Here's my latest piece for SI's Campus Rush.

Arizona State basketball is looking to make some moves and if the list of guys that they had at their elite camp over the weekend is any indication, their reach is growing.

From 2017-

Rivals150 PG Remy Martin (committed)
No. 46 overall wing Kimani Lawrence https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/5276
Current three-star but soon to be ranked in Rivals150 wing Jordan Usher (who returns for an official in September) https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/26306
Four-star PF Alex Reese https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/2928
Rivals150 big man Garrison Brooks https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/710
Three-star PG Jordan Goldwire https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/45413

From 2018

Four-star guard David Singleton https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/11108
Four-star wing Jules Bernard https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/4366
3-star wing Bakari Simmons https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/182204
3-star forward Timmy Allen https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/4983

From 2019

Isaiah Mobley (likely four-star when we rank the class) https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/3538 (his little brother Evan a 2020 as well)
Jaelen House (son of Eddie) https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/48019
wing Majok Deng https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/73610

My first post on the site and go figure it's not about ASU! Lol. But if any of you have a free time check out this documentary series on Netflix about East Mississippi Community College. Puts a pretty cool light on what some kids have to do to get to play Division 1. Plus it's tiding over my football addiction until fall camp starts!

Eric's interview with the very confident ASU running back

Sande's interview with ASU's defensive back

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Mornin Mates...

Today's Topic = To Gamble or Not..??

Both the offensive and defensive coordinators have talked about the use of simplicity when it comes to employing schemes for each of their units because, if you are thinking too much as a player, then you aren't playing as fast as you need to be doing...

So, was our pass defense just too complex last season, which led to all those big plays and scores against us or was it that the talent just wasn't there, especially in the secondary to do the job..??

I also wonder a little bit about the overall defensive philosophy promoted by Todd Graham, that uses a lot of blitzing, which seems to make for a high risk, high reward sort of deal in my mind and, since I'm an old fuddy duddy, who doesn't like to take a lot of chances, I'm not totally sold on that concept...

Last season reminded me of a contractor friend I had over 25 years ago, who I sometimes worked closely with, on projects in Bullhead City for Don Laughlin, since Don owned a good portion of the land that was BHC...

The contractor liked to gamble and did so at the casinos in Laughlin sometimes when we got together after work and his strategy was to double-down after each Blackjack hand, no matter what, which led to huge losses, most of the time, and it kind of reminded me of what Todd Graham was doing on defense last season when we were pathetic with our pass defense...

Todd just seemed to be doubling down with his blitzing packages, no matter what, where we seemed to be losing far more often than we were winning with them...

So, my first question for this day is whether that blitzing formula should be adjusted to one degree or another, especially since it was awful last season, keeping in mind that when we had some of Erickson's guys playing key roles, after Todd took over, his formula worked pretty well...

Should it be adjusted or not and why..??

The next question concerns where we stand with M Wilkins and B White compared to Taylor Kelly back in 2012, when he won the job because he was a very good decision maker and leader...my impression of both Wilkins and White is that they have better skill sets from a physical standpoint than TK but it's anybody's guess as to whether they will have as good a decision making and leadership ability as T Kelly did...

What do you think and why or am I off base with this matter and, if so, how..??

This brings up the difference in coordinators between Mike Norvell and Chip Lindsey...

Were things too complex under Norvell even though his offenses were very productive..??

And, will Lindsey's approach work better, especially if things are simplified for our QB and receivers..??

Finally, I see where the LA Rams beat the Cowboys in LA and they had 90K in attendance, that is pretty impressive for a preseason game, which makes me wonder if that following will continue for the Rams with so much else to do over there around LA...??

What do you think and do you think having a pro franchise or two back in LA will effect the LA schools to any degree..??

G'day Mates and Go Devils!!!

Now that Sam is starting at Spur ASU can have its best three linebackers on the field at the same time.

Story by Eric

Does he have a legitimate shot this year at starting? Or is Graham's comment about being impressed with him merely just a comment?

