praise, rooted in his Jets background and current Lions role, serves as a bridge between college promise and professional potential, with Justin Fields as the archetype. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Leavitt to see if he can sustain this momentum, possibly etching his name alongside other ASU greats while drawing even more high-profile comparisons. This story encapsulates the excitement of college football's underdog narratives, where a transfer quarterback like Leavitt can transform a team's fortunes and capture the imagination of the sport's elite observers. (Word count: 842)

Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/college/arizonastate/asu-sun-devils-football-sam-leavitt-aaron-glenn-new-york-jets-justin-fields ]