...we once again ask this question:

New Orleans defensive back Brad Stewart was another visitor who was a man of few words, but here’s the conversation we had following his official visit:

On his impressions of the visit

It was a good experience honestly. A lot of things stood out on the visit, but honestly, the chemistry I had with the players was great. They made me feel like this was a good spot to be. I hung out the most with George Lea. We have a connection being from the same spot (New Orleans). He told me that if I came there they (ASU) would give me all the help I needed with my classes, and he said that they could use my help on defense.

Nothing really surprised me on the visit. It’s still ASU. It’s still the Pac-12. It’s different from where I am from and it’s a great kind of living. I saw things here I didn't think I would see, like the stadium being between two mountains…It’s a great school.

On what do the ASU coaches like about his skill set


They like kids from the south. That’s not a knock on West Coast kids, but they like kids from the south and that’s one thing they discussed. Scheme-wise they said that I can line up anywhere on the field: corner, nickel, safety…they didn't say what (specific) position they see me at and that’s the way I like it.

On where he’s at currently in the recruiting process

One official visit down, four to go. Arizona State was my first one and I had a great time. These other schools better bring it. The three I have set up are Virginia Tech, Arkansas, and Florida will be the last week on the 27th. I’m going to be real busy these two weeks and make my decision after I take all these visits.

I’m looking at the depth chart so I know I’m walking into a situation where I can play right away. I’m looking at the relationship I have with the players, so it will be a good fit for me. My parents liking it are a big thing for me.

Now that NFL early entrants have been determined (2 more days actually but unlikely any more) and prior to any further transfers, injuries or late recruiting adds, I could not wait to make some projections (obviously will need some tweaking after Spring and prior to the Pac 12 media projections in August, but it's a start).

As for early entrants to the draft, the most surprising to return were Lotulelei from Utah, Freeman-Oregon, Falk-Wazzu and Vea-Udub.

Colorado & Utah return the fewest starters(which really helps ASU along with 7 home games) and Cal & Colorado are the only teams that don't return their starting QB

NORTH

Udub-14 starters return (7 on O including QB, 7 on D) plus punter. They lose a lot but have numerous high draft picks left and other top level recruits ready to step up

Wazzu-15 starters return (7 on O including QB, 8 on D) plus punter & kicker

Stanford-14 starters return (7 on O including QB, 7 on D) plus punter

Oregon-18 starters return (9 on O including QB, 9 on pathetic D) plus punter & kicker. They could take a big jump up with far superior coaching in 2017

Oregon State-16 starters return (7 on O including QB, 9 on D) including punter & kicker. Perennial cellar dweller could escape by default

Cal-13 starters return (4 on O...only team in north without returning QB, 9 from pathetic D) plus punter and kicker

SOUTH

USC-13 starters return (6 on O including QB, 7 on D) plus punter & kicker

ASU-16 starters return (8 on O including QB...although he may be replaced, 8 from pathetic D...if you include Sam). ASU is the only team in the Pac to lose both punter & kicker

UCLA-13 starters return (8 on O including QB, 5 on D) plus punter & kicker

Utah-9 starters return (4 on O including QB, 5 on D) plus All-American punter

Colorado-11 starters return (8 on O...only team in south to lose QB, 3 on D) plus punter and kicker

AU-13 starters return (7 on O including QB, 6 on D) plus punter & kicker

Just read on Twitter that Brandon Ruiz has decided to re-open his recruiting process by de-committing from Alabama.

Since Jaylon Johnson wanted to do this interview via text it's brief, but still gives you an idea what stood out on his visit and his timetable for a decision.

On what stood to him on the visit

I really enjoyed the aspects off the field. It's a nice city and the people are friendly. I like that ASU graduates don’t have a hard time getting hired so after football I can get jobs easily through the connections

Chase Lucas hosted me and he explained to me that it’s a tough program that can build you into a better player and a better man


I was mostly impressed by the people involved with ASU and the bond the players have with one another.

On what the ASU coaches liked about his skills

They like my physique and my athleticism. They like how I am aggressive and have good bump and run skills.