Counting down the days until NAU....

Sande and I discuss the various developments that took place in the Sun Devils' second week of fall practice

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Story by Fabian from Media Day

Hey you guys. ASU's practice was moved from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. today. Here's the report:

ATTIRE: Shorts
LOCATION: Verde Dickey Dome
GUESTS: The San Francisco 49ers had a scout in attendance.

TILLMAN JERSEY: WR Tim White

EN VERDE (No contact): OL Marshal Nathe, OL Tyson Rising, OL AJ McCollum, LB Khaylan Thomas, CB Maurice Chandler, WR N'Keal Harry, WR Cam Smith, DB Laiu Moeakiola, DB Dasmond Tautalatasi, DB James Johnson, LS Mitchell Fraboni, TE Grant Martinez (new addition, left foot in a boot), WR Jalen Harvey

EN VERDE, PARTICIPANDO (No contact, but still taking part in drills): OL AJ McCollum, LB Khaylan Thomas, CB Maurice Chandler

OTHER INJURY NOTES: WR Jalen Harvey was out of his boot and moving relatively well. RB Demario Richard appeared to be a full participant.

ABSENT: LB Salamo Fiso, QB Bryce Perkins

PRE-TEAM SESSION NOTES:

ASU worked a lot on scoop-and-score and loose ball situations, something that has become a growing trend and point of emphasis during fall camp. The defensive line also worked on catching drills, something that actually came in handy moments later.

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TEAM SESSION (strictly Nickel defensive sets, so no SAM linebacker):

FIRST-TEAM OFFENSE - Brady White (QB), Gump Hayes/Nick Ralston (RB), Tim White (WR - outside), Ellis Jefferson/Fred Gammage (WR - slot), Kody Kohl/Raymond Epps (TE), Evan Goodman (LT), Sam Jones (LG), Stephon McCray (C), Quinn Bailey (RG), Zach Robertson (RT)

FIRST-TEAM DEFENSE - Tashon Smallwood (TIGER), Ami Latu (NOSE), Renell Wren/Edmond Boateng (END), JoJo Wicker (DEVIL), DJ Calhoun (WILL), Christian Sam (SPUR), Tyler Whiley (NC), Kareem Orr (BC), Bryson Echols (FC), Armand Perry (BS), J'Marcus Rhodes (FS)

SECOND-TEAM OFFENSE - Manny Wilkins (QB), Jason Lewis (RB), Kyle Williams (WR), ML Harris (WR), Tommy Hudson (TE), Steven Miller (LT), Connor Humphreys (LG), Cohl Cabral (C), Alex Losoya (RG), Mason Walter (RT)

SECOND-TEAM DEFENSE - Jalen Bates (TIGER), George Lea (NOSE), Corey Smith/Edmond Boateng (END), A.J. Latu (DEVIL), Brandon Matthews (WILL), Parker Higgins (SPUR), Tyler Whiley (NC), Maurice Chandler (BC), Marcus Ball (BS), Chad Adams (FS) *Couldn't pick up FC

Notes:
- Brady White notably struggled, only completing one pass in two series (a wild, high throw to Tim White near the sidelines) and throwing two INTs. On the first, it was an incredibly poor read and throw that DL Ami Latu easily picked off and returned for a touchdown (it was the team's second play from scrimmage). The second, which came on third and long, was a deep post that was tipped on an athletic play from J'Marcus Rhodes and picked off by Bryson Echols.

- Manny Wilkins wasn't much better, as the second-team offense went three-and-out on their lone possession.

SPECIAL TEAMS NOTES:

- Of the kick returners, the one who appeared to have the most burst in walkthroughs was freshman WR Kyle Williams.

As always, let me know if there are any questions.

Thanks to Paul Yee

Gallery

Long interview by Justin with ASU's defensive coordinator Keith Patterson

The team will have a scrimmage tomorrow and thus the entire practice session will be closed to the media, so we won't have a practice report on Saturday.

Tomorrow, however is media day and several of our staff members including myself will be there, so stay tuned for a bunch of content from that event to be posted over the weekend.

