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Sports and Competition
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Sports and Competition
Source : (remove) : Arizona Sports
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ASU Football's Camp Tontozona Focuses on 'Dodge' Strategy

Arizona State Football's Camp Tontozona: Dodging Challenges and Building Momentum

In the rugged terrain of Payson, Arizona, the Arizona State Sun Devils football team has once again descended upon Camp Tontozona for their annual preseason training ritual. This year's camp, dubbed with a focus on "dodge" as a thematic element, encapsulates the team's efforts to navigate obstacles, both literal and metaphorical, as they prepare for the upcoming season. Under the guidance of head coach Kenny Dillingham, the Sun Devils are emphasizing resilience, adaptability, and strategic avoidance of pitfalls that could derail their progress. The camp, a storied tradition dating back decades, serves as more than just a physical grind—it's a mental forge where players learn to dodge complacency, injuries, and the distractions of modern college football.

The article delves deeply into the daily routines at Camp Tontozona, painting a vivid picture of early morning wake-ups, intense drills under the pine trees, and team-building exercises that push players to their limits. One key highlight is the "dodge" drills, which aren't just about evading tackles but symbolize the broader strategy Dillingham is instilling in his squad. These sessions involve agility ladders, cone weaves, and simulated game scenarios where quarterbacks practice dodging pass rushers, running backs learn to juke defenders, and the defensive line hones their pursuit angles. It's a nod to the fast-paced, unpredictable nature of Big 12 football, where ASU will compete this season after the conference realignment.

Dillingham, in his second year at the helm, is portrayed as a coach who's all about dodging the sophomore slump. The piece quotes him extensively, emphasizing how last year's camp laid the foundation for a surprising turnaround, and this year's iteration is about building on that. "We're not just here to survive; we're here to thrive by dodging the noise and focusing on what we can control," Dillingham is reported as saying during a fireside chat with the team. The camp's remote location, away from the glitz of Tempe, helps in this regard—there's no cell service, no social media distractions, forcing players to bond and communicate face-to-face. This isolation is key to dodging the mental fatigue that plagues many programs in the era of NIL deals and transfer portals.

Player spotlights form a significant portion of the content, showcasing how individuals are embodying the "dodge" mentality. Quarterback Sam Leavitt, a transfer from Michigan State, is highlighted for his elusive scrambling ability, which has been on full display in scrimmages. The article describes a particular play where Leavitt dodged two would-be sackers before launching a 40-yard pass downfield, energizing the offense. Running back Cam Skattebo, a returning star, is praised for his shifty footwork, drawing comparisons to elusive backs like Barry Sanders in how he dodges arm tackles. On defense, edge rusher Clayton Smith is noted for his speed in dodging blocks, disrupting plays in the backfield during live drills.

The narrative also touches on the team's efforts to dodge injuries, a perennial concern in preseason camps. Trainers and medical staff are omnipresent, implementing new protocols like enhanced hydration stations and recovery sessions with cryotherapy. The article recounts a minor scare when a lineman twisted an ankle during a dodge-ball style team-building game—ironically fitting the theme—but quick intervention prevented it from becoming serious. This focus on health is crucial as ASU aims to dodge the depth issues that hampered them in previous seasons.

Beyond the physical, the camp is about dodging complacency after a solid 2023 campaign that saw the Sun Devils exceed expectations with a bowl appearance. Dillingham's staff is integrating new recruits and transfers, ensuring the team dodges any chemistry pitfalls. Position battles are fierce, particularly at wide receiver, where players like Melquan Stovall are dodging coverage to make highlight-reel catches. The article includes anecdotes from veterans mentoring freshmen, teaching them how to dodge rookie mistakes like poor time management or overexertion.

Team morale is another focal point, with the camp's traditions helping to dodge division. Evening bonfires feature storytelling sessions where alumni share tales of past Camp T experiences, inspiring the current roster. One story recounted involves a legendary dodge by a former player who evaded a bear sighting near the camp—adding a layer of folklore to the proceedings. These moments foster unity, essential for dodging the internal conflicts that can arise in a high-stakes environment.

As the camp progresses toward its conclusion, the article shifts to lookahead mode, discussing how these dodging skills will translate to the field. ASU's schedule includes tough matchups against teams like Texas Tech and Kansas State, where the ability to dodge defensive schemes will be tested. Dillingham expresses optimism, noting that the team's improved speed and decision-making—honed through dodge-focused training—could make them a dark horse in the conference.

The piece also explores the broader implications for ASU football in the evolving landscape of college athletics. With the Big 12's expansion and the ever-present threat of player poaching via the transfer portal, dodging recruitment distractions is vital. Dillingham's recruiting prowess is highlighted, with several high-profile commits attending camp as observers, getting a taste of the dodge mentality that defines the program.

In terms of offensive strategy, the article breaks down how the Sun Devils plan to dodge stagnant play-calling by incorporating more motion and misdirection. Offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo is quoted praising the quarterbacks' ability to dodge pressure while keeping their eyes downfield. Defensively, coordinator Brian Ward emphasizes dodging predictability, mixing coverages to keep opponents off-balance.

Player development stories add depth, such as that of walk-on safety who dodged long odds to earn a scholarship through standout performances in dodge drills. These human-interest elements make the camp feel alive, beyond just X's and O's.

As Camp Tontozona wraps up, the Sun Devils emerge not just physically tougher but mentally equipped to dodge whatever the season throws at them. The article concludes on an uplifting note, suggesting that if ASU can maintain this dodge-first approach, they might just evade the skeptics and contend for a spot in the conference title conversation. It's a testament to the enduring value of tradition in a sport that's constantly changing, where sometimes the best way forward is to skillfully dodge the obstacles in your path.

This year's Camp T has reinforced that for Arizona State, success isn't about brute force—it's about agility, foresight, and the art of the dodge. As the team packs up and heads back to the valley, the lessons learned in the pines will be their secret weapon, helping them navigate the twists and turns of a demanding season ahead. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full Arizona Sports Article at:
[ https://arizonasports.com/ncaa/arizona-state-football/camp-t-dodge/3592361/ ]