Well, the 2024 season has been filled with a lot of flops and even more flips! And guess who knows it the best? Kenny Dillingham and Arizona State football. Now that they have claimed the Big 12 Championship title, a lot of things have started to change. More than the rest, what Dillingham could not stop boasting about was regaining the recruits’ trust.
That’s what you call the power of big titles! With this, the Sun Devils HC also addressed player retention, to evolve as the HC with the same roster now that a big bonus is coming his way.
Kenny Dillingham talks about a new wave of interest
The 2024 season had been tough for Dillingham’s squad. It’s safe to say that the recruits failed to count on Arizona State. The numbers are pretty high, with high-potential prospects like 4-star recruit CJ Harris and 3-star cornerback Nikko Klemm, among others. The latest blow came from 4-star wide receiver Adrian Wilson, who made his decommitment official on X. He even stated the reason behind him moving out of Dillingham’s program: “I believe this choice is necessary for my personal and athletic growth.” But, finally, things have started to look good for Arizona State.
Yes, we know how not many expected what the Sun Devils achieved this season. The best part came with Dillingham’s boys clinching the Big 12 championship, crushing Iowa State 45-19. With this, their selling point also changed now that they will be in the top 10 program as the No.4 seed. As the HC stated, “What we’re selling is the same except we’re winning.”
On The Burns & Gambo Show, the HC stated, “I’ve called probably 15 to 20 kids today. It’s ‘Oh I’m so happy you called,’ it’s a little bit different… ‘Oh yeah so I was hoping you’d call. Oh man I’ve been watching you guys.’” So now what’s the lesson Dillingham got from the sudden change in the recruit’s behavior? Well, recruits easily get lured by success. But atleast that would help Arizona State land players with the best mindset. However, that doesn’t mean that Dillingham is getting rid of the old guys.
Dillingham receiving rewards for being the supportive HC
The transfer portal has opened its gates on December 9. Now the players have 19 days in their hands to make their call to flip before the gates close on December 28. And here Arizona State emerged as different as compared to other programs. As per the reports, many players have shown interest in transferring. But as of now, they have offered to wait until their playoff run is over. And here stood Kenny Dillingham with his wings spread out, sheltering the players.
“I go, ‘No, that’s not fair to you to go in after our run is over. Like, I want you to have the best opportunity to find a spot. You can go in right now, day one. We’ll help you find a spot and stay on our football team if you wanna stay on our football team, and let’s go on this ride together the rest of the way,’” assured the Arizona State HC. So, instead of playing cheap tactics with the players, Dillingham chooses to stand by the recruits till the very last day.
Maybe that’s why Karma is paying him back in the best possible ways. As the Sun Devils are now assured a place in the CFP, Kenny Dillingham will get $1.35 million, which accounts for 30% of his basic pay. On top of that, for bagging the Big 12 championship title, the HC will now have to make space for another $395,000. So, now it’s impossible for the recruits to ignore the Dillingham effect.
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