The team doesn't practice Sunday so we will resume our practice reports on Monday.

Brady White


On Chip’s system: “I think he’s made it pretty simple for us quarterbacks. I feel we’re all very comfortable with the system, very comfortable with the offense. Especially for us older guys. I know Dillon [Sterling-Cole] is still learning, but he’s shown a good grasp on the offense from a young age.”


Whether or not they will ease in with a young offense: “I don’t think he’s taking it back a notch. I think we have everything in, so it’s just a matter of how he’s calling things in certain situations and how he feels… We’re going to get it.”


Chip’s aggressiveness: “That just shows the he’s confident in the guys behind the center. Being the quarterback and knowing that your [offensive coordinator] and your quarterback coach has a lot of trust in you is a great feeling. You’ve got to have that great connection with that guy who’s putting you on the field, or you’re second-guess yourself and he can’t trust you.”


Difference between film and live reps: “There’s a lot of bodies out in front of you, big bodies too. You’ve got to see different things, know where to put the ball in different situations and I think that was just the biggest focus for myself coming out of spring. It’s situational football – knowing when it’s this situation or they’re bringing this type of pressure, where to spin it or where to deal it.”


On Taylor Kelly:


“Taylor was one of those guys that, the media kind of counted him out and I think coach Graham will even tell you that he told him he was going to be the third guy. He’s just all about work. He’s not going to talk a lot, but he’s going to go work on himself, go work with his teammates. Having him as a mentor and having him around just to pick his brain, he’s preaching all that… I know he’s very highly spoken of about this program, especially among the coaching staff, so having him come back and being able to talk with him is awesome. He’s one of the great quarterbacks that, I wish he had been able to do something at the next level.”


On the QB battle: “I think that’s a question for the team. I think I’m comfortable with what I’m doing, but I think Manny’s doing a great job as well. I think both of us playing well is raising our level of play out on the field. I don’t know what’s going to happen, I just know that I got to keep getting better.”


More on QB battle: “I want to be that guy, don’t get me wrong.”


Potential two-QB system: “I’ve never participated in one…Competition is not new to me. Obviously, a lot of different things are running through your head. ‘Am I going to start? Is he going to start? Are we both going to play?’ All that is out of your control… We don’t know what’s going to happen. That’s up to the coaches to decide.”


Manny Wilkins


Growing up: “I think I’ve just matured, not just as a football player but as a person. I think I’ve really stepped up to that role of being a leader on this team and taking it day by day.”


More growing up: “I just had big eyes. My focus just really wasn’t where it needed to be. Now that’s changed, and my mindset is in the right place.”


QB battle: “Even though it’s a quarterback battle or whatever, it’s not a battle in our minds or in that film room. We’re not bickering or any of that. We’re just working together to work hard.”


QB battle: “That’s on coach Graham.”


What he’s worked on: “I’m getting that pocket presence and getting a real feeling of becoming a real, true quarterback and just dealing. I think that something I’ve grown at as a quarterback is just doing that. My biggest thing every year, whether I’m a starter or not, is being a true leader.”


Offense’s potential: “Electrifying. We’ve got a lot of tools. That’s something I’ve grown to learn is if I put the ball in Kalen Ballage or Demario Richard’s hands, it’s better than me running the ball or something like that. That’s one of our greatest aspects, we have a lot of guys who can go out there and make plays.”


Chip’s system: “We’re just spreading the ball out and getting the ball in everybody’s hands. It’s not just focused on one position.”


Offensive line: “Those guys were all playing like basketball and stuff in high school. They’ve got hips, and they can move when they need to move. They’re super long on the outside, and they’re looking really good.”


Working with Chip: “We have fun in that film room. We’re a really live group. [Chip] is really encouraging, and he’s not a negative person. One of the biggest things with him is he’s a teacher. He coached high school and understands high school guys. He’s coached in college, so he understands college guys. He’s been a quarterback guru and mentored seven and eight year olds. I think it’s one of those things where he’s been in those shoes for a while and gets people.”

