Sorry, this is later than usual. Was shorthanded today and being that this is the first session there is a lot to go over.
LOCATION: Verde Dickey Dome -- Indoors
ATTIRE: Shorts and helmets (will be full pads on Saturday the 29th)
MEDIA AVAILABILITY: The entire session
GREEN NON-CONTACT JERSEYS: CB Jack Jones, but did participate in team segments
PERSONNEL NOTES
ABSENT: QB Jayden Daniels (cannot attend Monday sessions due to class), OL Cate Cote (awaiting NCAA appeal decision), RB Demetrious Flowers (per Herm Edwards excused due to personal reasons), OL Jacob Nunez and DL Stephon Wright (undisclosed), backup long snapper gage King was on crutches and appears to be out of spring.
In regards to Cade Cote, this appears to be a 50-50 proposition that the NCAA is expected to decide by the end of the week. For obvious reasons while the NCAA deliberates Cote won’t practice.
MUSCLE BEACH: None
FIRST-TEAM OFFENSE
QB: Ethan Long
RB: A.J. Carter, Daniyel Ngata, and DeaMonte Trayanum in that order to begin practice all rotated with this unit. Later on, we saw less of Ngata on the first team and more of Trayanum. Fullback Case Hatch was in the very first snap and many subsequent ones in two-running back and one tight end lineup (i.e. 21-personnel).
WR: Frank Darby, Ricky Pearsall (Geordon Porter and Jordan Kerley rotated in and out)
TE: Curtis Hodges and Nolan Matthews rotated or at times formed a two-tight end set
OL: LT Kellen Diesch, LG Jarrett Bell, C Ben Scott, RG Dohnovan West, RT LaDarius Henderson
SECOND-TEAM OFFENSE
QB: Trent Bourget
RB: A.J. Carter, DeaMonte Trayanum and Daniyel Ngata rotating
WR: Andre Johnson, Brandon Pierce, Jordan Kerley
TE: Curtis Hodges, Nolan Matthews
OL: LT Spencer Lovell, LG Cody Shear, C (not on roster), RG Roman DeWys, RT Ralph Frias
FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
DL: (end) Shannon Forman, (nose) D.J. Davidson, (3-technique) Jermayne Lole (end) Michael Matus
LB: Kyle Soelle (OLB), Merlin Robertson (MIKE), Darien Butler (OLB)
CB: Chase Lucas, Jack Jones
S: Aashari Crosswell, Evan Fields
- So yes, the much talked about 4-3-4 new look ASU defense was present early and often today. In nickel situations Jordan Clark replaced Kyle Soelle. Another mentioned previously is that Evan Fields is now playing more of a strong safety role rather than the classic Tillman safety in the middle of the field from last year.
SECOND TEAM DEFENSE
DL: (end) Amiri Johnson, (nose) T.J. Pesefea, (3-technique) Corey Stephens (end) Stanley Lambert
LB: (OLB) Elijah Juarez, (MIKE) Caleb McCullough, (OLB) Jordan Banks
CB: Keon Markham, Timarcus Davis, and Macen Williams rotated in there
S: Kejuan Markham, Cam Philips
In nickel situations T.Lee replaced Banks
SPECIAL TEAMS
Senior Kevin Macias was punting and overall had a solid showing. As mentioned though, ASU is poised to get a transfer punter in the summer who is likely to be the eventual starter. In punt return drills seniors Brandon Pierce, Jack Jones and redshirt freshman walk-on running back Nick Johnson were fielding the punts.
Junior placekicker Cristian Zendejas was 2-3 from 27 yards and had his 32-yard attempt blocked from the edge by junior Timarcus Davis.
PLAYER OBSERVATIONS
Needless to say, that what we saw today at quarterback without sophomore Jayden Daniels isn’t representative of what we’ll see at this position let alone can we make any sweeping conclusions as to how well the offense will operate.
But what I will say that this position provided one the bigger surprises of the day as redshirt freshman walk-on Trent Bourget did look more impressive than sophomore Ethan Long. In Long’s defense, his reps at quarterback were few and far in between last year. But at least to my liking didn’t expect Long to struggle more than Bourget, who actually was money for the most part. Redshirt freshman Andre Johnson and senior Brandon Pierce absolutely owe their success today to the beautiful balls thrown by Bourget.
