LSU transfer Ashton Stamps ready to leave his mark on ASU football
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LSU transfer Ashton Stamps ready to leave his mark on ASU football
Michelle Gardner, Arizona Republic·AZCentral | The Arizona Republic
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4 min read
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Keith Abney declared for the NFL draft. Javan Robinson entered the transfer portal. And just like that, ASU's two most experienced cornerbacks were gone.
TheSun Devilswere in the market for quality help at that position. Ashton Stamps was in the transfer portal, and the move made sense for both parties.
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"I was looking for a home where I can come and not 'be comfortable,' but be comfortable in the space that I am," Stamps said after practice wrapped up in late August. "Being able to be myself and at the same time have a family to have fun with."
Growing up in Harvey, Louisiana, outside of New Orleans, Stamps quickly became an LSU fan. It was indeed his dream school. Coming out of Archbishop Rummel High, he had offers from schools, including Nebraska and Missouri, but he wanted to stay close to home.
He made a splash during his freshman season, which isn't always easy in the SEC. He played in 11 games in 2023, including four starts, with injuries to athletes higher on the depth chart paving the way for opportunity.
He maintained that momentum, starting all 13 games at cornerback as a sophomore in 2024, and he was among the leaders for passes defended in the SEC
Arizona State Sun Devils Caleb Chester (25) prepares to pass the ball during the team’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Arizona State Sun Devils Nigel Pringle (16) and Joseph Smith (15) play in the team’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Arizona State Sun Devils Carson Smith (32) kicks the ball during the team’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Arizona State Sun Devils Carson Smith (32) walks with the ball during the team’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Arizona State Sun Devils specialists coach Michael Scifres watches as the team plays in its annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Arizona State Sun Devils' QB Cutter Boley runs with the ball during the team’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Arizona State Sun Devils Jessiah McGrew (23) tackles Uriah Neloms (81) during the team’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Arizona State Sun Devils Daquwan Dunn (19) tackles Jalen Moss (18) during the team’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Arizona State Sun Devils Cadre Mack (25) runs with the ball during the team’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Arizona State Sun Devils Cadre Mack (25) runs with the ball during the team’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Arizona State Sun Devils Zeth Thues (31) and Julian Hugo (98) tackle Uriah Neloms (81) during the team’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Arizona State Sun Devils Daquwan Dunn (19) runs with the ball during the team’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Arizona State Sun Devils play in their annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Arizona State Sun Devils play in their annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Arizona State Sun Devils play in their annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Arizona State Sun Devils Tyler Wigglesworth (39) stands on the field during the team’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Arizona State Sun Devils Kirt Vakalahi (44) walks on the field during the team’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Arizona State Sun Devils Mikey Keene (12) prepares to pass the ball during the team’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Arizona State Sun Devils play in their annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Arizona State Sun Devils play in their annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Arizona State Sun Devils Mikey Keene (12) runs with the ball during the team’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Fans flock to Camp Tontozona to watch Arizona State’s annual scrimmage in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Fans flock to Camp Tontozona to watch Arizona State’s annual scrimmage in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Fans flock to Camp Tontozona to watch Arizona State’s annual scrimmage in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Fans flock to Camp Tontozona to watch Arizona State’s annual scrimmage in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Fans flock to Camp Tontozona to watch Arizona State’s annual scrimmage in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Fans flock to Camp Tontozona to watch Arizona State’s annual scrimmage in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Fans flock to Camp Tontozona to watch Arizona State’s annual scrimmage in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Fans flock to Camp Tontozona to watch Arizona State’s annual scrimmage in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Fans find a patch of shade as they watch Arizona State’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Fans flock to Camp Tontozona to watch Arizona State’s annual scrimmage in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Fans flock to Camp Tontozona to watch Arizona State’s annual scrimmage in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Fans flock to Camp Tontozona to watch Arizona State’s annual scrimmage in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Fans flock to Camp Tontozona to watch Arizona State’s annual scrimmage in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Fans flock to Camp Tontozona to watch Arizona State’s annual scrimmage in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Fans flock to Camp Tontozona to watch Arizona State’s annual scrimmage in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Fans flock to Camp Tontozona to watch Arizona State’s annual scrimmage in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Fans flock to Camp Tontozona to watch Arizona State’s annual scrimmage in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
