Arizona State loses key defensive lineman to the transfer poral

Arizona State starting defensive lineman Anthonie Cooper will enter the transfer portal when it officially opens to FBS players on Dec. 5, according to Sun Devil Source.

Cooper spent four seasons with ASU and will have two remaining at his next stop. He played in every game for the Sun Devils over each of the last three seasons.

ASU starting DE Anthonie Cooper has entered the transfer portal. He's a local product with two remaining years of eligibility.

— SunDevilSource.com (@SunDevilSource) December 1, 2022

Cooper had 51 total tackles during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. That included seven tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. According to Pro Football Focus’ tracking, he played the 10th-most snaps of any ASU defender this season and the fourth-most along the defensive line.

He was ASU’s second-highest-graded pass rusher, according to PFF.

With Arizona State’s coaching change and the subsequent departure of defensive line coach Robert Rodriguez, turnover along the defensive line is probably to be expected. Cooper is the second Sun Devil to publicly announce their intent to transfer, joining quarterback Paul Tyson.