As crazy as it sounds, Johnson was doing his best impersonation of Jaelen Strong catching a few shoulder fade balls with great efficiency. Pierce is just a pure downfield threat that just made life miserable for defensive backs with his breakaway speed. T Really the other wide receiver that stood out was sophomore Jordan Kerley who really showed a knack of catching balls in traffic and hauling in tough throws on the sidelines staying in bounds. On one such catch where he really had to crouch low he did get hurt, looked to be on the side of his torso but did return.
Ethan Long two interceptions in team segments picked off by junior Merlin Robertson and senior Jack Jones and did overthrow Frank Darby on multiple occasions. Very curious to see how he comes back tomorrow and the rest of the week when he goes back to the second team. Bourget got picked off by Timarcus Davis. Both quarterbacks rarely took off and ran. I have a feeling that even with Jayden Daniels out there that would be the case.
There were a couple of fumbled snaps, I think mostly on the second-team and Pearsall fumbled on a reverse play.
It is certainly no lip service by the coaches saying that they want to get the tight ends more involved in the passing games. Senior Curtis Hodges was targeted A LOT with mixed results. It almost seemed as if for every two catches he had one drop. Sophomores Nolan Matthews and Case Hatch did a better job catching the ball.
Running back DeaMonte Trayanum came as advertised and today was the most impressive running back. Build like Adonis and runs like a deer. It wasn’t all between the tackles for him, because off tackle he can do just as much damage. Now the pads come on I’d like to see how much success he has when the defense can actually hit him, but that kid is special. His fellow freshman Daniyel Nagata was a bit quieter but showed flashes and is obviously the shiftier of the two. Sophomore AJ carter had his moments and small sample size and all doesn’t seem to threaten Trayanum as a starter. Disappointing not to see redshirt freshman Demetrious Flowers who is coming off a nice Sun Bowl performance out there. The longer he’s out of action the tougher time he will have to establish himself on the depth chart.
I had a student journalist by the name of Mac Friday (yes, real name and it’s glorious) help out and here are his observations on the offensive line:
Ladarius Henderson - very explosive, hardest worker of group, good upright, and fast choppy feet.
Kellen Diesch - gets a little too low in his stance, needs to stand a little taller, use natural height to block higher. Could probably work on his base some
Dohnovan West - good feet, best posture and stance of the group, and explosive.
Both Jarrett Bell Ben Scott have strong hands and a good push
Spencer Lovell - explosive, good feet, movement, and posture.
The first team offensive line group looks to be much further ahead in progression than the rest of the group. But while the offensive line may have a solid group, they were still bullied under pressure from both the first and second team defense’s pass rush.
Henderson may be one of the more experienced guys on the line going into his second year, but he still had some trouble blocking the strong side defensive ends in Shannon Foreman and Amiri Johnson, respectively.
The second team pass rush truly obliterated the second team offensive line.
I think junior Merlin Robertson at MIKE linebacker is a good fit even though he struggled at times. Was able to lead the charge on many run stops and the interception he made wasn’t an easy one to make.
Seniors Jack Jones and Chase Lucas had a solid day truly blanketing any wide receiver they covered. Timarcus Davis probably stood the most at this position with his INT, blocked field goal and a couple of pass breakups. Redshirt freshman Jordan Clark was often the one struggling to cover Brandon Pierce.
OTHER NOTES AND QUOTES:
Overheard two ASU QB legends, Danny White and Jake Plummer RAVE about new offensive coordinator Zak Hill and the level of innovation and creativity that he will bring to the ASU offense.
Heard that Case Hatch is poised to be a team captain. Amazing for someone who was a walk-on up until a couple of months ago.
Speaking of Hatch Antonio Pierce told his former linebacker before practice: “Don’t go soft on them (the linebackers)” and trust me he didn’t. Some of Traynum’s runs were thanks to Hatch’s blocking.
“You’re so quick you dropped your shoe.” This is what running backs coach Shawn Aguano told Daniyel Ngata during a footwork drill and yes the true freshman is that fast.