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See Arizona State football team's Camp Tontozona trip in photos
Arizona State Sun Devils Caleb Chester (25) prepares to pass the ball during the team’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
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See Arizona State football team's Camp Tontozona trip in photos
Arizona State Sun Devils Caleb Chester (25) prepares to pass the ball during the team’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
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See Arizona State football's roster ahead of season opener
Arizona State Sun Devils Nigel Pringle (16) and Joseph Smith (15) play in the team’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
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See Arizona State football's roster ahead of season opener
Arizona State Sun Devils Carson Smith (32) kicks the ball during the team’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
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See Arizona State football team's Camp Tontozona trip in photos
Arizona State Sun Devils Carson Smith (32) walks with the ball during the team’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
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See Arizona State football team's Camp Tontozona trip in photos
Arizona State Sun Devils specialists coach Michael Scifres watches as the team plays in its annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
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See Arizona State football team's Camp Tontozona trip in photos
Arizona State Sun Devils' QB Cutter Boley runs with the ball during the team’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
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See Arizona State football team's Camp Tontozona trip in photos
Arizona State Sun Devils Jessiah McGrew (23) tackles Uriah Neloms (81) during the team’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
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See Arizona State football team's Camp Tontozona trip in photos
Arizona State Sun Devils Daquwan Dunn (19) tackles Jalen Moss (18) during the team’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
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See Arizona State football team's Camp Tontozona trip in photos
Arizona State Sun Devils Cadre Mack (25) runs with the ball during the team’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
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See Arizona State football team's Camp Tontozona trip in photos
Arizona State Sun Devils Cadre Mack (25) runs with the ball during the team’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
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See Arizona State football team's Camp Tontozona trip in photos
Arizona State Sun Devils Zeth Thues (31) and Julian Hugo (98) tackle Uriah Neloms (81) during the team’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
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See Arizona State football team's Camp Tontozona trip in photos
Arizona State Sun Devils Daquwan Dunn (19) runs with the ball during the team’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
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See Arizona State football team's Camp Tontozona trip in photos
Arizona State Sun Devils play in their annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
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See Arizona State football team's Camp Tontozona trip in photos
Arizona State Sun Devils play in their annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
15/38
See Arizona State football team's Camp Tontozona trip in photos
Arizona State Sun Devils play in their annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
16/38
See Arizona State football's roster ahead of season opener
Arizona State Sun Devils Tyler Wigglesworth (39) stands on the field during the team’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
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See Arizona State football's roster ahead of season opener
Arizona State Sun Devils Kirt Vakalahi (44) walks on the field during the team’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
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See Arizona State football's roster ahead of season opener
Arizona State Sun Devils Mikey Keene (12) prepares to pass the ball during the team’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
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See Arizona State football team's Camp Tontozona trip in photos
Arizona State Sun Devils play in their annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
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See Arizona State football team's Camp Tontozona trip in photos
Arizona State Sun Devils play in their annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
21/38
See Arizona State football team's Camp Tontozona trip in photos
Arizona State Sun Devils Mikey Keene (12) runs with the ball during the team’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
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See Arizona State football team's Camp Tontozona trip in photos
Fans flock to Camp Tontozona to watch Arizona State’s annual scrimmage in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
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See Arizona State football team's Camp Tontozona trip in photos
Fans flock to Camp Tontozona to watch Arizona State’s annual scrimmage in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
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See Arizona State football team's Camp Tontozona trip in photos
Fans flock to Camp Tontozona to watch Arizona State’s annual scrimmage in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
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See Arizona State football team's Camp Tontozona trip in photos
Fans flock to Camp Tontozona to watch Arizona State’s annual scrimmage in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
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See Arizona State football team's Camp Tontozona trip in photos
Fans flock to Camp Tontozona to watch Arizona State’s annual scrimmage in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
