WR Raiden Vines-Bright, DB Daquwan Dunn among ASU underclassmen impressing in camp

Several young players have opened eyes with a week of Arizona State’s fall football camp in the books, with some ahead of schedule on the road to playing time.

ASU brought in a 2026 crop of freshmen that ranked sixth in the Big 12, per 247 Sports. It signed five four-star prospects, and only three teams signed more.

The three highest-rated freshmen — quarterback Jake Fette, defensive lineman Julian Hugo and running back Cardae Mack — are among those with a real shot at making an impact on the field this season, whereas the 2025 freshman class had only a couple players make an immediate impact.

The two-deep rotation appears vastly talented, so many these players will have uphill climbs to work their way up the depth chart, but they’re making their mark early.

8 ASU underclassmen impressing at fall camp

Note: In following NCAA guidance with the passage of the “5 for 5” rule giving student-athletes five years to play five seasons, teams no longer include “redshirt” on a player’s class. That means a redshirt sophomore, like ASU QB Cutter Boley, is now just a junior. Players in their fifth season are designated as “fifth year” on rosters.

Freshmen

DB Daquwan Dunn

Dunn’s coverage skills have been well beyond his listing of No. 91 cornerback in his class would suggest, and he continues to make plays in one-on-one settings.

“He’s working his way up the depth chart,” head coach Kenny Dillingham said. “He’s got to earn the trust of his teammates still, as a freshman, but from a talent perspective and learning it, he’s better and better every day.”

DL Julian Hugo

Initially recruited as an EDGE, Hugo’s quick physical development has him more in line for an interior defensive line spot. The 6-foot-4 defender was listed at 250 pounds in the spring and is up to 275 pounds after summer workouts.

Defensive line coach Diron Reynolds highlighted a shift that happened for Hugo where he’s playing without thinking to a greater extent, more aware of where his eyes, hands and hips should be.

“You can see a huge transformation (from spring to now),” Reynolds said. “He’s so much more powerful at the point and plays with so much more intent.”

QB Jake Fette

Fette was just outside the top 10 for his position in his class, and the raw talent shows up daily. The ball snaps out of his hands with notable velocity, which at times can be an area he needs to refine, like on the more shallow routes.

His athletic upside is very real given the live arm and his straight-line speed, but the youth that shows up in his operation and handling of pressure could be what holds him back in the starting quarterback battle.

RB Cardae Mack

As a former high school quarterback who can bring a lot of multiplicity to the offense, Mack passes the physicality test of a freshman running back at 5-foot-10 and 215 pounds.

He arrived to practices during Sun Bowl preparation, which gave him a head start in getting the offense under his feet, but his positive trajectory took a hit with back-to-back fumbles with many of the first-teamers at Tuesday’s practice before ASU left for Camp T.

Sophomores

LG Maki Stewart

Stewart graded out as ASU’s best run-blocker last year, well ahead of first-round pick Max Iheanachor. He’s trimmed down from 360 pounds to 340 this season, and he could be the surest bet among Sun Devils to become an eventual NFL draft pick (although he won’t be eligible until 2028).

He pairs with experienced center Tana Alo-Tupuola as part of an interior offensive line that shouldn’t be one fans have to question at any point this season.

S Jessiah McGrew

ASU may have a young version of Kam Chancellor on its hands, as the 6-foot-2, 200-pound McGrew is coming off four interceptions, five passes defensed and two fumbles forced as a freshman at Florida International. That playmaking has shown up in practices.

“His ability just to cover ground with his length is impressive and he’s a good athlete,” Dillingham said. “He’s gained about 10-15 pounds since he’s gotten here, gotten stronger. … We’re a zone team, so having length and being able to get in windows, this is definitely the longest team we’ve had.”

WR Raiden Vines-Bright

The third member of a highly touted trio of wideout transfers, the expectations may have been too low on what the Valley native can bring.

Vines-Bright left Corona Del Sol High School for IMG Academy in Florida as a senior and landed at Washington for his freshman season, where he caught 24 passes for 238 yards. Having returned back home to the Valley, Vines-Bright has developed a real chemistry with likely starting QB Cutter Boley.

WR Cory Butler Jr.

Despite a 5-foot-9, 180-pound listing, Butler has been one of the most consistent receivers in camp, especially when looking past the three marquee transfers.

His hands have been especially impressive, posting a highlight in Tuesday’s one-on-ones where he snared the ball away from his body despite a defender’s hands disrupting him. He has also shown an athletic ability to go and get balls away from him, expanding his catch radius in spite of his smaller frame.

Related

Cutter Boley standing out in QB competition as ASU leaves Valley for Camp TWhy did ASU have a nursery rhymes playlist on repeat at Monday’s practice?Biggest threats to Texas Tech’s Big 12 title defense include BYU, Arizona and a dark horseJordyn Tyson shows off moves at Saints training campASU working to be ‘most connected team in college football’ as QB competition plays outCJ Fite returns with expanded leadership role as ‘cornerstone’ of ASU defense