Blazen Lono-Wong has earned a starting position on Arizona State’s defensive line after five seasons with the program. The 6-foot-4 player from Waimanalo, Hawaii, remained at ASU despite limited playing time earlier in his career.
Lono-Wong is the only current ASU player who was part of the program during Herm Edwards’ tenure. Running backs coach Shaun Aguano, the lone remaining member of Edwards’ staff, helped recruit him and influenced his decision to stay after Kenny Dillingham became head coach.
“I had faith in this program,” Lono-Wong said. He credited Aguano with encouraging him to trust Dillingham and said that advice played a major role in his choice to remain at ASU.
Lono-Wong’s development also included a major change in size and position. Aguano said he arrived weighing about 220 pounds, while Lono-Wong estimated his initial weight at closer to 240. He now weighs 305 pounds and moved from defensive end to tackle as a sophomore, making added strength particularly important.
He started once last season and played 336 defensive snaps plus 185 on special teams, recording 16 tackles. That followed a combined total of 11 tackles during his first three seasons. Lono-Wong has started ASU’s first two games this season alongside senior C.J. Fite.
