How ASU’s offense shapes up
Arizona State returns a solid offensive core entering coach Herm Edward’s first season. The Sun Devils feature a thirdyear starting quarterback and one of the best receivers in the nation. In addition, the line should be better.
Even so, questions remain as the Sun Devils enter Friday’s first practice. Let’s take a look:
Coaching staff
For the fourth time in as many seasons, ASU has a new offensive coordinator. Rob Likens, however, brings a familiarity. He coached receivers under previous coach Todd Graham last season. He knows personnel. He understands the Pac-12.
This marks the fourth time Likens has served as coordinator, following stints at Southeast Missouri State, Central Connecticut and Kansas. He inherits seven starters from a group that last season averaged 31.8 points (42nd nationally) and 431.2 yards (37th) per game.
John Simon returns as running backs coach, but everyone else steps into new roles. Dave Christensen – a non-coaching consultant under Graham – takes over the offensive line. Charlie Fisher replaces Likens as receivers coach and Donnie Yantis coaches tight ends.
Positions
Quarterback: Even though Manny Wilkins has started the past two seasons, this is the first time he enters fall practice as the clear-cut starter. That’s probably a load off his mind. Last season, Wilkins completed 63.4 percent of his passes for 3,270 yards and 20 touchdowns with eight interceptions. With Blake Barnett transferring after spring practice, sophomore Dillion-Sterling Cole is No. 2. Coming off an injury, redshirt-freshman Ryan Kelley will be limited to start, which means ASU cannot afford health issues here.
Running backs: This probably is ASU’s biggest offensive concern simply because of what left. For three years, Demario Richard and Kalen Ballage were productive Pac-12 backs. “You just knew what to expect from them,” Likens said. Sophomore Eno Benjamin last season looked good in limited opportunities (23 carries) and likely will start practice as the top rushing option. Behind him? Sophomore Trelon Smith has an experience advantage, but 5-7 junior-college transfer Isaiah Floyd is one of four newcomers that will get a strong look. Overall, Likens likes this group’s talent; it’s the experience that’s worrisome.
Receivers: Juniors N’Keal Harry (82 catches, 1,142 yards) and Kyle Williams (66, 763) are a dangerous Pac-12 combo. Beyond them, ASU has decisions to make. Likens was disappointed that a front-runner at the Z position didn’t emerge during the spring. That battle likely will consist of junior Terrell Chatman, sophomore Frank Darby, juniorcollege transfer Brandon Aiyuk and freshman Geordon Porter. Sophomore Curtis Hodges always will be a red-zone option because of his 6-8 frame. At this point, senior Jalen Harvey – a clutch receiver last season – is sticking with defense.
Tight ends: This position last season accounted for just six catches. It remains unclear how much Likens will use his tight ends outside of blocking. Junior Tommy Hudson and senior Ceejhay French-Love give the Sun Devils experienced options. French-Love made one of last season’s biggest catches, sealing ASU’s upset win over No. 5 Washington.
Offensive line: ASU needs an upgrade, and it might get one with graduate transfers Casey Tucker (Stanford) and Roy Hemsley (USC) entering the program. Although Likens points out that Tucker has not yet practiced a down at ASU, he admits it’s safe to pencil in the former Chandler Hamilton High standout at left tackle. Hemsley will start out at one of the guard spots, where he’ll face competition. Junior Cohl Cabral – last season’s left tackle – impressed everyone with how he handled the center spot in spring practice. Senior Quinn Bailey, junior Steven Miller and junior Zach Robertson all have Pac-12 starting experience, so the biggest thing here is just finding the right five.
D-Day
To start, ASU is scheduled to scrimmage Aug. 11 and 18, which makes Sunday, Aug. 19 an important date.
“Aug. 19 is pretty much D-Day for the offense,” Likens said. “We’d like to get everything set, even the plays that we’re going to run and really hone down the offense on that day. Make depthchart decisions. We’ll sit down as a staff and then you’re 100 percent focusing on beating UTSA at that point (in the Sept. 1 opener).”