ASU TEs looking for role in new offense
As Arizona State football nears its first game, Sept. 2 vs. Southern Utah at Sun Devil Stadium, the Arizona Republic has been presenting positionby-position outlooks. This is the final chapter in that series.
Today: Tight ends
Previously: Quarterbacks | Running backs | Offensive line | Special teams | Defensive line | Wide receivers | Defensive backs | Linebackers
Overview
For the last few years we’ve been hearing that the Sun Devils are plan
ning on involving the tight end in the offense on a more regular basis. But that finally appears to be the case with Zak Hill now entering his second year as offensive coordinator.
The unconventional offense involves a lot of motion and multiple tight ends.
It was hard to fully see the evolution of the offense last year, given the small sample size, four games, not to mention the interruption of the coronavirus pandemic.
ASU also had a game against Oregon State in weather conditions not conducive to throwing the ball and it had a huge lead against rival Arizona which meant fewer throwing attempts, particularly in the second half.
ASU averaged just 194 yards per game passing a figure sure to be bettered this season.
Senior Curtis Hodges (6-7, 245), one of the many veterans to choose a repeat senior season, was the leading pass catcher among the tight ends with three catches for 98 yards and a touchdown in three games. The product of Mesa Mountain View High School should be the lead performer at that position this season after being slowed by injuries the last two years.
His improvement in the blocking aspect of the position was evident in the last couple of games last season.
Offensive line and tight ends are the two positions coach Herm Edwards and recruiting coordinator Antonio Pierce have addressed when it comes to adding depth. As a result, there are now has seven scholarship athletes at that position, more than it has had in recent years.
Among the newcomers is Oklahoma transfer Jalin Conyers (6-4, 250), whose physical ability was evident in spring drills. His progress has continued as he familiarizes himself with the offense.
Among those returning is Case Hatch, whose work ethic and blue-collar mentality tends to rub off on those around him. He is listed as a tight endfullback hybrid. Others in the room are John Stivers, a walk on recently put on scholarship, as well as Ryan Morgan and Jake Ray, both of whom redshirted and served on the scout team in 2020.
“I think that room is hungry and they’re excited to get out there and play some games. They’re a physical crew,” Hill said. “Curtis (Hodges) has got some experience and he’s long and athletic and can make plays in the pass game but he can also be physical in the run game.”
3 questions to be answered
1. Who is the most intriguing prospect? During the spring it was Conyers seeing more first team reps than any other player on the offensive side of the ball. Part of that was due to Hodges missing the last several spring practices with an illness. Conyers was particularly impressive in the last of the 15-day sessions which took place in Sun Devil Stadium. He was the No. 5 tight end prospect in the country in 2020 before signing with Oklahoma and has the physical skills to excel at the position. Of the Division I transfers ASU added in the last season, Conyers is in position to have the biggest impact right away.
2. Who will be the X-factor? We’ll go with Hatch, a graduate of Perry High School. He’s a versatile player capable of doing a lot of things and he doesn’t mind taking on the unheralded role either. When moved to the role of fullback last year he embraced the opportunity and he’ll only get better. He had formerly been a defensive player (linebacker) and will only be in his second year on offense. He’s also been a valuable contributor on special teams, as evidence by an All-Pac 12 selection in that facet of the game. He is one of the four team captains, an indicator of how his role and leadership is valued.
3. Will the coaching change make a difference? This topic has come up with the other two positions in which there was a change as well. Wood was interviewed for the job that was eventually given to Breneman so he was a strong candidate back then. He was also on staff under current ASU offensive coordinator Zak Hill when the two were at Boise State so he knows the offensive scheme as well as anybody. So it has been a smooth transition this far.
About the newcomers
—Conyers comes to ASU as a transfer from Oklahoma although he never played for the Sooners, having redshirted. That means he still has four years of eligibility. He’s new to the position, having played quarterback in high school and being recruited to Oklahoma as a wide receiver.
About the coach
Juston Wood, 41, is serving as interim tight ends coach in place of Adam Breneman, one of three assistant coaches who have been put on administrative leave in conjunction with the NCAA’s investigation into alleged recruiting violations.
Wood came to ASU from Boise State where he was a quality control coach for one season where he worked on game planning and ran the scout team defense.
Prior to his appointment at Boise State, Wood spent two seasons at Georgia Southern where he coached the wide receivers (2017) and quarterbacks (2018).
He also had eight successful seasons at Cal Poly. He was first the wide receivers coach at Cal Poly in 2009, then switched to coaching the quarterbacks in 2013 and was promoted to offensive coordinator in July 2016.
As a player Wood excelled at Portland State, twice earning ADA Academic AllAmerican honors. He was a first-team All-Big Sky Conference selection at quarterback in 2001 and honorable mention in 2002, serving as team captain both seasons.
From the coach
“I look at it as I have such a responsibility to him and just really want to be there to make life easier on him, be an extension of him and help guys in whatever capacity I can, just trying to get everyone on the same page and do whatever I can to support him.”