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Sam Leavitt's work ethic showing for Arizona State football

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Sam Leavitt's work ethic showing for Arizona State football


TEMPE — Sam Leavitt is coming off maybe his best game as the signal caller for Arizona State football, culminating with a game-winning touchdown in the final minute of a win over Kansas on Saturday.

Head coach Kenny Dillingham said that’s not by accident, rather it came after Leavitt’s best week of prep.

“That kid’s put in so much work. … He was really clean. Us being able to show him all the looks two weeks in a row I think really helped him,” Dillingham said Monday. “Then he went out there and he performed. He would’ve even had a better game (if not for some drops).

“The fact that he was poised at the end of the game was, kudos to him. That moment right there is just natural, there’s no fake about it.”

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Leavitt connected on 14-of-24 passes for 157 yards, giving him 1,012 passing yards on the season. His four passing touchdowns were the most by an ASU quarterback since Joey Yellen had four in a loss to USC in 2019.

His lone interception came off a double-tip by Sun Devil receivers Jordyn Tyson and Xavier Guillory which kept the quarterback’s turnover-worthy play tally at one on the season, according to PFF. He is tied with eight other FBS quarterbacks (minimum 100 dropbacks) to lead the category.

Leavitt entered the Kansas game 3-for-19 on throws that travel at least 20 yards in the air but was a much more efficient 2-for-4 in the win. Guillory was on the receiving end of the first completion which capped off an opening drive for a touchdown, while Tyson’s first of two fourth-quarter scores represented the other.

Dillingham said a tweak to Leavitt’s footwork over the bye week helped him be more balanced on Saturday and in turn, more accurate on deep balls.

The quarterback has been the most reliable foil to Cam Skattebo in the ground game. Leavitt’s 257 yards make him the only other Sun Devil with at least 100 rushing yards on the season. Skattebo and Leavitt both average over five yards per carry.

Deep passing and quarterback rushing will be key elements of the game plan for Friday’s matchup with No. 16 Utah to help neutralize a vicious pass rush. Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham on Monday told reporters Leavitt is a “true dual-threat” quarterback.

The Utes’ pass rush averaged six pressures over the previous three games. However, they amassed 14 in their most recent game, a loss to Arizona, and 14 in their season-opening win over Southern Utah.

The most pressure ASU has faced this season was Texas State’s 10. The offensive line allowed a season-low two pressures in the win over Kansas.

When pressure has gotten there, Leavitt has shown solid composure. PFF has Leavitt graded as the third-best FBS quarterback under pressure (minimum 50 pressured dropbacks) with a 76.0 score.

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He was recognized as the Big 12 newcomer of the week for his performance.

ASU hosts Utah on Friday at 7:30 MST at Mountain America Stadium. Listen to play-by-play coverage on the Arizona Sports app, ESPN 620 AM, 98.7 FM-HD 2 or online.





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Your language, your news, sign up for La Voz newsletter

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What affects our families and our future deserves to arrive straight to your email inbox. That is the principle behind the newsletter from La Voz Arizona, a publication dedicated to serving the state’s Spanish-speaking community since 2000.

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The weekly digest, now available for subscription, is designed specifically for the Latino community, providing useful information on education, immigration, sports, entertainment, health, technology and comprehensive coverage of events in Arizona, across the country, and the most newsworthy moments from Mexico and Latin America.

La Voz Arizona’s focus has always been to connect, share, and contribute to the development of its communities by providing accurate and timely information .

The team, Nadia Cantú, Claudia Núñez and Paula Soria also highlights the work of Latino residents who shape Arizona, from restaurant owners offering a taste of home to artists beautifying Valley streets and local festivals important to Mexican, Colombian, and Salvadoran communities .

If you want to stay informed, make better decisions, and stay connected with the best information in Spanish, this newsletter is for you. La Voz: straight to your email, with what you need to know, when you need it.

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Subscribe today at azcentral.com/newsletters and click on La Voz.



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High-upside three-star CB commits to Arizona over Washington football

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High-upside three-star CB commits to Arizona over Washington football


The Washington Huskies saw one of their few remaining uncommitted targets in the 2027 class go elsewhere on Thursday afternoon when three-star cornerback Evan Mack announced his commitment to Jedd Fisch’s former program, the Arizona Wildcats.

