Key Highlights
- The 35-year-old is regarded as an offensive mind; however, he brought in 10 defensive names from the portal — including some that will be day one starters. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDillingham grabbed ASU’s final two pieces on Monday and Tuesday as safety Antoine “AJ” Belgrave-Shorter (formerly of Penn State) and edge rusher Jalen Thompson (formerly of Michigan State) said yes to the Sun Devils. Both have an opportunity to have a valuable impact on the team. Belgrave-Shorter played nine games as a freshman in 2025 for the Nittany Lions. Sun Devils continue to stockpile talent out of NCAA transfer portalThe 6-foot, 198-pounder from Jacksonville (Fla.) had 14 total tackles.
- He joins Caleb Chester, Jessiah McGrew, Ashton Stamps, and Lyrik Rawls as the fifth defensive back and second safety for Arizona State from the portal.
- His size and range make him a potential starter in the secondary with names like Keith Abney II and Myles “Ghost”Rowser pursuing the NFL Draft. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThompson, a native of Detroit, Mich., led the Spartans in tackles for loss (6.5) and sacks (2.5) last season. The 6-foot-3, 260-pounder had eight quarterback hurries, a pass breakup, and 30 total tackles.
- He provides a presence at defensive end to finish on opposing quarterbacks in the backfield.
- Thompson recorded 6.5 tackles for loss combined and two sacks in his first two seasons at East Lansing, Mich.