TEMPE - As the Arizona State seniors filed out one-by-one through the tunnel during pregame ceremonies Saturday, one moment stood out.
There were plenty of smiles and hugs to go around, but when the camera focused on X Valladay, the Wyoming-transfer running back was visibly emotional. The embrace between Valladay and interim head coach Shaun Aguano, his former running backs coach, lasted a little bit longer than the rest.
“Valladay is special,” interim head coach Shaun Aguano said. “He’s a workhorse, and he is going to do whatever it takes. I’m proud of him. He is the heart and soul of our football team, and I’m just proud of how he goes about playing.