On his relationship with ASU commit Alex Perry who was also on the visit

Me and Alex know each other through camps and stuff and are good friends but we weren’t talking a lot about the school and more just enjoying each other’s company.

On his timetable for decision and whether he sees himself still committing to Utah or committing to another school

I won't taking any more visits. I'm going to go wherever my heart and GOD tells me to go. I'm going to make my final decision on signing day.

From the Rivals list we have offered 44 2018s from 12 states.
CA-15
LA-7
TX-5
FL-4
NV-3
UT-2
OK-2
AZ-2
GA/OH/OR/TN-1 each

WR-13
DB-8
QB-7
RB-5
ATH-4
OL-4
LB-2
TE-1

No DL offers

Of the CA offers 7 are to WRs, 4 to QBs, 2 to DBs, 1 to each of OL/ATH/LB. I imagine that Lindsey made the QB offers and will stay involved. Rushing/Graham were probably involved with the DB offers and will stay involved. The 7 WRs were most likely offered by Norvell and Likens will need to get to work. It is also likely that Alexander was involved with a number of these offers.

Oklahoma State offensive analyst Josh Henson has replaced Chris Thomsen.

Been hearing from a couple of sources that Chris Thomsen could very well be leaving for TCU, who lost its co-offensive coordinator. With George Moore visiting as we speak and Austin Jackson still somewhat in play, let alone the need to land an offensive tackle (or two) in this class, the timing isn't a good one.

Mornin Mates...

Today's Topic = Get Your Scorecard Here

They say that the only constant in life is change and, as Sun Devils, we would certainly agree with that assessment as Todd Graham is losing coaches faster than the Cats are losing recruits...

You actually need a scorecard to keep up with what is happening in Sun Devil land these days...I believe that in the past two years, Todd has lost all of his assistant coaches and plenty of complimentary staff as well, that raises these sort of questions...

Does Todd have personal hygiene issues which drive coaches away..??

Or, is Todd just a very tough guy to work for..??

Or, is this a compliment to him since the coaches he hires are wanted by other programs all of the time..??

Or, is it because Todd is now on the proverbial head coaching "hot seat" following two losing seasons..??

Or, is it because the Valley just sucks as a place live..??

In any event, we've sure worn out assistant coaches at ASU over the past two years...

I just hope that Chip Lindsey isn't going anywhere right now as he is a gifted offensive guru who will be a head coach somewhere in the very near future...I think he's better than Mike Norvell, who was making just short of a million dollars a year at ASU before he left, so we need to give Chip whatever he needs in order to stay with us for another year or two...

I like the hiring of Phil Bennett as our new defensive coordinator as he just looks the part...half mad-man, given his obvious intensity and part bulldog, given his determination...now if Todd will just let him coach the defense, we may actually get a lot better on that side of the ball...

I don't know who we will hire as the new DL coach but ex-Sun Devil Vince Amey is the DL coach for the Cats...

Whoever it is, I hope they are a great recruiter the way Jay Norvell obviously was before he took the head coaching gig at Nevada...

On a different note, I was very encouraged by Ralph's recent article about our roster and recruiting picture which may get me drinking the Kool-Aid again pretty soon...

Our returning players and some more quality defensive recruits would certainly have me swooning about the upcoming season...

Does anyone know what Tommy Tubberville will be doing as an offensive analyst for Todd..??

Is he like a code breaker who tries to steal opposing teams sideline signals during games or does he just follow Todd around on the sidelines, with a cup full of soda pop or water, like Nick Saban has during his games at Alabama...

You know that you are coaching royalty when you have your own personal sideline valet...

On a personal note, my diet these days consists of chicken fried steak and eggs in the morning, hot dogs and Cheetos for lunch and pizza with a little salad at night...

My wife's three daughters are not happy with this at all but they live over 30 miles away so I'm safe for now...however, her youngest. which is her only son, fully agrees with my diet and wishes he lived with me out here in Geezerville, instead of eating carrots and celery that his wife serves up regularly for snacks...

