Speak of the Devils Podcast Sitdown Series: Robert Rodriguez

Robert Rodriguez
Robert Rodriguez(DevilsDigest.com)
Updated: May. 8, 2022 at 6:00 PM MST
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Just a few short seasons ago, the ASU defensive line was, to put it charitably, a question mark. But under the tutelage of position coach Robert Rodriguez, it’s developed into a team strength and one of the best groups in the Pac-12. And, in a win for ASU’s Pro Model, defensive tackle DJ Davidson was drafted by the New York Giants.

Heading into the 2022 season, Rodriguez has another deep and talented group of players, but is also dealing with some uncertainty, as star tackle Jermayne Lole is the the transfer portal. He could be back, or he may leave, but Rodriguez’s track record suggests that the Sun Devil DL should again be stout and disruptive. On this episode, we discuss his group of linemen, how NIL and the portal have changed coaching, recruiting, how he’s evolved as a coach, and much more.

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Recent Sitdown Series Episodes

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Head Coach Herm Edwards: We dive into the issues of the 2021 season, his staff’s turnover, the issues facing recruiting, how the 2022 squad is shaping up, how the NCAA investigation will impact the program and his legacy, and much more.

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Head women’s basketball coach Charli Turner Thorne: Heading into her 25th season at the helm, CTT discusses her motivations, the lessons from the COVID year, the importance of mental health, the exciting new players and experienced returners, expectations, and much more.

Assistant basketball coach Joel Justus: ASU’s newest coach discusses his time at Kentucky, learning from John Calipari, coaching with Bobby Hurley and more.

Guard Marreon Jackson: The reigning MAC Player of the Year discusses his road to Tempe, making a better life through hoops, and more.

Forward Kimani Lawrence: The veteran discusses why he came back, the value of loyalty, being a positive role model, what went wrong last year, the influx of new talent, and much more.

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Hall of Fame Safety David Fulcher: The legend discusses his illustrious Sun Devil career, what his enshrinement in the Hall of Fame means, his charitable work, his time with the Bengals, his views on Herm Edwards and the current Sun Devils, and much more.

Athletic Director Ray Anderson: We discuss the state of his key programs, how the pandemic has impacted ASU and will continue to do so moving forward, fan attendance this fall, how Name Image and Likeness and transfer rules will change college sports, the critical issues facing the Pac-12 and much more.

Wide Receiver Ricky Pearsall: The local product discuss his development, the rapport with QB Jayden Daniels, the pressure and reward of being a hometown player, and more.

Linebackers Coach Chris Claiborne: We discuss why he came to ASU, the dynamic of recruiting southern California, the 2021 linebackers, his coaching aspirations and influences, spring ball impressions, and much more.

Head Coach Herm Edwards: We cover the lasting impact of the COVID year, the struggles of local recruiting, developing a staff and mentoring Antonio Pierce, whether 2021 is a make-or-break season, his desired legacy and more.

Safety Aashari Crosswell: Crosswell reflects upon the road he’s traveled, the mistakes made and lessons learned, why he entered the NFL Draft and more.

Safety Evan Fields: Fields discusses why he came back, his desire to make a run at the roses, what it’s like delivering a big hit, the next steps for the Sun Devil defense and so much more.

Football Consultant Donnie Henderson: We discuss the lessons learned from his long career, helping Bruce Snyder build a Rose Bowl team in Tempe, being Herm Edwards’ DC in New York, Herm’s non-swearing swearing, ASU’s loaded 2021 secondary and much more.

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Defensive Line Coach Robert Rodriguez: We discuss the challenges and lessons from Year 1, how he instilled NFL techniques and approaches in his players, recruiting the right players, and so much more.

Defensive Backs Coach Chris Hawkins: We discuss his first year as a position coach, the evolution of recruiting, how he retained his senior stars, navigating the transfer portal, and much more.

Cornerback Chase Lucas: We discuss the evolution he’s seen in the program, the new defense, a bold bet with Frank Darby, the legacy he wants to leave behind, and much more.

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Point Guard Holland Woods: We discuss his basketball origin story, his time as a Viking, what led him to transfer and how one phone call changed everything, his fit in a deep backcourt, and much more.