Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt returns vs. Utah after exiting from hard hit

TEMPE — Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt returned to take a knee and end the first half with the Sun Devils in front of Utah, 13-9, after he had exited earlier in the second quarter from a hard hit.

Leavitt had gone to the medical tent before heading to the locker room with a towel over his head as the Sun Devils punched the ball in for a touchdown on the drive he led most of the way.

On the play, Leavitt rushed for eight yards in the red zone with the big hit coming from Utah linebacker Lander Barton on the quarterback’s right side.

Jeff Sims took over at quarterback in place of Leavitt and ran in the touchdown.

After the Sun Devil defense stopped Utah late in the half and forced a field goal, Leavitt returned to the field for the kneel-down.

Already established as a true dual-threat quarterback, Leavitt has shown he is not afraid to take hits.

After Week 1, ASU coach Kenny Dillingham said sliding was not a focus for Leavitt because of his inability to do so. Dillingham said he wanted the quarterback to fall forward instead of sticking his cleat into the ground in those instances.

Follow along with the rest of ASU-Utah on the Arizona Sports app, ESPN 620, 98.7 FM-HD 2 or online.