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Nation's top tackler ready for big role at Arizona State
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- Nation's top tackler ready for big role at Arizona State
Junior linebacker Owen Long didn't need to visit Arizona State after entering the transfer portal. He knew it was the place he wanted to make his next college destination.
Chalk that up to a relationship he had already established with linebackers coach A.J. Cooper, who had been recruiting him in his days at La Serna High School in Southern California, where he played both football and baseball. The trust Long had in Cooper led him to Tempe from Colorado State, where he had spent the previous two seasons.
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Long (6-foot-2, 220) visited UCLA and Indiana, but did not doubt that Arizona State was the right fit for him.
"It's pretty awesome having that relationship already," he said. "I got to know what it was like over here, obviously, just seeing the product Arizona State has put on the field the last few years speaks for itself, and with coach Coop, it was the opportunity to come get better, learn from him, improve every day. That was pretty enticing."
Arizona State quarterback Jake Fette (2) during practice on April 21, 2026, at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham talks to his players during practice on April 21, 2026, at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham talks to his players during practice on April 21, 2026, at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive lineman Jeffrey Manns (95) during practice on April 21, 2026, at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State running back Cardae Mack (25) during practice on April 21, 2026, at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive lineman Jeffrey Manns (95) during practice on April 21, 2026, at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive lineman Julian Hugo (98) during practice on April 21, 2026, at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive lineman Landen Anderson (84) during practice on April 21, 2026, at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive lineman C.J. Fite (99) during practice on April 21, 2026, at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State running back Marquis Gillis (28) during practice on April 21, 2026, at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State quarterback Cutter Boley (8) during practice on April 21, 2026, at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State offensive lineman Jarmaine Mitchell (75) during practice on April 21, 2026, at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State running back Kyson Brown (1) during practice on April 21, 2026, at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State running back Marquis Gillis (28) during practice on April 21, 2026, at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State quarterbacks Cutter Boley (8), Mikey Keene (12), and Cameron Dyer (13) during practice on April 21, 2026, at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive lineman Landen Anderson (84) during practice on April 21, 2026, at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive lineman Zac Swanson (92) during practice on April 21, 2026, at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State tight end Anthony Miller (85) warms up during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State tight end Khamari Anderson (15) warms up during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive back Jalen Williams (24) recovers a fumble in a drill during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State tight end AJ Ia (14) warms up during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State tight ends Anthony Miller (L) and James Giggey (87) participate in a blocking drill during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State offensive lineman Terrell Kim (73) warms up during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State running back Jason Brown Jr (22) runs during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State wide receiver Cory Butler Jr. (84) catches a pass during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State tight end coach Jason Mohns instructs his players during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive lineman Zac Swanson (92) warms up during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State running back Jason Brown Jr (22) runs during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham watches his team as they run drills during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State wide receiver Reed Harris (3) high fives kids that came to see the team practice during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State wide receiver Reed Harris (3) runs after a catch during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham watches his team as they run drills during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State running back Marquis Gillis (28) runs during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State tight end AJ Ia (14) runs a drill during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham watches his team as they run drills during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State wide receiver Jaren Hamilton (16) runs after a catch during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State tight end coach Jason Mohns instructs his players during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State tight end coach Jason Mohns instructs his players during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State wide receiver Reed Harris (3) high fives kids that came to see the team practice during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State running back Cardae Mack (25) runs during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State quarterback running back Cardae Mack (25) looks back after a run during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State quarterback Mikey Keene (12) hands the ball off to running back Cardae Mack (25) during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State running back Grayson Rigdon (21) during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State wide receiver Reed Harris (3) runs a route during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State quarterback running back Cardae Mack (25) sprints down the sidelines during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State running back Demarius Robinson (23) runs up the field during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham watches his team as they run drills during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State wide receiver Reed Harris (3) runs after a catch during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State quarterback Cutter Boley (8) passes during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State tight end Khamari Anderson (15) makes a catchduring a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive back Joseph Smith (15) runs a punt drill during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo calls out to his team during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State tight ends Anthony Miller (85) and Khamari Anderson (15) during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive back Davis Kinney (28) works on punt drills during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive backs Nick Pringle (16) and Daquwan Dunn (19) work on punt drills during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive back Joseph Smith (15) runs a punt drill during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo calls out to his team during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo calls out to his team during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State wide receiver Reed Harris (3) runs after a catch during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive back Davis Kinney (28) works on a punt drill during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive back Jalen Williams (24) works on a punt drill during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
