Arizona State University continues to make strategic moves in the world of college football as they welcome yet another talented addition to their defensive line. Kori Roberson, a fifth-year junior transfer from Oklahoma, has found his new home with the Sun Devils. This exciting development promises to enhance the team’s defensive prowess, adding depth and experience where it’s needed most.
Standing tall at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 285 pounds, Roberson has a formidable presence on the field. Previously serving as a backup nose guard for the Sooners, he gained valuable experience in 26 games spanning from 2019 to 2021. During this time, he showcased his skills with 29 tackles, seven tackles-for-loss, and an impressive 1.5 sacks.
Roberson is not alone in making the transition from Oklahoma to ASU. Clayton Smith, another standout from the Sooners, had already signed with the Sun Devils earlier in the spring. Together, they contribute to an emerging powerhouse on the defensive line, poised to leave a mark on the field.
The addition of Roberson addresses a critical need for the Sun Devils. His arrival offers the team much-needed depth in a pivotal position. Roberson’s football journey began as a highly regarded prospect, earning a four-star rating from ESPN and a three-star ranking from both 247Sports and Rivals. Hailing from Manvel High School in Houston, his potential was undeniable from the start. On April 16, he entered the transfer portal, setting the stage for his exciting new chapter with ASU.
Roberson’s 2023 has been nothing short of eventful. He faced adversity head-on when a tornado ravaged his home in February. This testament to his resilience only adds to the narrative of a determined athlete ready to make an impact on and off the field.
As the Sun Devils gear up for the upcoming season, Roberson finds himself in a prime position to compete for a starting role. Notable departures, including Brandon McElroy, Jalil Rivera-Harvey, and Robby Harrison, have opened doors for fresh faces to step up.
Among the key players holding the fort on the interior of ASU’s defensive line are returning juniors Anthoine Cooper and B.J. Green. Dashuan Mallory, a transfer from Michigan State, also adds depth to the mix, joined by promising talents like freshman C.J. Fite, and redshirt freshmen transfers Tristan Monday and Samuel Benjamin.
Roberson’s arrival injects a new layer of strength and reliability into the Sun Devils’ defensive front. Drawing from his experiences at Oklahoma, he is poised to become an instrumental contributor, elevating the team’s overall performance. With his arrival, ASU’s defensive line gains a versatile and battle-tested asset, ensuring that the upcoming season holds great promise.
In a football landscape where every addition counts, Kori Roberson stands out as a dynamic force set to amplify ASU’s defensive capabilities. His journey from surviving a tornado to becoming a pivotal player for the Sun Devils paints a compelling picture of determination, growth, and the unwavering spirit of a true athlete.
