Tempe, AZ – Arizona State University athletes are deeply engaged in rigorous strength and conditioning programs designed to enhance performance and prevent injuries, embodying a philosophy of holistic athletic development. The commitment to physical preparation extends across all sports within Sun Devil Athletics, with a central focus on what’s grow known as the “Iron Devils” program.
The program, overseen by Sports Performance coach Shawn Griswold, emphasizes a long-term approach to athletic development. Griswold, brought to Arizona State by former football coach Todd Graham, is lauded for his impact on athlete physicality, speed, and injury prevention. His “five-year plan” for football players specifically prepares them for collegiate championships and simultaneously mirrors exercises used in NFL combine training, aiming to ready student-athletes for professional careers. This dedication to comprehensive preparation is a cornerstone of the athletic department’s strategy.
A key tenet of the Iron Devils approach is prioritizing athlete health. “Health is our number one goal,” Griswold stated, emphasizing the program’s success in minimizing missed starts due to injury. The focus is on building and strengthening muscles and ligaments crucial for maintaining athlete well-being. This emphasis stems from a restructuring of the sports performance department initiated in 2012, with strong support from Graham and the athletic department, allowing Griswold to implement his vision for the program.
Weekly Recognition for Strength and Conditioning
The dedication to strength and conditioning is further highlighted by the recent introduction of a weekly “Iron Devils of the Week” award for football players. Arizona State is handing out the award to recognize players demonstrating exceptional performance in training for spring practices, which are scheduled to begin in late March. This initiative underscores the program’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding dedication to physical preparation.
Recently, six players were recognized for their performance during the past week. Among those honored were Luke Baklenko, a transfer from Oklahoma who previously spent two seasons at Stanford, and Lyrik Rawls, a safety who transferred from Kansas after three seasons at Oklahoma State. Baklenko is competing for a starting tackle position following the departures of Josh Atkins (to Missouri) and Max Iheanachor (to the NFL draft). Rawls is expected to contend for a starting safety role alongside Adrian “Boogie” Wilson.
The Sun Devil Football program shared the announcement on social media, showcasing the honored athletes and celebrating their commitment to strength and conditioning.
Earned not given. Week 1 Iron Devils of the week 💪 pic.twitter.com/H3xv2Ysh67
— Sun Devil Football (@ASUFootball) January 23, 2026
Iron Devils Unite All Sun Devil Athletes
The “Iron Devils” philosophy isn’t limited to football; it extends to all athletes at Arizona State. From swimmers to divers, sprinters to point guards, all Sun Devil athletes train together in the Carson Student-Athlete Center, united by a shared commitment to strength and conditioning. The training facility itself reflects this unity, with black walls accented by iron, steel, and Sun Devil gold. This unified approach aims to foster a culture of teamwork and shared dedication across all athletic programs.
The program’s success is evident in its low rate of missed starts due to injury, a testament to the effectiveness of Griswold’s methods and the athletes’ dedication. The focus on injury prevention and building resilient athletes is a key component of the Iron Devils philosophy, ensuring that Sun Devil athletes are prepared to compete at their highest level.
As Arizona State prepares for the 2026 football season, which includes a challenging schedule featuring four road games against teams that finished the 2025 season ranked in the top 25, the Iron Devils program will continue to play a vital role in the team’s preparation. The ongoing recognition of “Iron Devils of the Week” will likely continue to motivate players and reinforce the importance of strength and conditioning. The program’s continued success will be crucial as the Sun Devils strive for success on the field.
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