ASU offensive linemen run a drill during spring football practice at Kajikawa Practice fields in Tempe, Arizona, on April 9, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
ASU offensive linemen run a drill during spring football practice at Kajikawa Practice fields in Tempe, Arizona, on April 9, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
ASU offensive linemen run a drill during spring football practice at Kajikawa Practice fields in Tempe, Arizona, on April 9, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
Offensive line coach Saga Tuitele (center) runs a drill during spring football practice at Kajikawa Practice fields in Tempe, Arizona, on April 9, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
Tana Alo-Tupuoli (right) runs a drill during spring football practice at Kajikawa Practice fields in Tempe, Arizona, on April 9, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
Luke Baklenko (78) runs a drill during spring football practice at Kajikawa Practice fields in Tempe, Arizona, on April 9, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
Offensive assistant line coach Ty Barrett runs a drill during spring football practice at Kajikawa Practice fields in Tempe, Arizona, on April 9, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
Arizona State quarterback Cutter Boley (8) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State quarterback Cameron Dyer (13) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State quarterback Cameron Dyer (13) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State quarterback Mikey Keene (12) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State quarterback Jake Fette (2) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State quarterback Cutter Boley (8) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State quarterback Cutter Boley (8) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State tight end Kristian Ingman (44) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State tight end James Giggey (87) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State running back David Avit (24) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State running back Kyson Brown (1) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State linebacker Zyrus Fiaseu (30) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State linebackers coach A.J. Cooper talks to linebacker Zyrus Fiaseu (30) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State running back Kyson Brown (1) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State running back Jason Brown Jr. (22) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State wide receiver Omarion Miller (4) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State wide receiver Omarion Miller (4) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State running back Kyson Brown (1) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State linebacker Tristan Bacon (45) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive lineman Jalen Thompson (9) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State tight end James Giggey (87) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State punter Kanyon Floyd (31) and long snapper Tyler Wigglesworth (39) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Arizona State quarterback Jake Fette (2) during practice on April 21, 2026, at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Arizona State quarterback Jake Fette (2) during practice on April 21, 2026, at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham talks to his players during practice on April 21, 2026, at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham talks to his players during practice on April 21, 2026, at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Arizona State defensive lineman Jeffrey Manns (95) during practice on April 21, 2026, at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Arizona State running back Cardae Mack (25) during practice on April 21, 2026, at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Arizona State defensive lineman Jeffrey Manns (95) during practice on April 21, 2026, at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Arizona State defensive lineman Julian Hugo (98) during practice on April 21, 2026, at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Arizona State defensive lineman Landen Anderson (84) during practice on April 21, 2026, at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Arizona State defensive lineman C.J. Fite (99) during practice on April 21, 2026, at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Arizona State running back Marquis Gillis (28) during practice on April 21, 2026, at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Arizona State quarterback Cutter Boley (8) during practice on April 21, 2026, at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Arizona State offensive lineman Jarmaine Mitchell (75) during practice on April 21, 2026, at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Arizona State running back Kyson Brown (1) during practice on April 21, 2026, at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Arizona State running back Marquis Gillis (28) during practice on April 21, 2026, at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Arizona State quarterbacks Cutter Boley (8), Mikey Keene (12), and Cameron Dyer (13) during practice on April 21, 2026, at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Arizona State defensive lineman Landen Anderson (84) during practice on April 21, 2026, at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Arizona State defensive lineman Zac Swanson (92) during practice on April 21, 2026, at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Arizona State tight end Anthony Miller (85) warms up during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State tight end Khamari Anderson (15) warms up during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State defensive back Jalen Williams (24) recovers a fumble in a drill during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State tight end AJ Ia (14) warms up during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State tight ends Anthony Miller (L) and James Giggey (87) participate in a blocking drill during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State offensive lineman Terrell Kim (73) warms up during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State running back Jason Brown Jr (22) runs during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State wide receiver Cory Butler Jr. (84) catches a pass during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State tight end coach Jason Mohns instructs his players during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State defensive lineman Zac Swanson (92) warms up during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State running back Jason Brown Jr (22) runs during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham watches his team as they run drills during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State wide receiver Reed Harris (3) high fives kids that came to see the team practice during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State wide receiver Reed Harris (3) runs after a catch during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham watches his team as they run drills during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State running back Marquis Gillis (28) runs during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State tight end AJ Ia (14) runs a drill during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham watches his team as they run drills during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State wide receiver Jaren Hamilton (16) runs after a catch during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State tight end coach Jason Mohns instructs his players during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State tight end coach Jason Mohns instructs his players during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State wide receiver Reed Harris (3) high fives kids that came to see the team practice during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State running back Cardae Mack (25) runs during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State quarterback running back Cardae Mack (25) looks back after a run during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State quarterback Mikey Keene (12) hands the ball off to running back Cardae Mack (25) during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State running back Grayson Rigdon (21) during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State wide receiver Reed Harris (3) runs a route during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State quarterback running back Cardae Mack (25) sprints down the sidelines during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State running back Demarius Robinson (23) runs up the field during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham watches his team as they run drills during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State wide receiver Reed Harris (3) runs after a catch during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State quarterback Cutter Boley (8) passes during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State tight end Khamari Anderson (15) makes a catchduring a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State defensive back Joseph Smith (15) runs a punt drill during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo calls out to his team during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State tight ends Anthony Miller (85) and Khamari Anderson (15) during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State defensive back Davis Kinney (28) works on punt drills during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
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Arizona State defensive backs Nick Pringle (16) and Daquwan Dunn (19) work on punt drills during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State defensive back Joseph Smith (15) runs a punt drill during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo calls out to his team during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo calls out to his team during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State wide receiver Reed Harris (3) runs after a catch during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State defensive back Davis Kinney (28) works on a punt drill during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State defensive back Jalen Williams (24) works on a punt drill during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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ASU offensive linemen run a drill during spring football practice at Kajikawa Practice fields in Tempe, Arizona, on April 9, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
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ASU offensive linemen run a drill during spring football practice at Kajikawa Practice fields in Tempe, Arizona, on April 9, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
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ASU offensive linemen run a drill during spring football practice at Kajikawa Practice fields in Tempe, Arizona, on April 9, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
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Offensive line coach Saga Tuitele (center) runs a drill during spring football practice at Kajikawa Practice fields in Tempe, Arizona, on April 9, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
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Tana Alo-Tupuoli (right) runs a drill during spring football practice at Kajikawa Practice fields in Tempe, Arizona, on April 9, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
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Luke Baklenko (78) runs a drill during spring football practice at Kajikawa Practice fields in Tempe, Arizona, on April 9, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
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Offensive assistant line coach Ty Barrett runs a drill during spring football practice at Kajikawa Practice fields in Tempe, Arizona, on April 9, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
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Arizona State quarterback Cutter Boley (8) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Arizona State quarterback Cameron Dyer (13) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Arizona State quarterback Cameron Dyer (13) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Arizona State quarterback Mikey Keene (12) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Arizona State quarterback Jake Fette (2) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Arizona State quarterback Cutter Boley (8) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Arizona State quarterback Cutter Boley (8) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Arizona State tight end Kristian Ingman (44) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Arizona State tight end James Giggey (87) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Arizona State running back David Avit (24) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Arizona State running back Kyson Brown (1) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
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Arizona State linebacker Zyrus Fiaseu (30) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Arizona State linebackers coach A.J. Cooper talks to linebacker Zyrus Fiaseu (30) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Arizona State running back Kyson Brown (1) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Arizona State running back Jason Brown Jr. (22) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Arizona State wide receiver Omarion Miller (4) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
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Arizona State wide receiver Omarion Miller (4) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
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Arizona State running back Kyson Brown (1) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
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Arizona State linebacker Tristan Bacon (45) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
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Arizona State defensive lineman Jalen Thompson (9) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
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Arizona State tight end James Giggey (87) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
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Arizona State punter Kanyon Floyd (31) and long snapper Tyler Wigglesworth (39) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Long said the days after entering the transfer portal can be intense.