Austin Jackson said that over the last 9 months teams have been coming to him and saying that they want him at defensive end- he said he wants to play left tackle, so he's crossed all those schools off his list. He also said his main focus is exploring pre-law programs.

Austin Jackson said that his official visits will be USC and Michigan

He said he's very interested in seeing Arizona's campus

He said the other officials are between Cal, Michigan State and Texas A&M.

He said Corey Stephens and Ryan Kelley stay on him about ASU and he's definitely still considering staying home.

He says he'll probably play safety in college, but if someone offers him at WR and tells him he'll be on the field as a freshman- that's priority number one. Wants to contribute early.

Fabian's interview with the wide receiver who has bene turning some heads in camp

Which QB will be more successful behind an inexperienced line..??

"Tuck and run" Manny or "stay in the pocket" White..??

Is our receiving corps more like what we had in 2012 or what we had last season and why..??

Since we do not have a similar talent to J Strong (IMO), will the back shoulder fade not be part of our offense this year..??

Will the RBs catch more or less passes this season than in the past..??

Same for the TEs...more or less and why..??

Will both QBs see action against NAU..??

Are there any schematic differences to be used by Lindsey to enhance chances of success of either QB and, if there are, what are they..??

Go Devils!!!

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Sorry the first question got cut off, it was about the (closed) scrimmage tomorrow

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Joe Healey examines the standout players of that period

Sun Devil Science: All-Decade Team – 2000-09

ATTIRE: Shells

LOCATION: Verde Dickey Dome

MEDIA AVAILABILITY: About 20-25 minutes

EN VERDE (No contact): RB Demario Richard, OL Marshal Nathe, OL AJ McCollum, OL Tyson Rising, WR N'Keal Harry, LB Christian Sam

(Notes: Richard's right ankle was heavily taped, but he had a cleat on it. Bryce Perkins was at practice, but had a huge neck brace on and obviously wasn't dressed. t did not see Jalen Harvey or Laui Moeakiola at practice today, I believe Christian Sam was wearing green, but another player was wearing #2 on defense — was too tall to be Sam, but I believe it was Jalen Bates...Also, I believe Maurice Chandler was still in green but walking through drills with the DBs, but I can't confirm that. He had been doing that the past few days)

TILLMAN JERSEY: Tim White

Practice started with the takeaway drills, but then transitioned to the 11-on-0 period for the offense, which ran three series on Thursday. There were three teams. I charted the first two, but the third was led by Dillon Sterling-Cole and mixed in newcomers with second-teamers.

OFFENSE: After a few days of Manny Wilkins running with the first team during the 11-on-0 period during media availability, Brady White received first-team reps on Thursday. Here is how the depth chart shaped up:

First team: QB Brady White, RB Kalen Ballage, WRs Tim White/Fred Gammage/Ellis Jefferson, TE Kody Kohl, LT Evan Goodman, LG Sam Jones, C Stephon McCray, RG Quinn Bailey, RT Zach Robertson

Notes: The staff has seemed to keep the reps consistent — Manny for a couple days, Brady for a couple. It seems Manny has received more first-team reps, but I wouldn't be surprised if Brady ran with the first team for the next day of two. We are also starting to see the first team offensive line shaping up, or so it seems.

Second team: QB Manny Wilkins, RB Nick Ralston, WRs Ryan Newsome, Chaz Collins (third receiver was mixed in), TE Tommy Hudson, LT Steve Miller, LG Connor Humphreys, C Cohl Cabral, RG Cade Cote, RT Mason Walter

Note: Saw #87 Tommy Hudson in today, but don't forget about Raymond Epps, who will regularly mix into the first team and will most likely be right beneath Kohl in the depth chart. Was tough for me to see the third receiver on the far side as well, but I believe a couple different guys mixed in.

Aside from the 11-on-0, the media was able to see the takeaway drills, tackle circuit and special teams.
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Therefore we will have our coverage take place later in the afternoon