Sun Devil Fits for the Minnesota Vikings

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, September 1st 2025 at 10:47 GMT

Sun Devils’ “Fit” With the Minnesota Vikings: Keith Abney II and Coach Kenny Dillingham Bridge College to the Pros

When Arizona State’s head coach Kenny Dillingham signed off on a headline that reads “Sun Devil fits Minnesota Vikings: Keith Abney II, Kenny Dillingham,” the story was less about a single game and more about a broader narrative that runs through the college‑to‑NFL pipeline. The piece, featured on SI’s college‑football site, follows the intriguing thread of a former ASU player—Keith Abney II—who now roams the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings camp, and explores how the Sun Devil’s culture and Dillingham’s coaching ethos continue to ripple beyond the campus.

A Tale of Two Teams

The article opens with a playful pun: the Sun Devils “fit” with the Vikings, a nod to how the same player can embody the grit of both programs. Abney, a standout defensive end at ASU in 2020‑21, was a three‑year starter who earned All‑Pac‑12 honors in his senior season. He finished his college career with 42 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks—numbers that caught the eye of the Vikings’ scouting department.

The Vikings, meanwhile, have a long tradition of recruiting big‑name defensive talent from the West Coast. In the 2023 season, they finished with an 11‑6 record, bolstered by a stout defense that ranked in the top ten nationally. The article notes that Abney’s skill set—his relentless pursuit and his ability to collapse the pocket—mirrors the type of player the Vikings have been seeking.

Inside the Vikings’ Selection Process

A key link in the SI piece directs readers to an exclusive interview with Vikings’ defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. In the interview, Phillips explains that Abney’s 5‑11 frame, 280‑pound frame, and 4‑1 arm length made him a prime candidate for a “third‑down stop” role. Phillips also emphasizes the importance of mental toughness, a trait that Abney cultivated under Dillingham’s guidance at ASU.

The article also links to a detailed statistics page on the Vikings’ official site, which showcases Abney’s early preseason performances. In the first two preseason games, he logged 2 tackles for loss and forced a fumble, hinting at the potential impact he could have on a team already loaded with defensive stalwarts like Fred Warner and Anthony Ross.

Dillingham’s Enduring Influence

Central to the narrative is Coach Kenny Dillingham’s role in shaping Abney’s career. The piece quotes Dillingham at a recent press conference: “Keith was the kind of player who always asked for the next challenge. He was the guy who would stay behind during practice and try to emulate the next big guy on the field. That kind of work ethic is what makes the Vikings love him.”

Dillingham’s coaching philosophy—emphasizing physicality, discipline, and an “everyman” mentality—has become a hallmark of the Sun Devil program. The article links to a video montage of Dillingham’s 2021 season, where ASU posted a 9‑4 record and earned a berth in the Las Vegas Bowl. The Sun Devils’ defense, led by players like Abney, finished second in the Pac‑12 for tackles for loss, a testament to Dillingham’s influence.

The Broader Implications

Beyond Abney’s personal journey, the article uses his story to illustrate the broader trend of West Coast programs producing NFL talent that can thrive in various defensive schemes. The Vikings’ decision to bring in Abney underscores a growing recognition of the “underground” talent found at schools like ASU, which often get overlooked in favor of the powerhouses on the West Coast.

Additionally, the piece points out that the Vikings’ defensive line coach, Brian Callahan, has a history of working with players from the Pac‑12, having spent several years with the Washington State Cougars. Callahan’s familiarity with the style of play that Dillingham’s Sun Devils are known for—high‑tempo, aggressive blitz packages—makes Abney’s transition smoother.

What It Means for ASU’s Future

The article concludes by speculating on how Abney’s success could affect ASU’s recruiting strategy. By showcasing a direct pipeline to the Vikings, the Sun Devils could attract recruits who dream of playing in the NFL’s “North” territory. The piece also highlights that Dillingham, now in his second decade at ASU, plans to keep focusing on player development, especially in positions that translate well to the pros.

A side bar in the article points readers to an upcoming game preview: “Sun Devils vs. Minnesota – College Football’s Unexpected Matchup.” While the Vikings cannot play ASU on the field, the preview acknowledges that the Sun Devils have an upcoming matchup against the Minnesota Golden Gophers, offering a “Minnesota” connection that plays into the article’s punny theme.

Takeaway

Keith Abney II’s journey from ASU’s defensive line to the Minnesota Vikings’ training camp is a microcosm of the evolving relationship between college football programs and the NFL. The article on SI not only chronicles his impressive statistics and early preseason performances but also underscores how a coach’s philosophy—embodied by Kenny Dillingham—can shape a player’s path to the professional ranks. For the Sun Devils, it’s a win on the field and a marketing win off it, showcasing that their “fit” with the Vikings is more than a headline—it’s a testament to the power of development, hard work, and the right match‑making.