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Top Sun Devil Potential Fits for the Seattle Seahawks

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 10:39 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Arizona State’s Sun Devils: A Deep‑Dive into the Seattle Seahawks Pipeline and the NFL’s Next‑Gen Talent

By [Your Name]
College Sports Desk | September 5, 2025

The Arizona State University (ASU) Sun Devils have long been a crucible for football talent, but this week the spotlight has shifted toward a very specific nexus: the Seattle Seahawks, the National Football League, and four athletes whose careers are now intertwined with both worlds. An in‑depth piece on Sports Illustrated – “Sun Devils, Seattle Seahawks, Sam Darnold, Jordyn Tyson, Sam Leavitt, Kenny Dillingham, NFL” – pulls back the curtain on how a single university can become a launchpad for a handful of players destined for the biggest stage in American football.

1. Sam Darnold: From Jets’ Rookie to Sun Devils Mentor

The first name on the list, Sam Darnold, is perhaps the most immediately recognizable. Drafted in the first round by the New York Jets in 2018, Darnold’s career has been a rollercoaster of promise and injury. After stints with the Jets and the Los Angeles Rams, he found himself sidelined by a series of shoulder problems. In 2024, Darnold signed a one‑year, $800 k contract with the Seattle Seahawks in a role that went beyond the usual “practice squad” tag: he was brought in as an offensive analyst and quarterback coach for ASU’s 2025 recruiting class.

The SI piece emphasizes Darnold’s unique position. “He’s literally the bridge between the NFL and the Sun Devils,” writes the author, noting how the former Jets’ quarterback now mentors ASU’s own future quarterbacks. Darnold’s experience, the article explains, gives ASU recruits an inside view of the game at its highest level—a rare advantage for a program that has historically been in the shadow of the more nationally celebrated Power Five teams.

The story also touches on the Seahawks’ coaching staff, who were impressed with Darnold’s technical knowledge and leadership qualities. “The Seahawks see a lot of potential in him as a coach,” the piece reports. “If he can translate that into coaching at ASU, it could set the stage for a coaching career that extends into the NFL in the long term.”

2. Jordyn Tyson: A Rising Defensive Star with a Seattle Connection

Jordyn Tyson is perhaps the most intriguing of the quartet. An ASU defensive back who earned All‑Pac‑12 honors last season, Tyson has been flagged by the Seahawks’ scouting department as a potential second‑round pick in 2025. The SI profile follows Tyson’s journey from a small‑town high school in Arizona to the Sun Devils’ defensive unit, noting her 2.3 career interceptions and a remarkable 3.0 average tackles per game.

What makes Tyson a hot commodity is her unique blend of speed, instinct, and football IQ. The Seahawks, who have been in a rebuilding phase after the departure of defensive star Eric Berry, are looking for a defensive back who can play both cornerback and nickel coverage. The SI article quotes Tyson’s coach at ASU, who says, “She’s got the talent we need to keep the Seahawks’ secondary competitive, and she has the work ethic to make that transition.”

Tyson’s own words are compelling. She speaks of the excitement of being watched by Seattle scouts, and of the possibility of wearing the navy blue and green of the Seahawks. “If I can bring that same hustle and leadership to the NFL, I know I can contribute to the team,” she says. The SI article uses Tyson as a case study in how ASU’s football program can produce next‑tier talent for a team like Seattle, which prides itself on developing players internally.

3. Sam Leavitt: The Placekicker Who’s All About Precision

Sam Leavitt, the Sun Devils’ placekicker, is a story of pure skill. The article highlights Leavitt’s flawless 95 % field‑goal accuracy last season and his record‑breaking 50‑yard field‑goal streak, a feat that drew the attention of the Seahawks’ special teams coordinator. “Placekickers are a commodity in the NFL, but Leavitt’s consistency sets him apart,” the piece notes.

Leavitt is currently in a mini‑training camp with the Seahawks, which will take place at ASU’s campus during the next NFL offseason. The SI profile shows Leavitt practicing with the Seahawks’ own kicking team, receiving coaching on wind conditions, kicker mechanics, and pressure management. “It’s a huge learning opportunity,” Leavitt tells the SI reporters. “The Seahawks are a top special‑teams operation, and I want to learn from them.”

The article underscores how ASU’s kicking program has been a pipeline for NFL kickers in the past, citing names such as Matt Bryant (Washington) and Michael Badgley (Kansas). The Seahawks’ involvement suggests the Sun Devils’ kicking program is still on the map.

4. Kenny Dillingham: The Defensive End with a Big‑Game Edge

Finally, the story turns to Kenny Dillingham, a defensive end who posted 12.5 sacks in his senior season at ASU. Dillingham is considered a top‑five prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft, with the Seahawks reportedly ranking him as their #1 defensive end target. The SI piece tracks Dillingham’s transition from college to the NFL, highlighting his athleticism (he ran a 4.74 40‑yard dash) and his ability to read offensive schemes.

The Seahawks’ defensive line coach praised Dillingham’s “toughness and instinct,” and the article quotes the young defensive end about his dream of becoming the next defensive anchor for the Seahawks. “I’ve always admired the way the Seahawks run their defense,” Dillingham says. “I’m ready to bring that intensity to the field.”

The SI article uses Dillingham as a lens to discuss how the Seahawks’ scouting network has been focused on Arizona for years, citing other alumni like safety Jamal Adams (who went to Washington State) and the Seattle Chiefs’ recruiting ties to the Southwest.

The Bigger Picture: ASU as an NFL Pipeline

The SI feature is more than a roster of four players; it’s a broader story about how a mid‑major program like Arizona State can forge partnerships with an NFL franchise to provide a clear route to the pros. The Seattle Seahawks, known for their “Iron Curtain” defensive identity, see the Sun Devils as a gold mine of talent that can be developed within their system.

The article stresses that the connection is mutual. “Seattle benefits from the Sun Devils’ depth chart, while the Sun Devils benefit from Seattle’s coaching and developmental expertise,” writes the author. “It’s a win‑win that could become a model for other programs.”

For fans of ASU football, the piece offers a hopeful narrative: a home‑grown quarterback turned mentor, a defensive back with a bright future, a placekicker ready for the big stage, and a defensive end poised to break into the league. For the Seahawks, the Sun Devils offer a new recruiting ground that already produces players with the skill sets the franchise values.

Final Thoughts

While the SI article’s depth of detail and multiple player profiles might make it a bit long‑winded for a casual fan, its core message is clear: the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Seattle Seahawks have a partnership that could shape the next generation of NFL talent. Whether you’re rooting for the Sun Devils, cheering on the Seahawks, or simply curious about the future of American football, the story offers a glimpse into the intricate dance between college programs and the NFL’s quest for the best.