As always please ask any questions you have.
LOCATION: Verde Dickey Dome -- Indoors
ATTIRE: Shorts and helmets (will be full pads on Saturday the 29th)
MEDIA AVAILABILITY: The entire session
GREEN NON-CONTACT JERSEYS: CB Jack Jones, but did participate in team segments
PERSONNEL NOTES
ABSENT: QB Jayden Daniels (cannot attend Monday sessions due to class), OL Cate Cote (awaiting NCAA appeal decision), RB Demetrious Flowers (per Herm Edwards excused due to personal reasons), OL Jacob Nunez and DL Stephon Wright (undisclosed), backup long snapper gage King was on crutches and appears to be out of spring.
In regards to Cade Cote, this appears to be a 50-50 proposition that the NCAA is expected to decide by the end of the week. For obvious reasons while the NCAA deliberates Cote won’t practice.
MUSCLE BEACH: None
FIRST-TEAM OFFENSE
QB: Ethan Long
RB: A.J. Carter, Daniyel Ngata, and DeaMonte Trayanum in that order to begin practice all rotated with this unit. Later on, we saw less of Ngata on the first team and more of Trayanum. Fullback Case Hatch was in the very first snap and many subsequent ones in two-running back and one tight end lineup (i.e. 21-personnel).
WR: Frank Darby, Ricky Pearsall (Geordon Porter and Jordan Kerley rotated in and out)
TE: Curtis Hodges and Nolan Matthews rotated or at times formed a two-tight end set
OL: LT Kellen Diesch, LG Jarrett Bell, C Ben Scott, RG Dohnovan West, RT LaDarius Henderson
SECOND-TEAM OFFENSE
QB: Trent Bourget
RB: A.J. Carter, DeaMonte Trayanum and Daniyel Ngata rotating
WR: Andre Johnson, Brandon Pierce, Jordan Kerley
TE: Curtis Hodges, Nolan Matthews
OL: LT Spencer Lovell, LG Cody Shear, C (not on roster), RG Roman DeWys, RT Ralph Frias
FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
DL: (end) Shannon Forman, (nose) D.J. Davidson, (3-technique) Jermayne Lole (end) Michael Matus
LB: Kyle Soelle (OLB), Merlin Robertson (MIKE), Darien Butler (OLB)
CB: Chase Lucas, Jack Jones
S: Aashari Crosswell, Evan Fields
- So yes, the much talked about 4-3-4 new look ASU defense was present early and often today. In nickel situations Jordan Clark replaced Kyle Soelle. Another mentioned previously is that Evan Fields is now playing more of a strong safety role rather than the classic Tillman safety in the middle of the field from last year.
SECOND TEAM DEFENSE
DL: (end) Amiri Johnson, (nose) T.J. Pesefea, (3-technique) Corey Stephens (end) Stanley Lambert
LB: (OLB) Elijah Juarez, (MIKE) Caleb McCullough, (OLB) Jordan Banks
CB: Keon Markham, Timarcus Davis, and Macen Williams rotated in there
S: Kejuan Markham, Cam Philips
In nickel situations T.Lee replaced Banks
SPECIAL TEAMS
Senior Kevin Macias was punting and overall had a solid showing. As mentioned though, ASU is poised to get a transfer punter in the summer who is likely to be the eventual starter. In punt return drills seniors Brandon Pierce, Jack Jones and redshirt freshman walk-on running back Nick Johnson were fielding the punts.
Junior placekicker Cristian Zendejas was 2-3 from 27 yards and had his 32-yard attempt blocked from the edge by junior Timarcus Davis.
PLAYER OBSERVATIONS
Needless to say, that what we saw today at quarterback without sophomore Jayden Daniels isn’t representative of what we’ll see at this position let alone can we make any sweeping conclusions as to how well the offense will operate.
But what I will say that this position provided one the bigger surprises of the day as redshirt freshman walk-on Trent Bourget did look more impressive than sophomore Ethan Long. In Long’s defense, his reps at quarterback were few and far in between last year. But at least to my liking didn’t expect Long to struggle more than Bourget, who actually was money for the most part. Redshirt freshman Andre Johnson and senior Brandon Pierce absolutely owe their success today to the beautiful balls thrown by Bourget.
