TEMPE, Ariz. – In the opening minutes of practice on Thursday, sophomore defensive lineman Hyrum Vaeono blasted toward his offensive line partner but was immediately shoved to the ground. Yet Vaeono gathered himself, stood back up and prepared for the upcoming opportunity.

Defensive line coach Diron Reynolds said he wasn't fazed by the newcomer’s mistake, because the effort is what mattered most.

“Go fast, go hard and let us fix it,” Reynolds said. “We don’t dwell on the bad stuff, we teach off of it, and we just keep moving on.”

Crushing hits from linebackers and explosive routes from running backs echoed across the Kajakawa Practice Fields on the afternoon of Thursday, April 9. But near the end zone, Reynolds showcased his teaching abilities not just with words but with action, slowing players down in non-contact drills before transitioning to fast-paced exercises.

Reynolds’ coaching philosophy focuses on hands-on teaching and encourages relentless competition, even in difficult moments.

Regarding his coaching style, Reynolds said the enthusiastic component “means a lot” to the players.

“I think it’s very important for a coach to be able to get out there in some aspects and show exactly what to do,” Reynolds said. 

In Thursday morning’s first defensive line drill, Reynolds and assistant defensive line coach Vince Amey instructed their players thoroughly, wanting them to compete with a “next play mentality.” 

Whenever a player misplaced their hands on the blocking sled, Amey grabbed their pads and demonstrated the correct form.

Specifically, Amey once pretended to be the offense and allowed players to shove and make maneuvers against him.

The former defensive tackle, who was a member of the 1996 ASU Rose Bowl team, displayed his pride in coaching, which Reynolds said is an important aspect of the game.

“Vince (Amey) brings a very good element of intensity,” Reynolds said. “He has a lot of passion for this place.”

Likewise, if a Sun Devil questioned a play’s format, Reynolds inserted himself into the situation to clear up any confusion. 

Being surrounded by Amey and Reynolds’ intensity pushed the defensive line to its limit, preparing it for competitive live reps toward the end of practice. 

“We want to get some rivalry out here,” Reynolds said. “We want everybody at everybody’s throat.”

On occasion, players celebrated in front of their opposing teammates after deflections, touchdowns or violent tackles.

Reynolds explained that in the group huddle at the end of practice, everyone shows love for one another despite the chaos during drills. 

Alongside the competition between both sides of the football, Reynolds said learning a new playbook has proved challenging. 

“We pretty much gave the whole playbook for the guys to absorb,” Reynolds said.

While veterans like graduate defensive lineman Clayton Smith need to freshen up on schemes, freshman defensive lineman Daeshon Morgan and Julian Hugo have adapted to ASU’s playcalling.

During Morgan’s senior season at Vandegrift High School in Austin, Texas, he tallied 14 tackles for a loss and 10 sacks. More importantly, he forced and recovered two fumbles while leading his team to a 2024 state championship.

Yet in earlier practices this spring, Reynolds said Morgan learned “too much,” which prevented him from trusting himself. 

Now, Morgan has started to put his skills and analysis together, allowing him to “just go” during practice, Reynolds said.

“He’s become a real student of the game,” Reynolds said. “It’s good to see him develop.”

Likewise, Hugo has displayed a similar hunger to learn.

The top 50-ranked edge prospect by 247Sports attended Steele High School in Cibolo, Texas, where he posted 98 tackles and nine sacks his senior year. 

After his breakout sophomore season that included 44 tackles, Hugo ended his junior campaign with 10 sacks, 30 hurries and earned class Defensive MVP honors.

Hugo doesn't just go through the motions; instead, he is highly conscious of how he learns the game and is constantly trying to meet with coaches to ask questions, Reynolds said.

“He has a thirst for knowledge,” Reynolds said. “(He’s a) really, really, special kid who I’m looking forward to seeing how he grows in our defense.”

Although the two freshmen are making a name for themselves, veteran leadership from Smith and junior defensive lineman C.J. Fite hasn’t gone unnoticed.

After experimenting as a wide receiver, Smith returned to the defensive line and immediately got to work while taking on a leadership role.

In his junior season, Smith started 12 games and recorded 33 tackles, including a team-leading 4 1/2 sacks. His nine quarterback hits were also tied for sixth in the Big 12, making him an established threat for offenses.

Smith said being in a position to share his advice and perspectives with newcomers makes him feel old.

“I can relate to them in a lot of things,” Smith said. “They listen, and I feel like we’re trending in the right direction.”

Similarly, Fite brings a veteran resume from his 38 games as a Sun Devil, during which he tallied 76 tackles. 

He said the new additions are ready to meet the expectations of being a Sun Devil.

“The guys are good about living up to the standard,” Fite said. “We got the point across quickly that if you don't live up to the standard, you will point out and stick out.”

With guidance from ASU’s veterans, Reynolds said the defensive line is extracting the best out of each other this spring.

“I like the way this group is starting to gel,” Reynolds said. “The guys have done an outstanding job of pushing each other and making things correlate from scheme to scheme.”

In the end, Reynolds said he wants the camaraderie to translate into rushing the passer on the gridiron.

“We need vertical penetration on our defense,” Reynolds said. “That’s what our defense really thrives on.”