walk-on turned tackling machine, leader, and Sun Devil tone-setter
In the 2015 season, Jordan Simone was Arizona State’s emotional engine at safety: a former walk-on who earned a scholarship, became a captain, and produced 191 career tackles, four interceptions, and five sacks in just 22 games. His calling card was relentless run support, open-field striking, and a leader’s edge that teammates and writers repeatedly praised. The red flag was durability—his 2015 ACL injury ended his season—but if you value toughness, production, and locker-room gravity, Simone was absolutely a difference-maker.