It's even money right now whether the Cats will lose more recruits than we lose coaches...

G'day Mates and Go Devils!!!

In case you're interested. It's basically 26 minutes of vapid self obsession, and three minutes of shell-shocked reflection.

Theory: His family blamed his back issues on him playing out of position.

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Article from official website

In Columbus tonight at 7:05 eastern and again on Saturday at 2:05.

Saturday's game will be televised via ESPNU, so a great opportunity to watch ASU Hockey.

tOSU is #10 in the nation, so definitely another tough match-up for a young ASU team.

Concerning the meeting Tuberville had with Ray Andreson and Todd Graham yesterday:

This meeting wasn't a job interview for an assistant coach role, although Tuberville could serve as an advisor. This meeting was also done to have Anderson/Graham bounce ideas off of Tuberville who obviously has a wealth of coaching experience. Phil Bennett was naturally part of that discussion, although it's not like they were looking for Tuberville's blessing.

I know you will be impressed with what this true freshman had to say

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Interesting part of this story is that beginning in 2017-18, Cal will require 80 percent of recruits to have a 3.0 high school GPA or better? Doesn't appear to be the most feasible or easy aspect to deal with...

Fabian's column from Tucson

On the latest Speak of the Devils, Hod gives his expert breakdown on the latest on the recruiting trail, Tyler Johnson discusses his commitment, preferred position, and ASU's image among top local recruits, and we wrap with a great conversation with WR Ryan Newsome about his work to bring other recruits to Tempe, and why ASU fans should be excited about 2017.

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Who knows how this will play out but I would love to see these types of comments about ASU's staff

From the Oregon site....."The recruiting acumen of this staff will be unsurpassed in the modern era of recruiting for Oregon football. Even if we only looked at one or two coaches with recruiting prowess, it would be impressive. Instead, it appears that every coach hired has recruiting as a calling card. From Taggart’s energy, to Jim Leavitt’s dogged determination, to Keith Heyward’s long running West Coast ties,"

It goes on to applaud Salave'a's poly connections as well as others with recruiting strengths.

Taggart has offered over 20 Florida athletes since his arrival and while that does not seem to be a long term solution, it's not a bad place to keep a foot in the door.

As of right now here are the prospects I confirmed will visit this weekend. This list more than likely will change between now and Friday:

RB Trelon Smith - ASU commit

DB Brad Stewart - four-star Spur/Bandit prospect from New Orleans

WR Gavin Holmes - much like Eno Benjamin is a former Iowa commit from Texas, and yes he is close to Benjamin

DB Jaylon Johnson - a Utah commit

QB Commit Ryan Kelley

OL JC prospect Geroge Moore

DB Tareke Lewis - yet another Utah commit

Glad for him, he is off to a great start as a young Freshman starting in the Big East. Saddest part was how he emphasized that his relationship with ex-ASU assistant coach Stan Johnson was a big factor in his picking Marquette. If I remember correctly, ASU tried to hold onto Stan through the coaching change but he left anyway. Too bad.

http://www.bigeast.com/news/2017/1/12/MBB_0112173813.aspx

being frustrated with the slowness of the forum page due to all the pop-up ads? My cursor is in a holding pattern for 5-20 seconds until the pop-ups finish loading before I can start typing again. I know you are thinking it is my ISP or computer but I can tell you it does not happen on other sites I visit and it does the same thing on my computer at work (don't tell anyone about that). This has been happening for many months but I have just got used to it. Just wanted to check with other members to see if they are experiencing the same thing. Or maybe it is just me.

Just wrapped up a great interview with the true freshman running back. Extremely mature for his age (Barrett Honors student too). Expecting to publish this in the afternoon and I thank you are really going to enjoy it.

Arizona is the worst match up for us in the conference. Not only are they way more talented, but they will force us to make tough shots on defense while preferring a 30 second clock violation to a bad shot that might let us get easy transition buckets.

Down 20 at half. How short of losing by 35 plus will depend on how bad they want to make it.