Stepping onto a new campus can be daunting for any transfer, but for Arizona State's newest defensive end, Jalen Thompson, Tempe feels like home. The reason? Familiar faces from his past have paved the way for his future with the Sun Devils.

Thompson's journey to ASU is a story of trust and proven potential. His relationship with defensive line coach Diron Reynolds dates back to their time at Michigan State, where a pivotal conversation shaped Thompson's early career. "A few games into the season, I saw how good he could be," Reynolds recalled. "I asked him, 'Do you want to burn your shirt (redshirt season)?' I told him, 'If I burn your shirt, I'm going to play you.' And he played and started for me as a freshman."

That early faith paid off, and now, with one year of eligibility remaining, Thompson followed Reynolds to the desert. The connection runs even deeper, as tight end Khamari Anderson—a former high school teammate at Detroit's famed Cass Tech—also made the move to ASU. This built-in support system has allowed Thompson to hit the ground running, focusing on making an immediate impact.

For a defensive lineman, that impact starts with disrupting offenses and setting the edge, a role that requires both physical prowess and football IQ. Thompson's experience as a freshman starter in the rugged Big Ten conference has prepared him for the challenges of the Big 12. His transition is a key storyline for a Sun Devils defense looking to establish a new identity.

Beyond the field, Thompson's presence adds veteran leadership to a young unit. His understanding of Reynolds's system and his bond with Anderson provide intangible benefits that can galvanize a locker room. As Arizona State builds its roster, players like Thompson, who contribute from day one both on the gridiron and within the team culture, are invaluable assets for the program's climb.