Four practices are definitely not a time for sweeping conclusions to be made, but nonetheless, some players and trends are emerging that are certainly worth discussing. Here's our breakdown of the Sun Devils position by position:

Mornin Mates...

Today's Topic = The New Big-3 Sun Devil Sports Happenings

There seems to be a major transformation going on within our Big-3 sports (football, basketball and baseball) since Ray left and our new AD, Graham Rossini, has taken over...

We are not only bigger, stronger, faster, smarter and more physical on the football field, but have a new practice field in the dome and the temperatures, within it, have gone down several degrees, that seems to have energized both the team and coaches to a significant degree...

We're also wearing GPS vests to track how each player is doing under certain conditions, in an effort to enhance efficiency and prevent injuries...

Also, there no longer is any music being played or coaching distractions during enhanced stretching periods, in another effort to improve performance and prevent injuries...

Additionally, the football program has entered a partnership with OLP to better develop and train offensive line personnel during the off-season...

And, we have more NFL connections than ever, if I don't miss my guess, when we account for our additional analysts, etc, that can now coach on the field...

This has all led to more "piss and vinegar" during practices by our many outcasts and misfits that make up our football roster according to coach Dilly...

Throw in being picked last in the Big-12, and how much more motivation does the team need to win more than 4.5 games, as established by the national betting odds-makers...

I wonder who will become "stars" on this team the way the Cats have several stars on their team, as we all know (Fifita, T-Mac, Manu)...

I also wonder who will be the big star or stars of our revamped basketball team under Bobby Hurley, once the season starts, and whether they will be able to significantly improve our BB fortunes this season, as a result...

I don't know if they have any "data driving contraptions" to help Bobby and his staff evaluate how their bodies are doing with which to improve their stamina and prevent injuries during practices...

But, in baseball, besides having some new coaches, like in both football and basketball, the Devils will have a "pitching performance lab" in place that should help with cutting down injuries with our pitching staff, etc...

I'm hoping and trusting that all these new and innovative approaches to being better in our Big-3 sports works wonders for them because we don't need more losing football and basketball seasons and missing the baseball playoffs, do we..??

In the meantime, as I approach my 55th season or so of following Sun Devil athletics, I'm pretty excited about what I see happening in our athletic dept these days...

How about you..??

I know that the proof will be in the pudding, as the old saying goes, since results matter much more than speculation, right..??

But, does winning happen by coincidence..??

Personally, I don't think so...

I don't know how much the Valley has been Activated by recent ASU Big-3 events but my brain has been activated with more enthusiasm than I've had the past couple of Sun Devil years...

Well, back to my morning training table that includes freshly brewed dark coffee and Danish rolls...

G'day Mates and Go Devils!!!

I know there has been discussion around getting rid of some of the sports that ASU supports, but is it for sure they are dropping some? Any clues as to which ones that will likely get dropped?

“Today was our worst practice (of fall camp). Energy was just up and down.” Saturday evening's session at Mountain America Stadium was a drop in overall performance and showcased areas that need to be addressed

Is he practicing and will he start?

It's not open to the public, but just mentioning this as far as the timing of content which will come later tonight

“You can tell that they actually prepped this offseason. When you’re a good football team, it’s what you do in the dark." The vigor and the desire the Sun Devils have demonstrated is a product of effective summer workouts. That and more in our practice notebook

The entirety of today’s practice took place in the Dickey Dome, and as expected, the first day in pads ramped up an already high energy level during this session. Here’s our full report on the session standouts, today’s depth chart, and more.

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A balanced performance from both sides of the ball defined today’s session. Here’s our report on the practice standouts, depth chart movement, and more


Offensive report by Ryan


First Team


QB Sam Leavitt

RB Cam Skattebo

WR Jordyn Tyson

WR Xavier Guillory

WR Melquan Stovall

TE Markeston Douglas

RT Max Iheanachor

RG Cade Briggs

C Leif Fautanu

LG Ben Coleman

LT Emmit Bohle


Birthday boy, Raleek Brown saw first-team snaps at RB during the team tempo sequence of practice. Coleson Arends played most first-team plays at TE, during the 11-on-11 portion of practice, occasionally switching off with Douglas. Redshirt freshman Derek Eusebio also saw time with the first team in the latter stages.