The 6-foot-3, 175-pound product of Crean Lutheran High School in Southern California chose coach Brent Brennan’s team out of a final three that also included the Huskies and Arizona State, after official visits to all three programs.

After taking an unofficial visit to Seattle for spring practice in April, Mack took his first official visit, a trip to Arizona State, on May 1. Then, he returned to Montlake on June 5, before wrapping things up in Tucson on June 19, which made enough of an impact for the Wildcats to win the battle for his services.

As a junior, the nation’s No. 613 overall prospect and No. 64 cornerback, according to the 247Sports Composite, tallied 49 tackles, 10 pass breakups, and 2 interceptions, while showcasing the promising athleticism and ball skills that secondary coach John Richardson is looking for on the outside.

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If he were to have chosen the Huskies, Mack, who has plenty of room to add weight to his frame for the physicality of the Big Ten, would’ve had a long route to the field. Behind projected starters Dylan Robinson and Emmanuel Karnley, who both have eligibility to return in 2027, Washington’s coaching staff is expecting a contribution from four-star freshman Rahsjon Duncan on the outside, while his classmate Jeron Jones and sophomore Elias Johnson both stood out during spring practice.

The Huskies currently have one commit at cornerback in three-star Maurice Williams; however, the Huskies also hold several projections to reel in coveted four-star IMG Academy product Censere Gaylord.



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Arizona Chamber installs Monica Coury as board chair – Chamber Business News

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Arizona Chamber installs Monica Coury as board chair – Chamber Business News


The Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry has installed Monica Coury, vice president of external affairs at Arizona Complete Health, as chair of its board of directors, as the organization begins its new fiscal year.

Coury officially assumed the chairmanship during a ceremonial passing of the gavel at the Chamber’s June 26 board meeting. She succeeds Ted Geisler, president and CEO of APS, who served as board chair over the past two years.

As chair, Coury will lead the Chamber’s board while helping guide the organization’s efforts to advance policies that strengthen Arizona’s economy, improve the state’s business climate, and promote long-term prosperity.

“It is an incredible honor to serve as chair of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry,” Coury said. “I want to thank my fellow board members for the confidence they’ve placed in me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the Chamber’s outstanding team. The Chamber has long been one of Arizona’s most effective and respected advocates on behalf of the state’s job creators, and I look forward to building on that legacy as we continue working to make Arizona the best place in the nation to live, work, and do business.”

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Coury has served on the Chamber’s board for several years. She previously chaired the Public Affairs Committee and most recently served as chair-elect. In her role at Arizona Complete Health, she oversees one of the state’s leading health plans and has been a prominent voice on issues involving healthcare access, workforce development, and Arizona’s economic competitiveness.

“Monica is an exceptional leader whose collaborative approach, strategic vision, and deep commitment to Arizona make her the ideal person to lead our board,” said Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry. “She understands that a strong economy depends on smart public policy, and she has consistently brought thoughtful leadership and sound judgment to the Chamber. I look forward to working closely with Monica as we continue advancing policies that help Arizona employers create jobs, invest, and grow.”

Seiden also thanked Geisler for his leadership during a period that included significant legislative successes and continued growth for the Chamber.

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“Ted has been an outstanding chairman, a trusted partner, and a friend,” Seiden said. “His steady leadership, business acumen, and unwavering commitment to Arizona’s economic future have helped position the Chamber for continued success. We are grateful for his service and look forward to his continued counsel and involvement on our board.”

The Chamber also installed the following governing board officers:

  • Chair-elect: Jimmy Lindblom, Willmeng Construction
  • Vice-chair, audit & finance: Don Isaacson, Isaacson Law Firm
  • Vice-chair, manufacturing: Angela Creedon, Intel

The Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry is Arizona’s leading statewide business advocacy organization, representing employers of every size and industry across the state. The Chamber’s mission is to advance Arizona’s competitiveness through policies that foster economic growth, job creation, and opportunity for all Arizonans.



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