ARIZONA STATE FOOTBALL

Feldman: ASU DL Renell Wren among 2018 college football ‘freaks’

Jul 14, 2018, 11:18 AM | Updated: 7:38 pm
(AP Photo/Matt York)...
(AP Photo/Matt York)
(AP Photo/Matt York)

Being called a “freak” may not always seem like a compliment. But for Arizona State defensive lineman Renell Wren, it’s a tribute to his natural abilities.

Wren cracked the 2018 college football “freaks” list compiled by The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman, which highlights some of the best athletes at the Division I level.

At 6-foot-5 and 301 pounds, Wren is an obvious choice for the No. 19 overall spot on the list.

Wren compiled 22 tackles in nine games last season as a redshirt sophomore, including a career-high five against in-state rival Arizona. But with fellow defensive lineman JoJo Wicker now with the Detroit Lions, Wren has the opportunity to have a breakout season in Tempe.

And based on his offseason work, he could very well do so.

Wren was clocked at 4.85 seconds this offseason in the 40-yard-dash. He also ran a 20-yard split in 2.88 seconds.

With a vertical jump of 34.5 inches and broad jump of 10 feet, Wren presents a unique physical ability that could benefit the Sun Devils in the trenches.

Oh, and did we mention he can squat 600 pounds and bench 430?

There’s no telling the kind of season Wren will have on the field under new head coach Herm Edwards in 2018.

But given his physical ability, it could potentially be a good one.

Arizona State Football

Arizona State wide receiver Javen Jacobs during 2023 spring ball in Tempe, Arizona. (Sun Devil Athl...
Jake Anderson

ASU’s pass-catcher competition includes ‘deep wideout and tight end positions’

The Arizona State Sun Devils have a plethora of talent on the offensive side of the football when it comes to pass catchers.
2 days ago
Arizona State true freshman quarterback Jaden Rashada gives the "forks up" after a spring ball prac...
Jake Anderson

Arizona State’s QB battle heats up after 1st week of spring ball with Jaden Rashada

There are six on the roster, half of which are returners, while two are transfers and one is freshman five-star dual-threat QB Jaden Rashada.
5 days ago
Arizona State defensive back Chris Edmonds, celebrates his pass interception with linebacker Will S...
Jake Anderson

Communication is key for Arizona State’s new defense early on in spring ball

Communication is key in defense, especially in the modern era of college football where offenses are running quick-tempo, hurry-up offenses.
7 days ago
Arizona State University president Michael Crow interviews with Doug & Wolf on 98.7 FM Arizona'...
Kevin Zimmerman

ASU, Arizona presidents: Not preparing to leave for Big 12

The presidents of Arizona State University and the University of Arizona went on the record reaffirming their commitment to the Pac-12.
8 days ago
Kenny Dillingham. (Twitter Photo/@ASUFootball)...
Jake Anderson

Kenny Dillingham instills ‘just compete’ philosophy on Day 1 of ASU spring ball

The first day of spring ball for ASU with new head coach Kenny Dillingham had a vastly different vibe than previous regimes.
9 days ago
Quarterback Trenton Bourguet #16 of the Arizona State Sun Devils throws a pass during the second ha...
Kellan Olson

ASU QB Trenton Bourguet far more healthy in 2023 after 2-year foot issues

ASU's spring starter at quarterback will be able to utilize his skill set in a way he hasn't been physically able to since training camp of 2021.
10 days ago
Feldman: ASU DL Renell Wren among 2018 college football ‘freaks’