"It's crazy. It is everything everyone says it is," he said of the portal process. "There was a lot going on. You kind of rely on people you trust to try and end up in the best spot, and I think that happened. We're happy we're here, and I've had a great time so far."
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The addition of Long looms large because the Sun Devils graduated their top two linebackers in Keyshaun Elliott and Jordan Crook, who combined for 199 tackles. Both those players were transfer portal acquisitions whose careers took off after they arrived in Tempe.
Veteran Zyrus Fiaseu is healthy after being sidelined with an injury, and junior Martell Hughes appears primed for a leading role following two seasons as an understudy and special-teams standout.
Cooper, who has coached the linebackers since Kenny Dillingham's first season, likes what he sees in Long.
"He really brings some unique traits," Cooper said. "Very athletic, moves well in space. He can cover and tackle well in space. His habits have been really good. I'm really excited to see where, as we knock off the rust, his understanding of our system.
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"He played in this system as a freshman at Colorado State. Every day, you're seeing him progress a little bit faster than maybe other first-year players because he's had some reps under his belt, doing what we do and how we do it."
Owen Long (#22 LB) runs a drill during ASU football practice at Kajikawa Practice fields in Tempe, Arizona, on March 19, 2026.
Long looks capable of jumping in where Elliott left off. In 2025, he led all FBS players at 12.6 tackles per game, the next-best player checking in at 11.8. He totaled 151 tackles, 58 of those solos. Long registered double figures in 10 of 12 games with a best of 17 tackles twice, once against Fresno State and then against Air Force. He also had five tackles for a loss, two sacks, one forced fumble, and two recoveries.
Those numbers helped earn him first-team All-Mountain West honors, as well as third-team all-American honors from the Associated Press.
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Long credits the competitive nature in his family for bringing out that side of him. He is one of five siblings, with three brothers, Dylan, Jake, and Grady, and one sister, Samantha. Dylan, the oldest of the lot, played baseball at Division II Cal Poly Pomona. Jake is currently in his second year on the baseball team at Utah.
"There was always something going on at my house in the front yard," he said. "We were always going out and throwing the ball around; it didn't matter which one. It was a competition, and the ability to compete at a high end in my house. It was something that shaped me."
Long said having brothers who played sports at a high level was a blessing. It wasn't just the competitive nature brought out of him, but the opportunity to pick their brains on past experiences, whether it was recruiting or how to handle a slump
"My two older brothers are some of the greatest role models I've had in my life," he said. "I had a chance to play with all three of my brothers in high school, and just seeing the way they went about their process, trying always to outwork them every day, pushed me to be who I am, so I'm grateful for that."
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Cooper passes the credit along to Long's parents, Larry and Gina.
"Shoutout to his parents. Whatever they did, I think we all should take notes on it," Cooper said. "You can see by just their habits."
Long takes his success last season in stride. Leading the country in tackles is no small feat, yet he knows some might throw shade at that just because he didn't play in a power conference. He also knows this is a new season and that he will face better competition. He is up for the challenge.
"It's something I'm proud of, knowing how hard I worked to get there, but at the end of the day, that was last year; the page has been turned," he said. "I'm in a great spot now and have the ability to do some special things. That's all the mindset is now. Attacking now."
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Owen Long looks for lead role in Arizona State's linebacking unit
