​C.J. Fite

NFL Draft Profile: C.J. Fite

Position: Defensive Tackle | School: Arizona State | Class: Junior

Height: 6'2" | Weight: 305 lbs | Archetype: Balance

College Career Summary

C.J. Fite emerged as a cornerstone of the Arizona State defense almost immediately upon arrival. As a true freshman in 2023, he played more snaps than nearly any other freshman interior lineman in the country. By 2024, he was a full-time starter and a Second-Team All-Big 12 selection, famously returning a fumble for a touchdown against Mississippi State. Known for his "leverage-based" game and thick, powerful frame, Fite entered the 2025 season on both the Outland and Nagurski Trophy watch lists. He is widely regarded as the "tone-setter" for a Sun Devil unit that prides itself on interior toughness.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 38 (Starts: 32)

• Total Tackles: 73

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 12.0

• Sacks: 5.0

• Fumble Recoveries: 2 (1 TD)

• 2025 Production: 28 Tackles, 6.5 TFL, 1.0 Sack, 1 FF

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
Northern Arizona	1 Tackle	B	Solid in season opener; played limited snaps in blowout.
@ Mississippi St.	0 Tackles	C	Struggled to disengage; stayed disciplined in gap work.
Texas State	2 Tackles, 1 FF	A-	Game-changing forced fumble; high-impact "Star" play.
@ Baylor	2 Tackles, 1.0 Sack	A	Exploded into the backfield; showcased improved pass rush.
No. 24 TCU	1 Tackle	B-	Consistently double-teamed; held his ground for LBs.
@ Utah	1 Tackle	B	Physical battle in the trenches; won several 1-on-1s.
Texas Tech	0 Tackles	C+	Quiet day; Tech used quick-release passes to avoid him.
Houston	2 Tackles	B	Reliable run-plugger; neutralised the interior dive.
@ Iowa State	2 Tackles	B+	Gritty performance in a rivalry atmosphere.
@ Colorado	1 Tackle	B	Strong pursuit against a mobile QB.
West Virginia	3 Tackles, 1.0 TFL	B+	Heavy active hands; reset the line of scrimmage.
Arizona (Cup)	4 Tackles, 1.5 TFL	A	Season Best. Played with immense Competitor drive.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Natural Leverage: At 6'2", he is consistently the "low man." This gives him a natural advantage in winning the leverage battle against taller offensive guards.

• Run Defense "Stops": Fite is elite at recording "stops" (tackles for minimal gain). He understands how to anchor and shed blocks exactly when the ball-carrier enters his gap.

• Durability & Stamina: Played over 350 snaps as a true freshman and hasn't missed significant time since. He is a high-volume player who can stay on the field for three downs.

• Hand Speed: Possesses very active hands; uses a quick "club-and-swim" that has noticeably improved throughout the 2025 season.

Weaknesses

• Pass Rush Ceiling: While he has 5.0 career sacks, he is not a "twitchy" speed rusher. His sacks often come from effort or bull-rushes rather than pure explosive burst.

• Length: He lacks the elite "reach" of taller DTs. If a guard gets their hands into his chest first, he can occasionally struggle to disengage quickly.

• Redirection: While quick in a straight line, he can be a bit "stiff" when forced to change direction suddenly to track down shifty RBs in the flat.

Scheme Fit: Ideal 1-Technique in a 4-3 front or a versatile Interior Defender in a 3-3-5 "Odd" front.

NFL Comparison: Poona Ford / Grady Jarrett (Lite)

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 19/20 | Physical Tools: 16/20 | Attributes: 18/20 | Athleticism: 16/20 | IQ: 18/20

Final Grade: 87/100

C.J. Fite is a "coach's dream" prospect. He brings three years of starting experience in a major conference, elite academic/character marks, and a blue-collar work ethic. While he doesn't have the 6'5" frame that some scouts covet for first-rounders, his "low-man" wins and run-stopping consistency make him a high-floor player. He will likely be a Day 2 pick who starts for a decade as a reliable, "dirty work" interior tackle.

Draft Projection: 2nd - 3rd Round