With Aiyuk absent, WR Porter looks to make mark

EL PASO, Texas. - Much has been made of the Sun Bowl absences of running back Eno Benjamin and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, both of whom have chosen to sit out the contest against Florida State to prepare for the draft. Perhaps the player who has the most to gain is freshman Geordon Porter.

Edwards confirmed that Porter will be the primary kick return man, taking the place of Aiyuk, who thrived in that capacity. Edwards also said it would likely be junior Jack Jones back to field punts.

Porter was set to be ASU’s primary kick returner this season but he sustained a serious pulled hamstring injury that set him back in drills leading up the season and kept him out of the first two games. He returned for the third game at Michigan State but he admits it wasn’t until four games later he felt fully healthy. By the time he was full strength Aiyuk had firmly established himself as the special teams standout.

“I really felt like I had a great spring so I was ready to have a great season and then I got hurt,” he said. “But those things happen. I can’t dwell on it. All I can do is work hard and take advantage of the chances I will have coming up.”

The Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., native did have two returns for 62 yards in the loss at Oregon State, getting those chances because the Beavers were looking to keep the ball out of the hands of Aiyuk. coaches have said they are equally as confident in the speedster Porter as they were with Aiyuk, projected by most as a first- or second-round draft pick come April.

With Aiyuk not playing Porter could also see more passes headed his way, particularly with another wide receiver, senior Kyle Williams, seeing some time in the backfield in place of Benjamin.

“We have a lot of good receivers but if I get the chance I’ll be ready,” he said. “This is a chance for me to show what I can do and maybe it will set me up to have a good season next year.”

Sun Devils go under

One thing that makes bowl trips unique are the activities planned for the players of the respective teams. After practice on Friday both the Sun Devils and the Florida State Seminoles took trips to nearby Fort Bliss, one of the country’s largest army bases.

The players mingled with active military personnel. Some fun was had at their expense as a hypnotist was brought in to work his magic on the athletes.

Running backs coach and co-offensive coordinator Shaun Aguano said that was a highlight of the week for him, at least so far.

“I never used to believe in that kind of stuff. I do now,” he laughed. “They had the kids doing some crazy things.”

Among those taking part in that fun was freshman quarterback Ethan Long, who said that was a first for him.

“It was kind of a cool but I don’t think I would do it again,” he said. “I was aware of everything that was going on but you’re not in control of your body. So that was a weird feeling.”

Coach Herm Edwards enjoyed the spectacle as well.

“They can’t say they didn’t do it, we have it on film,” he said.

Weather extremities

The Sun Devils practiced for the first time on Friday under sunny skies with the temperature at 65.

A day later, ASU found itself working throughout a 45 degree day that also included winds that were stiff at times. Players and coaches wore long sleeves and sweatpants with many also also resorting to warmer head gear.

Edwards took it all in stride, just like he does everything.

“If we’re going to have to play in it, we may as well get used to it,” he said. “You could tell at times focus wasn’t quite there, probably because of that, but it’s one of those things you have to work through. It’s not changing just for us.”

Sun Devils OC gets in the spirit

Saturday’s festivities kicked off with appearances of coordinators from both schools in the media headquarters.

It was ASU offensive line coach and co-offensive coordinator Dave Christensen the first to get off the obligatory line. Asked about the new title sponsor the veteran coach, bellowed, “I think they’re GR-R-REAT! But I haven’t had any Frosted Flakes yet, but no it’s been fantastic to see Tony the Tiger everywhere.”

“Again, you guys have done a fantastic job here,” he added. “They take care of all of our needs, the entertainment’s been great, the hospitality, players are well taken care of. I’ve been to a lot of bowl games in my 38-year career and have been treated well here each and every time.”