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See Arizona State football team's Camp Tontozona trip in photos
Fans flock to Camp Tontozona to watch Arizona State’s annual scrimmage in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
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See Arizona State football team's Camp Tontozona trip in photos
Fans flock to Camp Tontozona to watch Arizona State’s annual scrimmage in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
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See Arizona State football team's Camp Tontozona trip in photos
Fans flock to Camp Tontozona to watch Arizona State’s annual scrimmage in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
30/38
See Arizona State football team's Camp Tontozona trip in photos
Fans find a patch of shade as they watch Arizona State’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
31/38
See Arizona State football team's Camp Tontozona trip in photos
Fans flock to Camp Tontozona to watch Arizona State’s annual scrimmage in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
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See Arizona State football team's Camp Tontozona trip in photos
Fans flock to Camp Tontozona to watch Arizona State’s annual scrimmage in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
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See Arizona State football team's Camp Tontozona trip in photos
Fans flock to Camp Tontozona to watch Arizona State’s annual scrimmage in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
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See Arizona State football team's Camp Tontozona trip in photos
Fans flock to Camp Tontozona to watch Arizona State’s annual scrimmage in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
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See Arizona State football team's Camp Tontozona trip in photos
Fans flock to Camp Tontozona to watch Arizona State’s annual scrimmage in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
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See Arizona State football team's Camp Tontozona trip in photos
Fans flock to Camp Tontozona to watch Arizona State’s annual scrimmage in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
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See Arizona State football team's Camp Tontozona trip in photos
Fans flock to Camp Tontozona to watch Arizona State’s annual scrimmage in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
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See Arizona State football team's Camp Tontozona trip in photos
Fans flock to Camp Tontozona to watch Arizona State’s annual scrimmage in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Stamps then found out a player can drop on the depth chart as fast as rise.
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In 2025, the Tigers brought in Mansoor Delane, a transfer from Virginia Tech, who went on to be drafted by theKansas City Chiefs. LSU also had a rapidly improving underclassman in P.J. Woodland and five-star prospect DJ Pickett.
Three games into the 2025 season, Stamps opted to leave the program to retain his redshirt.
"Sometimes you have to be able to block out the noise," he said. "People have their opinions. People are going to say what they're going to say. The difference between the SEC and here is the fan bases and how they take things. It's a mental thing.
"At the end of the day, football is football. You hone in on it, details on and off the football field, it all works out."
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ASU assistant coach Bryan Carrington reached out to Stamps right away. The player also traveled to North Carolina and heard a pitch from Bill Belichick, but when he visited Tempe, he committed right away.
"Ashton's a guy who really loves football," Carrington said. "Stuff happens in college football. A lot of guys get lost. I say it all the time, talent is everywhere; opportunity isn't. Ashton's here for the opportunity that Keith vacated, and the plan for him is to follow in those footsteps.
"He has 12 opportunities to achieve all of his dreams, and I feel like he'll get that. He's getting poured in, and he doesn't have to look over his shoulder. Right now, he's in the lane he envisioned himself when he went to college. I'm happy that we were able to provide that lane."
What struck Stamps most about head coach Kenny Dillingham and the staff was authenticity.
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"They tell you like it is, not what they think you want to hear. Everything was real," he said. "It felt like everything was lining up. I also wanted the opportunity to go away from home, be able to learn away from my family and grow."
Stamps was one of the team's top performers in fall camp and looks to have locked down one of the corner positions, with junior Rodney Bimage, who saw time in a reserve role last season, likely at the other. Going against the wide receivers in receivers coach Hines Ward's room has been good.
Carrington is excited about the pairing he has now.
"I feel like camp is over, but our standards aren't, and I feel like those guys have tunnel vision for the season," Carrington said. "You can have a good football camp, but when the season starts flying, that's what really matters.
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"Stamps, who brings a wealth of experience, is excited for his opportunity after not playing as much as he would have liked to last year, and so is Rodney. Those two guys are really locked in."
When Stamps is not on the football field, he enjoys music. He plays the drums and the piano. His fascination with the drums goes back as long as he can remember. He picked up the piano when he got to high school.
Football is important, and so is his faith. His father, Albert Stamps, is a pastor. Ashton likes to play gospel songs and says that it provides a reprieve when he wants to think about something other than football or school.
"It's good to have something else to help keep me grounded," he says. "I've always liked music, and it helps me when I am having a hard time with something. As much as I love football, it's nice to have something else to get into."
