WR Smith practicing consistently, nearly 100 percent

Cameron Smith still isn’t 100 percent, but the junior receiver is getting closer, which is good news for the Arizona State offense.

“I think once we get into a normal season’s schedule when you have a couple hard work days and then you taper for a game, I think that will actually help him,” receivers coach Jay Norvell said.

Smith, who missed last season recovering from knee surgery, has dealt with a groin issue for most of preseason practice. Recently, however, he’s practiced on a more consistent basis, lining up with the first-team offense. Last Saturday, coach Todd Graham said the speedy receiver had multiple big-play touchdowns.

“He’s worked really hard physically to get himself where he needs to be, and he’s been able to practice a lot more consistently,” Norvell said. “I’ve been pleased with his progress. I definitely think he’ll be able to do some things for us and just hope that he continues to have good fortune physically to be able to continue to practice and play at the level he’s been practicing.”

In 2014, Smith lined up opposite Jaelen Strong and had 41 catches for 595 yards and six touchdowns.

O-line almost set

Even though ASU has had the same five work with the first team for most of the past two weeks, Graham said the offensive line still is not completely set. The uncertainty centers around the center position, where junior-college transfer A.J. McCollum is making a late push after missing time early in camp with a hamstring issue.

“He’s a very tenacious young man,” Graham said. “Very physical. Almost kind of a throw-back center. Just a mean, tough guy. He’s still got a lot of work to do fundamentally, but he’s done well.”

If McCollum wins the job, senior Stephon McCray then likely would shift to right guard. The left side is set with senior Evan Goodman at tackle and sophomore Sam Jones at guard. Redshirt freshman Zach Robertson is in line to start at right tackle.

Extra points

» Sophomore quarterback Manny Wilkins continues to work with the first team during the parts of practice open to media, which suggests he’ll start next Saturday’s opener against Northern Arizona.