As crazy as it sounds, Johnson was doing his best impersonation of Jaelen Strong catching a few shoulder fade balls with great efficiency. Pierce is just a pure downfield threat that just made life miserable for defensive backs with his breakaway speed. T Really the other wide receiver that stood out was sophomore Jordan Kerley who really showed a knack of catching balls in traffic and hauling in tough throws on the sidelines staying in bounds. On one such catch where he really had to crouch low he did get hurt, looked to be on the side of his torso but did return.
Ethan Long two interceptions in team segments picked off by junior Merlin Robertson and senior Jack Jones and did overthrow Frank Darby on multiple occasions. Very curious to see how he comes back tomorrow and the rest of the week when he goes back to the second team. Bourget got picked off by Timarcus Davis. Both quarterbacks rarely took off and ran. I have a feeling that even with Jayden Daniels out there that would be the case.
There were a couple of fumbled snaps, I think mostly on the second-team and Pearsall fumbled on a reverse play.
It is certainly no lip service by the coaches saying that they want to get the tight ends more involved in the passing games. Senior Curtis Hodges was targeted A LOT with mixed results. It almost seemed as if for every two catches he had one drop. Sophomores Nolan Matthews and Case Hatch did a better job catching the ball.
Running back DeaMonte Trayanum came as advertised and today was the most impressive running back. Build like Adonis and runs like a deer. It wasn’t all between the tackles for him, because off tackle he can do just as much damage. Now the pads come on I’d like to see how much success he has when the defense can actually hit him, but that kid is special. His fellow freshman Daniyel Nagata was a bit quieter but showed flashes and is obviously the shiftier of the two. Sophomore AJ carter had his moments and small sample size and all doesn’t seem to threaten Trayanum as a starter. Disappointing not to see redshirt freshman Demetrious Flowers who is coming off a nice Sun Bowl performance out there. The longer he’s out of action the tougher time he will have to establish himself on the depth chart.
I had a student journalist by the name of Mac Friday (yes, real name and it’s glorious) help out and here are his observations on the offensive line:
Ladarius Henderson - very explosive, hardest worker of group, good upright, and fast choppy feet.
Kellen Diesch - gets a little too low in his stance, needs to stand a little taller, use natural height to block higher. Could probably work on his base some
Dohnovan West - good feet, best posture and stance of the group, and explosive.
Both Jarrett Bell Ben Scott have strong hands and a good push
Spencer Lovell - explosive, good feet, movement, and posture.
The first team offensive line group looks to be much further ahead in progression than the rest of the group. But while the offensive line may have a solid group, they were still bullied under pressure from both the first and second team defense’s pass rush.
Henderson may be one of the more experienced guys on the line going into his second year, but he still had some trouble blocking the strong side defensive ends in Shannon Foreman and Amiri Johnson, respectively.
The second team pass rush truly obliterated the second team offensive line.
I think junior Merlin Robertson at MIKE linebacker is a good fit even though he struggled at times. Was able to lead the charge on many run stops and the interception he made wasn’t an easy one to make.
Seniors Jack Jones and Chase Lucas had a solid day truly blanketing any wide receiver they covered. Timarcus Davis probably stood the most at this position with his INT, blocked field goal and a couple of pass breakups. Redshirt freshman Jordan Clark was often the one struggling to cover Brandon Pierce.
OTHER NOTES AND QUOTES:
Overheard two ASU QB legends, Danny White and Jake Plummer RAVE about new offensive coordinator Zak Hill and the level of innovation and creativity that he will bring to the ASU offense.
Heard that Case Hatch is poised to be a team captain. Amazing for someone who was a walk-on up until a couple of months ago.
Speaking of Hatch Antonio Pierce told his former linebacker before practice: “Don’t go soft on them (the linebackers)” and trust me he didn’t. Some of Traynum’s runs were thanks to Hatch’s blocking.
“You’re so quick you dropped your shoe.” This is what running backs coach Shawn Aguano told Daniyel Ngata during a footwork drill and yes the true freshman is that fast.
As always please ask any questions you have.
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