ASU Football: Former Utah wide receiver Bryan Thompson joins Sun Devils via transfer portal

New vertical threat for Daniels

Arizona State may be making waves in its recruitment efforts, but the program’s impact on the transfer portal should not go unnoticed.

On Thursday, ASU landed an offensive weapon that will be able to contribute immediately in the wake of Frank Darby’s departure for the NFL Draft.

Former Utah wide receiver Bryan Thompson announced his decision to join the Sun Devils on social media Thursday afternoon.

Thompson spent four seasons with the Utes, notching 33 receptions for 756 yards and four touchdowns over 33 appearances.

In five games in 2020, Thompson recorded nine receptions for 187 yards and a touchdown. His sophomore year was his most productive season, which saw him break out into a vertical threat and average 25.6 yards per catch.

Thompson immediately becomes the most seasoned receiver on ASU’s roster, which will return sophomore wideouts Ricky Pearsall and Geordon Porter.

However, most of the remaining receivers on the roster are young and lack Thompson’s experience. Freshman pass-catchers like Johnny Wilson, LV Bunkley-Shelton, and Andre Johnson saw playing time with mixed results over a tumultuous season.

The Sun Devils hope Thompson’s arrival will help provide a spark to the offense, which ranked near the bottom of the Pac-12 in passing yards per game.

Expectations are heightened for Jayden Daniels and his maturing receiving corps. However, Thompson’s commitment helps make those lofty goals of a Pac-12 championship all that more attainable.