One thing is clear to ASU redshirt sophomore defensive end Renell Wren – this season is the time for him to make his impact.

His expectations are high, much like those bestowed upon him when he was a well-regarded 3-star recruit out of Lutheran North High School in St. Louis. While he has yet to make a real first impression in Tempe – he’s played in just four games in his first two seasons – he sees the opportunity.

“There’s no pressure,” Wren said. “All motivation.”

Wren figures to be part of an expansive front-line rotation for the Sun Devils this season, one that should give several players such as Wren, Jalen Bates, and Edmond Boateng an opportunity to contribute.

Among the skills Wren can provide is versatility, with experience working both at his natural position of defensive end and in the interior defensive line. While the versatility hasn’t turned into consistent playing time yet, Wren said the knowledge gained from learning the new spot will be critical in his development.

“It’s not that difficult playing different positions along the defensive line,” Wren said. “It’s about developing that mentality and just working to know the plays. It’s good to know all of the different positions just in case someone gets hurt.”

Wren has always impressed his coaches physically, and this summer was no different. On Monday, Wren was named as one of the team’s “Dirty Dozen,” a recognition for the players who stood out most to head sports performance coach Shawn Griswold. Already considered a physical specimen when he first arrived on campus, Wren is listed on ASU’s roster at 6-foot-5 and 297 pounds entering fall camp.

But while the improved strength and reformed body will certainly help out Wren on the practice field, he recalled something Griswold told him to remember.

“You don’t have to be the strongest player to be the best on the field,” Wren said.” I’ve seen it. [Junior defensive tackle] Tashon [Smallwood] is pretty strong in the weight room, but you can really see it when he’s on the field.”

While Griswold was tasked with developing Wren physically, there will also be someone new trying to develop him as a football player. After having Jackie Shipp as his defensive line coach for his first two years at ASU, Wren will now be learning from former Oregon State and UNLV defensive line coach Joe Seumalo. Seumalo arrived in the spring and has emphasized simplicity, developing a defensive line group that might be the deepest in Todd Graham’s tenure as head coach. He has also brought together a more relaxed approach, which is something that Wren said has allowed him to take a step back and truly grasp the defense within Graham’s hybrid attacking scheme.

“[Joe]’s more calm, but he’s really intense in everything he does, too,” Wren said. “It’s all smooth when it comes to installing plays and everything. He’s the right coach for us right now.”