Arizona State football picks up tight end from transfer portal

TEMPE, Ariz. — Kenny Dillingham and Arizona State football just picked up their first commitment from a transfer in the 2023-2024 offseason. Former Florida State tight end Markeston Douglas announced his pledge to the Sun Devils. Douglas is also visiting Tempe this weekend.

Coming to a stadium near you, see you soon Tempe ⚡️ Praise to the most highest 🖤#ForksUp #committed @KennyDillingham @DevontayTaylor @CoachBobbyWade pic.twitter.com/dvjQ4CvM43

— Markeston (@Markest0n) December 9, 2023

Arizona State football picks up tight end out of portal

With the departure of Jalin Conyers to the transfer portal, Dillingham and the Arizona State staff needed to pivot in search of tight-end production. With Messiah Swinson graduating, and backup tight end Ryan Morgan retiring from football, there were only two tight ends left on the roster for next season.

The lone returner was Bryce Pierre. Pierre had 17 receptions last year for 139 yards.

The other expected tight end on the roster next season is Jayden Fortier. Fortier is a prized prospect in ASU’s 2024 recruiting class and a four-star. However, Arizona State can’t rely upon too much production from a true freshman.

Enter Markeston Douglas.

Douglas is a six-foot-four-inch, 285-pound tight-end transfer from Florida State. The redshirt junior had 11 receptions for 136 yards and two touchdowns last season at FSU.

The stats aren’t eye-popping, but let’s check the film.

Won't be talked about a ton because so much happened this game, but the Markeston Douglas behind-the-back catch was pretty crazy.

It happened the very next play after he whiffed on a 4th-down block. Biscuit had a big catch on 3rd down later that drive to keep chains moving. pic.twitter.com/RfkUdZnjso

— Brendan Sonnone (@BSonnone) October 22, 2023

Douglas uses his strong frame to seize the ball and stumble forward for a first down.

Markeston Douglas being this fast at his size is incredible. Different kind of flying Biscuit than his first career touchdown. pic.twitter.com/XF9jrN0gLY

— Curt Weiler (@CurtMWeiler) September 10, 2023

This play in particular is extremely impressive. Douglas’s speed at his size is simply something you cannot teach. The tight end claims on Twitter that he ran 18 mph on this touchdown catch, and I believe him.

Dillingham and tight end coach Jason Mohns picked up a good one out of the transfer portal, and I think Dillingham is just getting started this offseason.

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