The countdown to Sun Devil football continues, and after recognizing one of Arizona State's more well known offensive linemen yesterday, today we look at one of their more underrated pass blockers in Victor Leyva.
Born in Mexico, Leyva's family moved to California when he was young. Leyva played high school football out there, earning a scholarship to play at Arizona State under head coach Bruce Snyder. The coaching staff liked Leyva's athleticism, and that trait flashed early on.
Leyva became the starting right guard for the Sun Devils as a freshman, helping lead an offense that averaged 32 points a game. Arizona State finished 9-3, beating Iowa in the Sun Bowl, and Leyva was named a Freshman All-American.
Leyva continued to play at right guard in 1998, though the Sun Devils would finish with a disappointing 5-6 record. With an opening at right tackle after thev year, Leyva was moved out to that spot, transitioning from guard to tackle for the first time in his career.
To the surprise of nobody who knew him, Leyva proved to be a natural at right tackle, earning an honorable mention All-Pac 10 nod after the year. The next season, as a senior, Leyva would go on to be named to the first team All-Pac 10, a recognition of just how dominant he had become outside.
Leyva played during the end of the Snyder era, unfortunately, which meant he didn't see much success in his college years. His freshman season, a 9-win campaign, marks the only winning season Leyva was a part of, but his value to the program as a rare four-year starter cannot be understated.