TEMPE, Ariz. –  With Arizona State’s football roster looking different from a year ago, fans got a glimpse of what is to come during the first open spring practice on Saturday. 

The practice featured a plethora of new, serious faces vying for a spot on the roster, head coach Kenny Dillingham said. 

“I think our guys are very serious about football. I think they like football,” Dillingham said. “I think it’s very competitive, we got a ton of position battles where almost every position has a position battle.” 

These position battles took place on Day 5 of spring practice at Kajikawa Practice Fields on Saturday, March. 28. Compared to other practices in the spring, ASU opened the doors, letting fans glimpse behind-the-scenes action.

Dillingham said the Sun Devil coaches appreciated the fans coming out in support.

“Unbelievable atmosphere out here, it’s a beautiful night,” Dillingham said. “Great energy from players and the crowd out here. It’s football in the spring, it's fun to be out here.” 

In line with the crowd's energy, Dillingham praised freshman defensive lineman Julian Hugo's physicality at practice. 

During his senior season at Steele High School in Cibolo, Texas, Hugo recorded 98 tackles, 19 tackles for loss and nine sacks. 

“Julian Hugo is showing up as a freshman over and over again,” Dillingham said. “I hope that continues.” 

In contrast to Hugo’s stellar physicality, his running mate, junior defensive lineman C.J. Fite, did not practice due to injury.  

Despite the injury, coaches continue to mention and praise Fite. 

“C.J. Fite, he’s going to start … I know that.” Dillingham said. 

On the flip side of the defensive line, Dillingham loved the local Arizona families showing up for their players.

“That’s one of the benefits of coming here from in-state,” Dillingham said. “There’s a lot of families out here from different states, because it is a great place to be, and people want to be out here.” 

While the families came out to support their players, sophomore defensive back Rodney Bimage Jr. is another name showing out in the first two weeks of spring practices. 

Bimage Jr. played his freshman year sparingly before maintaining redshirt status. In 2025, Bimage saw an increased role, playing 10 games, recording 12 combined tackles and two pass deflections. 

Bimage Jr. looks to take the next step with former ASU cornerback Keith Abney II, who is leaving the team to pursue the NFL.

“He’s definitely taken a big step in how he prepares, leadership, and we're expecting a lot out of him this year,” Dillingham said. “He’s really matured and I’m excited to see him continue to prepare like he’s prepared.”