Speak of the Devils Podcast Sitdown Series: Center Leif Fautanu

TEMPE, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) — It all starts up front, and with the move to the Big 12, the trench game will be of utmost importance for Arizona State. Luckily for the Devils, they have Leif Fautanu anchoring the offensive line. The center, who came over from UNLV last year, held the injury-plagued line together despite significant adversity and put together a solid season. Ahead of the 2024 season, Leif has improved his play and his standing as a team leader and is ready to help ASU make a strong debut in their new conference.

In this episode, Leif and I discuss lessons learned, the makeup of the 2024 squad, his journey as a football player, his development as a leader, life on the islands, and much more.

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Current episodes of the Sitdown series

Tight ends coach Jason Mohns: We discuss the key takeaways from last year, what led to his recruiting success, a breakdown of the new tight end room and how they fit into the offensive scheme, and more.

Defensive Coordinator Brian Ward: Brian and I discuss how the scheme is progressing in year two, the likely adjustments for Big 12 ball, the next wave of team leaders, how each level of defense is shaping up, his new favorite burrito shop in the Valley, and more

Wide Receiver Xavier Guillory: We talk about his career, continuing his late father’s legacy, creating new opportunities for other Native athletes, the Sun Devils’ full wide receiver roster in 2024, and more.

Sr. Associate AD for Media Relations Doug Tammaro: We talk about his beginnings as a star on the basketball courts of Western Pennsylvania, the lessons he learned early in his career, his favorite moments with the Sun Devils, unsung Sun Devils, the origins of the rivalry with Kyle Dodd, the power of a handwritten note and much more.

Defensive Tackle Dashaun Mallory: As he prepares for the NFL, Dashaun reflects on his career path, his development in Tempe, his appreciation for the little moments and more.

Offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo: Marcus and I discuss his coaching journey, the lessons he’s learned along the way, why he took the job at ASU, how he’ll handle the battle for the quarterback position, how he would have fit into ASU’s offense when he was a player, and more.

Offensive Lineman Sean Na’a: We discuss the lessons from his freshman season and how they prepared him for the future, give an overview of the infamous flight to Salt Lake, the makeup of the 2024 roster, what makes California high school players different, and more.

Defensive Tackle CJ Fite: CJ and I discuss his development as a rookie, his growing leadership role, his new position as coach, the Dallas chicken shop needing a location in the Valley, and more.

Tight End Bryce Pierre: Bryce and I talk about his journey from wide receiver in high school to tight end in college, the lessons he learned in junior college, the influence of Jason Mohns, and more.

Offensive Tackle Emmit Bohle: Emmit and I talk about his early days as a 9-man, how he went from a 230-pound high school tight end to a Power 5 starting tackle, the pros and cons of being 6-foot-4, what he’s learned about himself during his recovery process, the 2024 Sun Devil roster, and more.

Running back DeCarlos Brooks: DeCarlos and I discuss his journey from Chandler to the Pac-12 North and back to Arizona, the influence of Shaun Aguano, his coach’s haircut, his favorite wings in the Valley, what he thinks his rating should be in the new college football video game, and more.

Linebacker Tate Romney: We discuss the joy of being back home, the thrill of taking down a ball carrier, the challenge of returning to football after his LDS mission, what to expect in year two of the defensive plan, and more.

Cornerback Keith Abney II: Keith and I talk about his time as a speed skater and how it helped his game, the balance between being a football player and a star student, what Texas’ acquisition of Tempe could mean for the Devils, and much more.

Wide Receiver Jake Smith: Jake and I discuss the lessons learned during some difficult years, what kept him going, what it meant for him to come back to Arizona, the Sun Devils receiver room, and more.

First Baseman Jacob Tobias: Jacob and I discuss his favorite home run, the highs and lows of his career, the lessons he learned from it, who has the hardest throws on this Sun Devil team, and much more.

Outfielder Isaiah Jackson: Isaiah and I discuss the highlights and lessons of the last year, the lessons he learned, crushing his Little League competition, the influence of Ken Griffey Jr., the meanest throws and best tools on the team, and much more.

Security Xavion Alford: Xavion and I talk about how he survived two years on the sidelines, the support he received, how he kept a positive attitude, the Texas to Tempe pipeline, Tex-Mex cuisine, and more.

A farewell interview with Jordan Clark: As he prepares to head to Notre Dame for his final season of college football, he reflects on his time as a Sun Devil, the future and potential of the program and the exciting chapter that lies ahead.

Head Coach Women’s Basketball Natasha Adair: Natasha and I discuss the hot start to the year, lessons learned from last season, how program culture and fundamentals are evolving, and more.

Offensive Lineman Joey Ramos: Joey and I discuss the season and the lessons we learned from it, the One Snap Brotherhood, the culture being established in Tempe, his draft dreams and more.

Goalkeeper TJ Semptimphelter: TJ and I talk about his journey in hockey, how his love of headgear got him into goal, the joy of beating the Arizona Wildcats, what “Being the Tradition” means to him, establishing ASU as a hockey school, and much more.

Head volleyball coach JJ Van Niel: JJ and I discuss the hot start to the season, why he came to ASU, how he went from the hockey rink to the volleyball court, the best dishes from the team’s Chopped competitions, and more.

Head Coach Kenny Dillingham: Kenny and I talk about the hard work of rebuilding the program in the early days, his first years as a football player, balancing the rigors of coaching with his roles as a husband and father, battling for the title of quarterback, and much more.

Hall of Famer DB Mike Haynes: Haynes talks about his unusual path to ASU, Frank Kush’s hard work, his desire to play WR, his fondest memories as a Sun Devil, his work today helping players transition out of the game, raising awareness about healthy living and much more.

Hall of Fame Security Guard David Fulcher: The legend talks about his illustrious career with the Sun Devils, what his Hall of Fame induction means, his charity work, his time with the Bengals, his views on Herm Edwards and the current Sun Devils, and much more.

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