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Sun Devil Fitsforthe Carolina Panthers

Sun Devil Fits: Arizona State Talents Poised to Bolster Bryce Young and Dave Canales' Carolina Panthers

In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, the Carolina Panthers are at a pivotal juncture. With the hiring of Dave Canales as head coach, the franchise is betting big on a fresh offensive mind to unlock the potential of quarterback Bryce Young, the former No. 1 overall pick who endured a challenging rookie season. Canales, known for his innovative schemes that emphasize quarterback protection, quick reads, and explosive playmaking, brings a track record of revitalizing signal-callers like Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield. But to truly elevate Young, the Panthers need the right supporting cast—players who can thrive in Canales' system, which blends West Coast principles with modern RPO elements and a focus on yards after catch.

Enter the Arizona State Sun Devils, a program that has quietly produced NFL-caliber talent with skill sets that align seamlessly with what Canales envisions for Carolina. The Sun Devils' offensive and defensive philosophies under recent coaching staffs have emphasized athleticism, versatility, and resilience—traits that could provide immediate boosts to a Panthers roster in flux. As the NFL Draft approaches and free agency looms, several Sun Devil alumni and prospects stand out as ideal fits to surround Young with the tools he needs to succeed. This isn't just about plugging holes; it's about building a cohesive unit that maximizes Young's precision passing and mobility while addressing the Panthers' glaring needs in protection, receiving, and defensive support.

Let's start on the offensive line, where Young's protection was a glaring weakness last season. The Panthers allowed a league-high number of sacks, often leaving their young quarterback scrambling for his life. A prime Sun Devil candidate here is Emmit Bohle, a versatile offensive lineman from Arizona State who has shown prowess in both pass protection and run blocking. Bohle's quick feet and ability to handle edge rushers make him a natural fit for Canales' scheme, which relies on linemen who can sustain blocks in extended plays. During his time in Tempe, Bohle anchored an ASU line that protected mobile quarterbacks, allowing them to extend plays much like Young does. If the Panthers target him in the mid-to-late rounds of the draft, he could slide into a guard or tackle role, providing the stability Young desperately needs to build confidence in the pocket.

Moving to the skill positions, the Panthers' receiving corps could use an infusion of dynamic playmakers to complement Young's accurate arm. One standout Sun Devil is wide receiver Elijhah Badger, whose explosive speed and route-running savvy echo the type of targets Canales favored in Tampa Bay and Seattle. Badger's ability to create separation on short-to-intermediate routes aligns perfectly with Canales' quick-game concepts, designed to get the ball out fast and let receivers rack up YAC. In college, Badger hauled in contested catches and turned slants into big gains, much like how Canales utilized players like Mike Evans for chunk plays. Pairing Badger with existing talents like Adam Thielen could give Young a reliable underneath option, reducing the pressure on him to force deep balls into tight coverage. Moreover, Badger's experience in ASU's pro-style offense means he'd adapt quickly, potentially becoming a day-two draft steal for Carolina.

But it's not just offense where Sun Devils shine; the Panthers' defense, which struggled to generate pressure and turnovers, could benefit from ASU's hard-nosed defensive prospects. Cornerback Ro Torrence, with his physicality and ball-hawking instincts, represents an ideal fit for a secondary that needs to support Young by creating short fields. Torrence's man-coverage skills and ability to disrupt receivers at the line would thrive in the aggressive defensive schemes Canales might implement, drawing from his Seattle roots under Pete Carroll. During his ASU tenure, Torrence notched multiple interceptions and pass breakups, showcasing the kind of opportunistic play that could flip games for the Panthers. If Carolina invests in him, perhaps as a mid-round pick, he could pair with veterans like Jaycee Horn to form a formidable backend, indirectly aiding Young by keeping scores low and possessions high.

Another defensive gem is edge rusher B.J. Green II, whose pass-rushing prowess could address the Panthers' anemic sack totals from last year. Green's quick first step and bend around the edge make him a prototypical fit for a defense that needs to pressure opposing quarterbacks, giving Young more breathing room on offense. At Arizona State, Green disrupted backfields with regularity, using his athleticism to collapse pockets—skills that align with Canales' philosophy of balanced teams where defense complements offense. In Carolina, he could rotate in as a situational rusher, helping to mask any offensive inconsistencies while Young develops.

Beyond individual players, the broader appeal of Sun Devil fits lies in the cultural and schematic synergies. Arizona State's program, with its emphasis on adaptability and grit, mirrors the resilient mindset Canales instilled in his previous stops. Young, coming from Alabama's high-powered offense, needs teammates who can elevate his game through familiarity with similar concepts. ASU's recent offensive coordinator, Zak Hill, implemented plays that resemble Canales' playbook, focusing on motion, play-action, and quarterback-friendly designs. This overlap suggests that Sun Devil products could hit the ground running in Charlotte, reducing the learning curve and accelerating the Panthers' rebuild.

Of course, not every fit is a sure thing. The Panthers must navigate draft capital, free agency budgets, and competition from other teams eyeing these talents. Yet, the potential rewards are immense. Imagine Young dropping back behind a fortified line anchored by Bohle, hitting Badger on a crossing route for a first down, while Torrence and Green wreak havoc on defense. This isn't fantasy; it's a blueprint drawn from real alignments between ASU's talent pipeline and Canales' vision.

In summary, as the Panthers chart a course for redemption, looking to Arizona State offers a strategic edge. These Sun Devil fits aren't just about adding bodies—they're about injecting the right mix of skill, scheme compatibility, and intangibles to propel Bryce Young toward stardom. With Canales at the helm, Carolina has the coach; now, integrating these pieces could turn potential into performance. The desert-to-Carolinas connection might just be the spark that ignites a Panthers resurgence, proving once again that college roots can blossom into NFL success. As draft day nears, keep an eye on these Sun Devils—they could be the key to unlocking Young's full potential and restoring faith in the Panthers' future. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/college/arizonastate/sun-devil-fits-for-carolina-panthers-bryce-young-dave-canales ]