Arizona State defensive standout says he won't be skipping Sun Bowl
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Today’s era of college football is much different than before. Players are now paid, transferring is now accepted as part of the game, and bowl opt-outs are more common.
With Arizona State (8-4) getting ready to play Duke (8-5) in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas, on Dec. 31, one of the biggest questions at the first practice for the bowl game centered on who and who wasn’t suited up.
Senior defensive lineman Justin Wodtly, who recently declared for the NFL draft, was one of those in pads Dec. 9. Afterward, he said he had decided on playing his last game in a Sun Devil uniform as opposed to sitting out to get ready for the draft.
“There’s no game too big or too small for me,” Wodtly said. “I feel like when you become bowl-eligible and get another opportunity to play another game, especially with it being your last year, I’m always going to take advantage of it.
“With the group of guys who came out here and took a chance on me, I’m going to give the same opportunity back to them.”
Wodtly isn’t letting the possibility of getting hurt and derailing his dream drive the decision. The NFL draft is no guarantee, and Wodtly knows that.
“Coach Kenny (Dillingham) and the rest of this staff took a chance on me coming out here,” Wodtly said. “I’m just going to do my due diligence and give that effort back to them. College football gets crazy. Who am I to opt out of a bowl game?
“I’m not no first pick, or nothing like that. So, every opportunity I have to get extra tape for NFL teams to see, I’m going to take advantage of it. Playing this game is a privilege. It’s not a right.”
Wodtly said he’s been talking to other players who are on the fence, encouraging them to play. But in the end, Wodtly wants everyone to do what is best for them.
The vibe at practice to open up bowl preparations was an upbeat one, despite a different look.
Junior wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, who has been widely projected as one of the first receivers taken in the draft, was not seen at practice. Tyson has been nursing an injury for nearly two months. Also missing were junior running back Raleek Brown, coming off a 1,000-yard season, and senior defensive lineman Clayton Smith.
Senior offensive lineman Max Iheanachor, senior defensive back Myles Rowser, senior tight end Chamon Metayer, junior defensive back Keith Abney and junior defensive lineman C.J. Fite were all at practice, but did not suit up. Iheanachor and Metayer have already declared for the draft; Abney has not. Abney has popped up on draft boards and is a projected pick.
Junior running back Kyson Brown suited up for practice, but Dillingham said he is not medically cleared. Dillingham said he doesn’t think Brown will play in the bowl game, although Brown is trending the right way. Brown’s last game was against TCU on Sept. 26.
Some players, such as senior offensive lineman Josh Atkins and junior defensive back Javan Robinson, have already entered their names in the transfer portal. Neither was at practice on Dec. 9. But like last year, Dillingham is letting those in the portal practice with the team if they would like to, in another sign of how much college football has transformed.
“If someone wants to enter the portal and be a part of our team, they have 100% the ability to be part of this team,” Dillingham said. “This is the 2025 team. Unfortunately, this is like the bridge in today’s era, between the ‘25 and ‘26 team, but this is the ‘25 kids’ team.
“If anybody wanted to be part, go through prep and play in this game, they have the right to do that because this is still their team.”
Logan Stanley is a sports reporter with The Arizona Republic who primarily focuses on high school, college and Olympic sports. To suggest ideas for human-interest stories and other news, reach out to Stanley at logan.stanley@usatodayco.com or 707-293-7650. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @LSscribe.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona State football DL Justin Wodtly will play Sun Bowl vs Duke
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