Today was the first media observed practice for Arizona State’s pregame preparations for their home matchup versus UNLV. The No. 23 Sun Devils took to the Kajikawa Practice Fields in shells – helmets and shoulder pads – on a very warm morning in Tempe.
“11 more until we reach our destiny!” Chase Lucas yelled as the entire team huddle broke after the stretch period.
Offensive Personnel:
As expected RB DeaMonte Trayanum didn’t practice, but even though not in uniform was observing running back drills. Didn’t seem to have a noticeable limp, etc. so holding him out as a precaution, as we reported a couple of days ago, seems like the course of action here.
RB’s Daniyel Ngata and Jackson He both wearing green non-contact jerseys. But both practiced in the segments we observed.
OL Armon Bethea has switched sides and was practicing at 3-technique defensive tackle. Little surprising for someone I thought had a chance to be the foundation of the front five’s future. On the same token depth at interior linemen is somewhat of an issue.
OL Roman DeWys was backing with the offensive line, perhaps because of Bethea’s move and he was wearing a white defensive jersey.
WR Elijhah Badger was not spotted at practice, along with OL Ralph Frias, and TE Jake Ray.
First-team offense
QB Jayden Daniels
RB DeMonte Trayanum/Rachaad White
OL left to right Kellen Diesch, LaDarius Henderson, Dohnovan West, Henry Hattis and Ben Scott
WR Johnny Wilson
WR Ricky Pearsall (slot)
WR Andre Johnson
TE Curtis Hodges
Second-team offense
QB Trenton Bourguet
RB Daniyel Ngata
OL left to right Isaia Glass, Ben Bray, Jarrett Bell, Spencer Lovell, and Austin Barry
WR Bryan Thompson
WR LV Bunkley-Shelton (slot)
WR Chad Johnson Jr.
TE Case Hatch
Following team stretch, individual work began with a split up offensive line, where the guards and centers came together to work on interior blocking schemes and techniques, while the tackles and tight ends worked on double teams with each other. The guards and centers practice various counter and power schemes during this time. Interim tight ends coach Juston Wood took the tackles and tight ends group, while offensive line coach Mike Cavanaugh worked with the interior players.
We also observed the wide receivers and tight ends doing basically the same drill in their respective groups, evading tacking dummies after they catch a pass with emphasis not only on their vision down the field but also proper footwork. Another drill had them securing the catch through contact.
The running backs were working with the quarterbacks in wheel routes to the backs in a small routes on air session. All backs but Trayanum participated.
Defense
Here are notes and observations of the Arizona State defense for Tuesday’s media viewing window.
Based on what we saw during the Sun Devils’ first game against Southern Utah on Thursday and the four preceding weeks of fall camp, here is the tentative two-deep:
First team defense
DE Tyler Johnson
Nose D.J. Davidson
3-technique Shannon Forman
DE Michael Matus
SAM Merlin Robertson
MIKE Kyle Soelle
WILL Darien Butler
S DeAndre Pierce
S Evan Fields
CB Jack Jones
CB Chase Lucas
Second team defense
DE Travez Moore
Nose T.J. Pesefea
3-technique Corey Stephens
DE Anthonie Cooper
SAM Eric Gentry
MIKE Conner Soelle
WILL Will Shaffer
S Kejuan Markham
S Cam Phillips
CB Tommi Hill
CB Macen Williams
On the first rep of the 11-on-11 team period, the Sun Devils assembled in 4-3 base alignment. Tyler Johnson, D.J. Davidson, Shannon Forman, and Michael Matus made up the defensive line from left to right. The linebackers consisted of Darien Butler at the weak-side (WILL) position, Kyle Soelle at the middle (MIKE) spot, and Merlin Robertson played up near the line as the team’s strong-side (SAM) disruptor. Cornerbacks Jack Jones and Chase Lucas took their position covering the boundary receivers, while safety DeAndre Pierce shadowed the slot receiver. Evan Fields oversaw the action from his single-high position at the top of the secondary.
As the media viewing window ended, cornerback Macen Williams and nose tackle T.J. Pesefea were observed rotating into the lineup as the defense made personnel adjustments. With Timarcus Davis and Isaiah Johnson still dealing with injuries, Williams got the nod as the team’s starting cornerback in ASU’s home opener against Southern Utah. When Williams came in, he typically replaced Robertson and covered the outside receiver, kicking Chase Lucas inside for slot duties.
Attendance
Cornerback Timarcus Davis (leg) took part in team warmups but headed to the bubble for an individual workout during the positional drill period.
Cornerback Isaiah Johnson, who did not suit up Thursday against Southern Utah, was not seen on Tuesday.
3-technique Omarr Norman-Lott (foot) was not spotted throughout the duration of the viewing window.
Defensive end Amiri Johnson (leg) did not practice following his absence versus SUU.
Defensive end Stanley Lambert did not partake in any on-field workout activities.
Offensive lineman Armon Bethea practiced with the defensive line today and wore an unmarked white practice jersey.
