ASU’s Jeff Sims and Dillingham on Sims starting against Iowa State
Quarterback Jeff Sims will start his second game of the season for ASU after San Leavitt was ruled out for Nov. 1’s game against Iowa State.
Arizona State football coach Kenny Dillingham announced on Oct. 31 that starting quarterback Sam Leavitt will miss the rest of the season for the Sun Devils.
The coach told Arizona Sports’ 98.7 FM that Leavitt will have season-ending surgery.
Dillingham said the injury happened early in ASU’s 27-24 win over Baylor on Sept. 20. Leavitt missed ASU’s game against Utah on Oct. 11, a 42-10 loss.
He exited ASU’s game against Houston on Oct. 25 twice, including for the final drive on offense. The Sun Devils lost that game, 24-16. Leavitt had already been ruled out for the game against Iowa State on Nov. 1 earlier this week.
“So it’s been something that’s been lingering,” Dillingham said on the “Bickley and Marotta Show.”
“Like I said, he’s been battling and fighting. He’s the ultimate competitor. This is like the worst, obviously, news that he wanted to hear because it means he can’t play football. He loves the game of football. He loves this place. So, it’s definitely unfortunate for him.”
Jeff Sims will start in Leavitt’s place against Iowa State.
Dillingham was asked about whether or not this could be the end of Leavitt’s career in Tempe. He is eligible to enter the NFL draft.
“ I wish I could answer that question,” Dillingham told Arizona Sports 98.7 FM. “I’m not even beginning to process what are his next steps. I haven’t even asked him that.
“I just feel bad for him that he has been dinged up all year and he’s been battling for our football team. It’s unfortunate that it just hasn’t gotten any better.”
Leavitt was limping when he left the field after the loss to Houston. His right foot was in a walking boot during the team’s loss against Utah earlier this month and he was spotted in a walking boot again earlier this week.
Sims has completed 24-of-49 pass attempts this season for 182 yards and a touchdown pass. He has rushed 29 times for 102 yards.
Leavitt has thrown for 1,628 yards on 135-for-239 passing this season, with 10 touchdown passes and three passes intercepted. He has rushed 73 times for 306 yards and five touchdowns.
This story will be updated. Check back soon.
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