Second Team


QB Jeff Sims

RB DeCarlos Brooks

WR Troy Omeire

WR Jake Smith

WR Derek Eusebio

TE Coleson Arends

RT Kyle Scott

RG Bram Walden

C Sean Na’a

LG Makua Pule

LT Josh Atkins


Redshirt freshman tight end Sinjin Schmitt played second-team reps during the team tempo segment. WR Kaleb Black played with the second team during 11-on-11, hauling in two receptions.


Shortly after a stretch period, players split into their position groups to get going; the offensive line group exerted a lot of energy early, doing one-on-one footwork drills progressively, leading to harder hits on their teammates.


The team tempo segment of practice got underway, and players looked very comfortable compared to Wednesday. Leavitt completed three straight passes in the first team's drive to three different targets. When Sims was behind center, he attempted some long-distance passes into single coverage, trying to find Omeire's 6-foot-4 frame over the top.


The players once again dispersed into skill groups, this time working progressively into more complex drills.


The tight end group did over 20 minutes of blocking work, highlighting technique and form, with its coach Jason Mohns hyping up redshirt junior Cameron Harpole after an impressive rep.


The running backs and quarterbacks were matched up in some short route running drills, and running back coach Shaun Aguano was extremely supportive of his guys, cheering on the veteran Skattebo after a picture-perfect move and encouraging his players whenever they failed to catch a pass. “Everybody makes mistakes, get the ball, and get to the next play,” Aguano repeated.


Shortly after, the wideouts switched with the running back group, as they ran routes for the quarterbacks focused on timing and understanding. Dillingham was heavily involved during this drill, instructing the quarterbacks on when to get the ball out and where it needs to be and putting the wide receiver in the ideal position on the field to make a play. True freshman Zechariah Sample was able to show off his speed and leaping ability, converting on difficult over-shoulder completions.


After the team's water break, the competitive fun started. On Thursday, the daily wide receiver vs. defensive drill showcased some impressive highlights.


Leavitt found Stovall on a deep ball after a crisp move freed up plenty of space that left Dillingham very pleased with the veteran wide receiver. “That's how you sell a route,” he said.


Wide receivers coach Hines Ward was pleased with his group during the drill. He raved to Eusebio after making a swift move to beat his man for a big completion. “Good! Finish strong every time,” Ward yelled.


One-on-one situations led to some amazing plays on both sides of the ball. Sample was on fire, completing catches over his shoulder near the sideline, and Stovall used his veteran leadership to reassure any of his teammates he felt needed to be lifted.


“It's great work every time coming out here and guarding our receivers,” Sophomore defensive back Keith Abney II said after practice Thursday. “Learning from them and them learning from us. Being able to come out here and compete and then go in the locker room and be best friends.”


The team then went inside the dome for the final 45 minutes of practice for the 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 portions. The reps in the cooler climate environment appeared sharp, and Sims was making all the right plays in the pocket, completing three straight completions to different targets each time and rolling out of the pocket comfortably.


The offensive line opened up some scramble opportunities for Leavitt, as he was effective in picking up yards with his feet during the 7-on-7 segment when plays broke down.


The final portion of practice consisted of 11-on-11 action, which saw some highlight-level plays on both ends. Jordyn Tyson almost corralled a difficult completion before nickel corner Cole Martin broke it up at the last moment.


Yet the play of the day was made by Sims behind center, completing a 50-yard bomb to Eusebio that left the entire dome rocking and making big gains, later finding Jake Smith and others.


After day two of fall camp, the offensive side of the ball took another step in the right direction, displaying noticeable improvement.

I am stoked that football begins in 2 days. According to the reports, all positions will have intense competition. Much much more talent than last season. The LB group specifically should be stacked. I am not sure Romney will get a starting spot. Lets hope the injury bug doesn't destroy the season before it begins.

"We’re a group of misfits and underdogs that nobody thought was good enough at one point. That’s just getting like-minded people going in the right direction.” Kenny Dillingham sees the swift and positive change in players' disposition

Today's practice notebook details a competitive cornerback group, players discussing the benefits of Camp T, and confidence and trust developed off the field is manifesting itself with a high level of play in preseason practices