Positional Drills
As the warmup period gradually came to a close, head coach Herm Edwards encouraged his players to stay loose ahead of another blistering practice under the unforgiving Tempe sun. “Get up to speed, c’mon,” Edwards said as he patrolled the lines of stretching players. After seeing a number of players get banged up and deal with cramps in the team’s first game action a few days ago, the concern from Edwards over his players’ health and readiness was well warranted.
The defensive line split into two groups to start practice, with the defensive ends forming one bunch and the rest of the line assuming the other. The defensive ends worked with defensive coordinator Antonio Pierce on pass-catching drills to start. Each player backpedaled from their edge spot from the snap and shuffled to the area of the zone Pierce directed them to. Pierce then threw the ball and each defensive end adjusted to the trajectory of the football. Travez Moore proved to be the nimblest of the group, twisting for Pierce’s spirals then high-stepping it in the opposite direction upon making the catch.
Meanwhile, defensive line coach Robert Rodriguez brought passion and extreme detail to Tuesday’s session. Rodriguez worked to clean up technique within the first second of the snap, adjusting stances and hand placement to maximize leverage and speed. “That’s how fast it happens,” Rodriguez said after an explosive rep that persisted for less than two seconds. “Get your eyes right.” Rodriguez also had the group work on polishing up proper form during run support. “Get your chest on him so we don’t have any missed tackles,” Rodriguez stressed.
Rodriguez was especially critical of walk-on freshman B.J. Green, who saw his efforts during an eye-opening fall camp pay off in the form of his first collegiate sack versus SUU. Rodriguez spent most of the session refining Green’s technique, with an emphasis on teaching better methods to obtain leverage out of the gate. “Don’t get flat in front of him, stay on the track,” Rodriguez boomed. Rodriguez had Green repeat the drill multiple times until he saw progress and was certain his instructions were solidified.
Linebackers coach Chris Claiborne began the positional drills working with the sled. Each linebacker engaged the sled before flying to intercept the ballcarrier. “Get downhill,” Claiborne said to freshman Will Shaffer after a handoff to one of his assistants. “Be aggressive.”
Next, the linebackers moved to a short wrap-up exercise before transitioning to rerouting receivers that broke inside in front of the formation. Claiborne also ran through a play-action exercise where the linebackers ultimately had to pay attention to the handoff and react accordingly. Once Claiborne pulled the ball away, the linebackers would disengage from their pursuit of the running back, sprint upfield, and cover the seam.
The defensive backs worked on their fluidity during in-breaking routes to start practice. Later, they practiced as a complete unit in various coverages as other players simulated route concepts the team might see against UNLV on Saturday.
Kicker Cristian Zendejas was spotted taking kicks in practice for the first time that the media has observed. He was wearing No. 8 and taking placekicks by himself against the south wall of the Verde Dickey Dome.
As always, we will answer any questions you may have.
“11 more until we reach our destiny!” Chase Lucas yelled as the entire team huddle broke after the stretch period.
Offensive Personnel:
As expected RB DeaMonte Trayanum didn’t practice, but even though not in uniform was observing running back drills. Didn’t seem to have a noticeable limp, etc. so holding him out as a precaution, as we reported a couple of days ago, seems like the course of action here.
RB’s Daniyel Ngata and Jackson He both wearing green non-contact jerseys. But both practiced in the segments we observed.
OL Armon Bethea has switched sides and was practicing at 3-technique defensive tackle. Little surprising for someone I thought had a chance to be the foundation of the front five’s future. On the same token depth at interior linemen is somewhat of an issue.
OL Roman DeWys was backing with the offensive line, perhaps because of Bethea’s move and he was wearing a white defensive jersey.
WR Elijhah Badger was not spotted at practice, along with OL Ralph Frias, and TE Jake Ray.
First-team offense
QB Jayden Daniels
RB DeMonte Trayanum/Rachaad White
OL left to right Kellen Diesch, LaDarius Henderson, Dohnovan West, Henry Hattis and Ben Scott
WR Johnny Wilson
WR Ricky Pearsall (slot)
WR Andre Johnson
TE Curtis Hodges
Second-team offense
QB Trenton Bourguet
RB Daniyel Ngata
OL left to right Isaia Glass, Ben Bray, Jarrett Bell, Spencer Lovell, and Austin Barry
WR Bryan Thompson
WR LV Bunkley-Shelton (slot)
WR Chad Johnson Jr.
TE Case Hatch
Following team stretch, individual work began with a split up offensive line, where the guards and centers came together to work on interior blocking schemes and techniques, while the tackles and tight ends worked on double teams with each other. The guards and centers practice various counter and power schemes during this time. Interim tight ends coach Juston Wood took the tackles and tight ends group, while offensive line coach Mike Cavanaugh worked with the interior players.
We also observed the wide receivers and tight ends doing basically the same drill in their respective groups, evading tacking dummies after they catch a pass with emphasis not only on their vision down the field but also proper footwork. Another drill had them securing the catch through contact.
The running backs were working with the quarterbacks in wheel routes to the backs in a small routes on air session. All backs but Trayanum participated.
Defense
Here are notes and observations of the Arizona State defense for Tuesday’s media viewing window.
