Boundary Safety, #4 Alden Darby

Sun Devil safety Alden Darby has never been the quiet sort. In his three years at ASU, he’s been about as charismatic, outspoken and ready with a one-liner on the field as anyone on the roster.  He’s quick to greet you with a handshake and a smile. He answers questions with a “yes sir” or “no sir.”  He’s also filled much of the leadership void after Brandon Magee exhausted his eligibility following the 2012 season.

As is often the case, the accomplishments of Sun Devil student athletes, outside of competing for championships, can get less exposure and attention that they deserve. In the case of Darby, he has just landed on a prestigious list of 42 national finalists for the Ronnie Lott IMPACT Trophy. It’s a fitting accomplishment for a Sun Devil to the bone like Darby. He has been the model of student-athlete that Coach Todd Graham wants as a roster-wide differentiator of ASU Football.

The Lott IMPACT Trophy is awarded each year to a defensive player who excels on the field, in the classroom and in the community. IMPACT stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.  As an All-Pac-12 second team selection in 2012, Darby has definitely made his mark with the pads on. The starting boundary-side Safety wrapped up last season with 80 tackles and 3 interceptions, one which he took 70 yards to the house against USC.  For those who have closely followed the off-season, Darby has become as much a representative of the program as All-American DL Will Sutton. He was the first to earn the honor of wearing the Pat Tillman camouflage #42 jersey, which represents similar excellence on and off the field as the Lott IMPACT Trophy.

Alden Darby knows he has big shoes to fill since Sun Devil leader, Brandon Magee, has finished his ASU career

Darby has participated in, and is heavily involved in a unique program that ASU proudly calls “Scholar Ballers.” He is actively reaching out to local high schools in an effort to mentor kids and set an example of strong character, a sense of self and proactive leadership. He has put time and energy into connecting to young students and instilling in them a sense of awareness to fulfill their best potential. It is evident that #4 has assumed the role of vocal and inspirational leader for a defense that lost a one-of-a-kind Sun Devil in Brandon Magee. And there’s no one better suited for grabbing the reins than Darby.

Heading into his final year in the maroon and gold, expectations and optimism abound for the  2013 squad. Darby has fully embraced the moment and will challenge his teammates to do the same while he leads by example.

The winner of the Lott IMPACT Trophy will be presented December 8th on FOX Networks. Regardless of who’s name they call, you can expect Mr. Alden Darby to proudly represent ASU over the course of this season and at the ceremony. And my guess is that he’ll do it with that larger than life smile on his face. This award, above all else is the very definition of Speaking Victory.

Visit the Official Lott IMPACT Trophy site and talk about it in the DieHard Forums