Instead of doing a poll, I wanted to create some discussion on this topic and have everyone here give their opinions as to what they view as the team's biggest strengths and concerns. I would try and list no more than three in each category, and it can be a team aspect as well as perhaps a player.
Strengths
1. Mike Bercovici and the passing game. As potent as the ASU offense has been in recent years it truly thrives when it is balanced. ASU's formidable ground attack will open up matters for the passing game, and at the helm the Sun Devils have a skillful signal caller who will add layers to the passing game we haven't seen before and more importantly involve more receivers in the offense.
2. On the same token, an improved passing attack should really create an opportunity for the running game to thrive and if the spring performance of both Demario Richard and especially Kalen Ballage is any indication this offensive aspect could be even more effective than last year.
3. Secondary play. As we have shown in recent articles here, the "No Fly Zone" isn't just a catchy moniker but a testament to the strength of this ASU defense and its back four play. Returning three starters here, with a several other players stepping up in the spring, should maintain the high level this group has played at.
Concerns
1. While the passing game should improve just by the sheer play at quarterback, question marks still linger at wide receiver. D.J. Foster and Ellis Jefferson seem poised for a big 2015, and Chambers is probably a better blocker than receiver. But beyond that it remains to be seen if newcomers Devin Lucien, Tim White and Terrell Chatman can hit the ground running, can Fred Gammage build on his experience and elevate his play and whether redshirt freshmen Jalen Harvey and Tyler Whiley can shake off their spring struggles and turn the page come August.
2. Devil backer/pass rush. The struggles at this position and at this defensive facet last year have been well documented. Granted, a move to a heavier 4-3 front and outgoing senior Marcus Hardison's emergence certainly corrected the situation there, but this season ASU is seemingly once again searching for answers. Davon Durant's suspension is a significant reason for the cloudy picture here and we still don't know if redshirt freshman Ismael Murphy-Richardson can truly stabilize the Devil backer role that doesn't have much experience at all on the roster. At defensive end Edmond Boateng turned in a solid spring, but can he fill in Hardison's shoes? The aggression of the ASU defense has been a staple of its success under Todd Graham and the last thing the coaching staff would want to do is force to scale back that competent because of the uncertainty at Devil backer/pass rush.
3. Most up tempo and explosive offenses virtually ignore the tight end role, but it is a position that is more vital than many think in ASU's scheme. Injuries to Grant Martinez and Raymond Epps left ASU with one healthy scholarship tight end in the spring in Kody Kohl. Needless to say that the prospects of this position are somewhat vague as Martinez, Epps and newcomers JayJay Wilson and Tommy Hudson will all have a huge audition stage come fall camp. This position could certainly stabilize quite a bit in time for the season opener, but for now it is one that has quite a bit of work to accomplish getting to a formidable level.
What are your thoughts?
Strengths
1. Mike Bercovici and the passing game. As potent as the ASU offense has been in recent years it truly thrives when it is balanced. ASU's formidable ground attack will open up matters for the passing game, and at the helm the Sun Devils have a skillful signal caller who will add layers to the passing game we haven't seen before and more importantly involve more receivers in the offense.
2. On the same token, an improved passing attack should really create an opportunity for the running game to thrive and if the spring performance of both Demario Richard and especially Kalen Ballage is any indication this offensive aspect could be even more effective than last year.
3. Secondary play. As we have shown in recent articles here, the "No Fly Zone" isn't just a catchy moniker but a testament to the strength of this ASU defense and its back four play. Returning three starters here, with a several other players stepping up in the spring, should maintain the high level this group has played at.
Concerns
1. While the passing game should improve just by the sheer play at quarterback, question marks still linger at wide receiver. D.J. Foster and Ellis Jefferson seem poised for a big 2015, and Chambers is probably a better blocker than receiver. But beyond that it remains to be seen if newcomers Devin Lucien, Tim White and Terrell Chatman can hit the ground running, can Fred Gammage build on his experience and elevate his play and whether redshirt freshmen Jalen Harvey and Tyler Whiley can shake off their spring struggles and turn the page come August.
2. Devil backer/pass rush. The struggles at this position and at this defensive facet last year have been well documented. Granted, a move to a heavier 4-3 front and outgoing senior Marcus Hardison's emergence certainly corrected the situation there, but this season ASU is seemingly once again searching for answers. Davon Durant's suspension is a significant reason for the cloudy picture here and we still don't know if redshirt freshman Ismael Murphy-Richardson can truly stabilize the Devil backer role that doesn't have much experience at all on the roster. At defensive end Edmond Boateng turned in a solid spring, but can he fill in Hardison's shoes? The aggression of the ASU defense has been a staple of its success under Todd Graham and the last thing the coaching staff would want to do is force to scale back that competent because of the uncertainty at Devil backer/pass rush.
3. Most up tempo and explosive offenses virtually ignore the tight end role, but it is a position that is more vital than many think in ASU's scheme. Injuries to Grant Martinez and Raymond Epps left ASU with one healthy scholarship tight end in the spring in Kody Kohl. Needless to say that the prospects of this position are somewhat vague as Martinez, Epps and newcomers JayJay Wilson and Tommy Hudson will all have a huge audition stage come fall camp. This position could certainly stabilize quite a bit in time for the season opener, but for now it is one that has quite a bit of work to accomplish getting to a formidable level.
What are your thoughts?
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