Based on what we saw during the Sun Devils’ first game against Southern Utah on Thursday and the four preceding weeks of fall camp, here is the tentative two-deep:
First team defense
DE Tyler Johnson
Nose D.J. Davidson
3-technique Shannon Forman
DE Michael Matus
SAM Merlin Robertson
MIKE Kyle Soelle
WILL Darien Butler
S DeAndre Pierce
S Evan Fields
CB Jack Jones
CB Chase Lucas
Second team defense
DE Travez Moore
Nose T.J. Pesefea
3-technique Corey Stephens
DE Anthonie Cooper
SAM Eric Gentry
MIKE Conner Soelle
WILL Will Shaffer
S Kejuan Markham
S Cam Phillips
CB Tommi Hill
CB Macen Williams
On the first rep of the 11-on-11 team period, the Sun Devils assembled in 4-3 base alignment. Tyler Johnson, D.J. Davidson, Shannon Forman, and Michael Matus made up the defensive line from left to right. The linebackers consisted of Darien Butler at the weak-side (WILL) position, Kyle Soelle at the middle (MIKE) spot, and Merlin Robertson played up near the line as the team’s strong-side (SAM) disruptor. Cornerbacks Jack Jones and Chase Lucas took their position covering the boundary receivers, while safety DeAndre Pierce shadowed the slot receiver. Evan Fields oversaw the action from his single-high position at the top of the secondary.
As the media viewing window ended, cornerback Macen Williams and nose tackle T.J. Pesefea were observed rotating into the lineup as the defense made personnel adjustments. With Timarcus Davis and Isaiah Johnson still dealing with injuries, Williams got the nod as the team’s starting cornerback in ASU’s home opener against Southern Utah. When Williams came in, he typically replaced Robertson and covered the outside receiver, kicking Chase Lucas inside for slot duties.
Attendance
Cornerback Timarcus Davis (leg) took part in team warmups but headed to the bubble for an individual workout during the positional drill period.
Cornerback Isaiah Johnson, who did not suit up Thursday against Southern Utah, was not seen on Tuesday.
3-technique Omarr Norman-Lott (foot) was not spotted throughout the duration of the viewing window.
Defensive end Amiri Johnson (leg) did not practice following his absence versus SUU.
Defensive end Stanley Lambert did not partake in any on-field workout activities.
Offensive lineman Armon Bethea practiced with the defensive line today and wore an unmarked white practice jersey.
Positional Drills
As the warmup period gradually came to a close, head coach Herm Edwards encouraged his players to stay loose ahead of another blistering practice under the unforgiving Tempe sun. “Get up to speed, c’mon,” Edwards said as he patrolled the lines of stretching players. After seeing a number of players get banged up and deal with cramps in the team’s first game action a few days ago, the concern from Edwards over his players’ health and readiness was well warranted.
The defensive line split into two groups to start practice, with the defensive ends forming one bunch and the rest of the line assuming the other. The defensive ends worked with defensive coordinator Antonio Pierce on pass-catching drills to start. Each player backpedaled from their edge spot from the snap and shuffled to the area of the zone Pierce directed them to. Pierce then threw the ball and each defensive end adjusted to the trajectory of the football. Travez Moore proved to be the nimblest of the group, twisting for Pierce’s spirals then high-stepping it in the opposite direction upon making the catch.
Meanwhile, defensive line coach Robert Rodriguez brought passion and extreme detail to Tuesday’s session. Rodriguez worked to clean up technique within the first second of the snap, adjusting stances and hand placement to maximize leverage and speed. “That’s how fast it happens,” Rodriguez said after an explosive rep that persisted for less than two seconds. “Get your eyes right.” Rodriguez also had the group work on polishing up proper form during run support. “Get your chest on him so we don’t have any missed tackles,” Rodriguez stressed.
Rodriguez was especially critical of walk-on freshman B.J. Green, who saw his efforts during an eye-opening fall camp pay off in the form of his first collegiate sack versus SUU. Rodriguez spent most of the session refining Green’s technique, with an emphasis on teaching better methods to obtain leverage out of the gate. “Don’t get flat in front of him, stay on the track,” Rodriguez boomed. Rodriguez had Green repeat the drill multiple times until he saw progress and was certain his instructions were solidified.
Linebackers coach Chris Claiborne began the positional drills working with the sled. Each linebacker engaged the sled before flying to intercept the ballcarrier. “Get downhill,” Claiborne said to freshman Will Shaffer after a handoff to one of his assistants. “Be aggressive.”
Next, the linebackers moved to a short wrap-up exercise before transitioning to rerouting receivers that broke inside in front of the formation. Claiborne also ran through a play-action exercise where the linebackers ultimately had to pay attention to the handoff and react accordingly. Once Claiborne pulled the ball away, the linebackers would disengage from their pursuit of the running back, sprint upfield, and cover the seam.
The defensive backs worked on their fluidity during in-breaking routes to start practice. Later, they practiced as a complete unit in various coverages as other players simulated route concepts the team might see against UNLV on Saturday.
Kicker Cristian Zendejas was spotted taking kicks in practice for the first time that the media has observed. He was wearing No. 8 and taking placekicks by himself against the south wall of the Verde Dickey Dome.
As always, we will answer any questions you may have.
