Offense
First Team
LT Bram Walden
LG Sione Finau
C Leif Fautanu
RG Aaron Frost
RT Joey Ramos
QB Drew Pyne
RB Cam Skattebo/Kyson Brown
Slot Gio Sanders
WR Elijhah Badger
WR Xavier Guillory
TE Jalin Conyers
RG Cade Briggs rotated in with the first team with Aaron Frost.
Second Team
LT Sean Na’a
LG Kyle Scott
C Ben Bray
RG Cade Briggs
RT Joey Ramos
QB Jacob Conover
RB Javen Jacobs/Tevin White
Slot Melquan Stovall
WR Shawn Charles
WR Andre Johnson
TE Bryce Pierre/Messiah Swinson
TE Ryan Morgan also rotated in with the second team.
Defense
First Team
EDGE: Prince Dorbah
DT: Dashaun Mallory
DT: Anthonie Cooper/CJ Fite
EDGE: BJ Green
LB: Travion Brown
LB: Tate Romney/Will Shaffer
CB: Demetries Ford
CB: Ro Torrence
Nickel: Jordan Clark
S: Shamari Simmons
S: Chris Edmonds
Second Team
EDGE: Michael Matus
DT: Sam Benjamin
DT: Tristan Monday
EDGE: Ashley Williams
LB: Will Shaffer/James Djonkam
LB: Caleb McCullough/K’Vion Thunderbird
CB: Ed Woods
CB: Keith Abney II
Nickel: Macen Williams
S: Damon Williamson/Alphonso Taylor
S: Josiah Cox
Wednesday's practice saw a lot more energy out of the gate as during warm-ups were seen dancing and laughing. One particular song had Kyson Brown and Tevin White dancing in combination as if it was choreographed. Players were only in shoulder pads and helmets this overcast Wednesday morning, the last open practice before the Sun Devils take on USC at home on Saturday.
After the stretch portion, special teams took place with an emphasis on the pressure provided by the field goal block rush. Kicker Dario Longhetto set up from about 45 yards out with half a line blocking based on the hash where the ball was placed. For example, if the ball is on the left hash, there is an overload on the right blocking. Nonetheless, Longhetto was 2-4 from about 45 (left hash) and was 3-4 with a blocked kick from about 50 (right hash).
As special teams were going on, one of the main focal points of interest being the offensive line was getting their day started. As the depth has been tested, assistant coach Saga Tuitele was very vocal today. He asked groups to repeat movements while echoing “Sink!” and “Strike!”. Now second group guard Kyle Scott received plenty of coaching, which went on throughout practice.
In the team tempo period, the offense ran against the scout with Drew Pyne taking control of the offense today. Today saw a more balanced amount of play calls in terms of running and passing. This may be a sign of Kenny Dillingham taking over the play calling from offensive coordinator Beau Baldwin. There was a tempo as balanced as it was with Dillingham yelling, “How fast can we go!”. Dillingham was very animated and active today.
Taking a turn to look at the defense during individual drills, it was very clear how ASU is preparing for USC…or Caleb Williams. The edges were getting after it as Prince Dorbah and BJ Green led the charge in a drill that was focused on containing an allusive quarterback. Wide receiver Jake Smith acting as Williams on the scout teamand trying to evade rushes. Directly beside the edges, the interior line was focused on hitting gaps to ensure USC’s quarterback is contained.
This theme was carried over into the team period for the defense. Although only against scout, the defense looked sharp as the defensive line continued to be the main attraction. Defensively, the defense was set up in a lot of passing situations that was also seen later into practice. That quarterback contain emphasis was prudent in this segment.
The team met up all on one field in preparation for the second special teams segment. Here it was seen that Melquan Stovall was assuming punt responsibilities although banged up in last week's game. He and Javen Jacobs took punts, with Cam Skattebo taking one as well. As the team went into punt instead of punt return, Dillingham told players, “This is the most important play.” USC has had success in the punt return game so far this season.
Going back to the O-line, as the right side of the line is rotating heavily as guard and tackle, the solidified combo of Bram Walden and Sione Finau is fluid. In drills and in team segments today, the chemistry between the two seems to be growing as movements and passes between the two have looked seamless. There is an emphasis on the right side of the line allowing Walden and Finau to handle their business, especially with Isaia Glass still out with an injury.
In another team offensive segment, it was clear that Dillingham was going to take charge of the offense, as mentioned earlier. Dillingham was running all over the field, addressing things he didn't like from the players while moving things along quickly. A play would end, and Dillingham is right there calling plays off the call sheet, yelling “Let’s go!”. Dillingham said after practice that the urgency was there today as his attention to the offense was urgent.
Something that has been seen in practice is 2v2 competitions between receivers and defensive backs. Here the receivers were very efficient, running very quick routes in a red zone scenario. Stovall, Elijhah Badger, and Xavier Guillory looked especially good. There was some good defensive play by Ed Woods and Ro Torrence, with freshman Keontez Bradley showing extremely good potential as Bryan Carrington (cornerbacks coach) coached him up.
Going over the 7v7 portion of the practice, things looked a little sloppy from the offensive perspective before tightening up a bit. Drew Pyne had an interception to the left side of the field to Ro Torrence. As mentioned, things moved in a better direction though, as short throws were completed against the defense. Messiah Swinson was heavily involved over the middle, which aided the jumpstart for the offense.
Moving into the red zone in the same period, the defense was playing well before two touchdowns in a row for Kyson Brown. Another good note here is that during the 7v7 portion, receiver Jordyn Tyson was a participant running routes against a defense and even catching some balls from Pyne. It may be just a couple of weeks away from playing, but will definitely be in the lineup after the bye week.
Practice concluded with each side of the ball having a team segment against a scout team. On the defensive side, linebackers looked aggressive as the defensive line was getting penetration. That said, there were quite a few balls completed and as the team came together, Brian Ward said the segment was sloppy.
On the offensive side, Pyne looked continued to be efficient. Jacob Conover has looked better as well that he has gotten reps with the second team looking to find his footing after getting thrown into the fire. Dillingham worked quickly to correct things and orchestrated what he wanted to control all practice. On the last play of practice, