Oklahoma transfer Clayton Smith looking to bolster Arizona State defensive line

Clayton Smith had his choice of colleges when he came out of Texas High School in Queen City, Texas. Two recruiting services had him dubbed a five-star prospect, while another pegged him a four-star. Traditional football powers were courting him hard. He eventually chose Oklahoma.

After two seasons with the Sooners during which he was a minimal contributor, the 6-foot-4, 245-pound lineman has a found a new home at Arizona State.

"I wanted to come somewhere I was needed not wanted," Smith said, after the Sun Devils wrapped their eighth of 15 spring practices Thursday morning. "I wanted to go somewhere I was going to be valued and not just tolerated and I felt ASU was the perfect fit for me. Got a new staff, a bunch of young guys, so it was a good opportunity for me to get in somewhere and prove myself and earn a spot on the team."

Out of high school Smith was considered No. 23 player nationally by Rivals and the No. 49 player by 247Sports. He was tabbed the No. 3 weakside defensive end by 247 and the No. 2 outside linebacker by Rivals.

Even a five-star prospect doesn't always play right away though. Smith appeared in four games as a redshirt freshman in 2022 with five tackles, one of those for a loss. The previous season as a true freshman he made cameo appearances in four games and totaled three tackles and a fumble recovery.

He was just a young prospect trying to figure out the college game. He appreciates having a fresh start under a new set of coaches.

"My first year I was trying, made some mistakes, nothing too bad just didn't get to see the field as much as I wanted to. Then year two, I think they already had their guys when they got there, wanted to roll with their guys, which is completely understandable. It just wasn't the place for me any more. I needed to make a move," he said.

Smith is one of 25 Division I transfers ASU has worked into the fold. Typically, it is a past relationship that can pave the way for an athlete to go from one school to another.

It was one of ASU's offensive coaches that had a connection. First-year tight ends coach Jason Mohns knew Smith's high school coach. When Smith popped up in the transfer portal in early December, the Sun Devils began pursuing him.

It's safe to say Smith has found a place he is both needed and wanted.

"He's gonna play a lot here, that's for sure. He doesn't need to worry about that. We have a place for him," defensive line coach Vince Amey said.

Homecoming:Arizona State's DeCarlos Brooks provides veteran presence at running back

More Sun Devils:How Arizona State football brought back its defensive line from the transfer portal

How badly does ASU need his pass-rush presence?

In 2022, the Sun Devils managed only 17 sacks which ranked them 10th in the Pac-12. Not only were there too few sacks, there was also not enough pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

ASU also didn't do well when it came to stopping the run and ranked ninth in the conference.

Both those figures should improve with a different defensive scheme that best showcases its personnel. The defensive line has been one of the more impressive units through the first half of spring drills with junior B.J. Green among the other players who have starred. Anthonie Cooper is another returning starter and veteran Michael Matus is back after missing last season with a torn ACL..

Amey, who came to ASU after serving in the same capacity last year at Idaho State, likes what he has seen from Smith.

"He's twitchy, has great get off. I like his speed. He's a football player and we need those pass rushing guys. You always have to hold the point of attack but he can get off the ball and rush the passer."

Right now Smith says he isn't worried about playing time. He is just trying to learn the scheme and familiarize himself with his new teammates. This is also the first time he has been to Arizona so he's still trying to find his favorite hangout spots. And yes it's a bit different than Norman, Oklahoma where everyone eats, sleeps and breaths Sooner football. But that's alright.

"Every day is an adventure for me," he said. "I love the weather, the people, the team. It's a great adjustment. It seems like the transition has been pretty easy, but I'm loving it."

"Here it's pretty relaxed. We're working hard, getting things done. At Oklahoma it's like the only thing there. There's more to do here. Every sport is here so there are a lot of things to watch. There, it's a smothering of Oklahoma football. There is nothing else."

And, yes, he is enjoying the vibe set forth by new head coach Kenny Dillingham and his young staff.

"Everything we do is fun," Smith said. "When he says we're going to work the hardest but have the most fun, we live it. It's not just something he says. It really has been like that and it's been a great change."

Sun Devils bounce back

Head coach Kenny Dillingham didn't mince words when discussing his team's play during practice on Tuesday. As disappointed as he was with that one, he was satisfied with how his team came back on Thursday morning with a better effort.

"That was one of our better ones," Dillingham said. "They came out with a little bit of passion, energy behind themselves, locked in You could tell when we do our pre-practice walkthrough how guys are communicating, how practice is going to be. Are they using hand signals? Are they screaming, communicating, Or are they just saying the call. Tuesday we just said the call. Today, we actually communicated."

Odds and ends

• Sophomore wide receiver Javen Jacobs worked as running back in the team periods, even breaking off an impressive gain of about 20 yards. Dillingham said Jacobs playing there was the result of having a couple of the other running backs a little banged up.
• Tarik Luckett recorded an interception, one coming off a throw from Bennett Meredith, which had been intended for Elijhah Badger. Jean Boyd later had one on a throw from Notre Dame transfer Drew Pyne.
• The ninth practice will take place on Saturday at Sun Devils Stadium.