Xavion Alford, S
Arizona State ranks 32nd in the FBS in pass defense efficiency (per Sharp CFB) and second in the Big 12 in defensive turnovers forced.
The most productive and impactful of the former Texas transfers playing for Arizona State's defensive side of the ball is starting safety Xavion Alford. Experienced players like Alford have helped Arizona State's secondary become one of the most improved in the P4.
Alford is the highest-graded cover DB and the highest-graded overall defender on the team (per PFF).
In the Big 12 Championship Game, Arizona State held Iowa State to 55 percent completions and just over 214 passing yards in a commanding 26-point victory over the Cyclones.
Alford, an All-Big 12 First-Team selection for Arizona State this season, ranked second on the team in combined tackles (82). He's had a huge impact on Arizona State's defensive secondary, registering four pass breakups and two interceptions, as a reliable playmaker at the safety position.
Alford made a pit stop at USC for the 2021 season before transferring to Arizona State and earning a starting job for the Sun Devils. He went with former Texas director of recruiting Bryan Carrington to USC and then Arizona State.
Horns247 mentions that while Alford has been in college since 2020, he's only listed as a redshirt sophomore on the Arizona State roster due to a combination of a medical redshirt and transfer rules making him sit out a year for the Sun Devils.