C.J. Fite prioritizing leadership as Sun Devils approach fall camp

FRISCO, Texas — The big man on campus is preparing to carry the Sun Devils to the finish line this upcoming season, and understands that journey starts early in fall practice.

C.J. Fite is receiving a lot of preseason recognition, including All-Big 12 honors, and landing on the Nagurski and Outland Trophy watch lists. However, he only cares about providing quality leadership to his teammates on the field, as well as in the classroom. Arizona State didn’t live up to the hype last season, after winning the Big 12 Title and making the Playoffs the year prior.

The Sun Devils’ underachieving campaign is what continues to fuel Fite, knowing they’re capable of more this fall. After all, Fite is a veteran, and no stranger to anchoring the defensive line. He’s highly productive from the the interior, and holds the rest of the defense to a high standard. Leading by example is just one part of the formula to Fite though. Becoming more of a vocal leader is an area he’s starting to make progress in, and the rest of his teammates are benefiting from it.

“The biggest thing for me is that I’m able to adapt from when I first got here,” Fite said. “I was just a guy that did everything that was supposed to be done, and I didn’t want to say much because I was that young guy.”

Fite worked his way up from the bottom too. The 6-foot-2, 305-pounder has been a starter for the past two years, and is one of the most experienced defensive tackles in the Big 12. Not to mention Fite has stockpiled 59 tackles, including 10.5 for loss and three sacks during that span. The younger defenders admire his production, and they gravitate towards Fite to hear his insights, which he enjoys.

“As I’ve got older I’m able to step in at certain times, unlike when I first began speaking to people I’d pull one, or two or a group of defensive linemen to the side and say something,” he said. “As this year started I’ve really taken a step, and be the guy that the team can look to.”

Arizona State’s defense finished third in the Big 12, and 31st nationally against the run in 2025. Fite played an integral part in that success. Now he feels the defense has the potential to be even stingier against the run this season because the right pieces are in place. The Texas native intends on doing his part, which is pushing his teammates to their limits, and holding them accountable.

Make no mistakes, Fite doesn’t want to appear like he’s some drill sergeant in practice. He’s no longer tolerating nonsense, and wants everyone to take their work ethic seriously. At the end of the day it’s all about improving, and Fite knows a brotherhood of trust is best for the team. There are some teammates that’ll need a guidance through times of enjoyment, as well as times of adversity. Fite gets adrenaline anticipating those moments that will come over the next few weeks, and he’ll find out how far he has come as a leader.

“If that means getting out of my comfort zone, and taking that next step in my leadership role, than I feel like it can be done.”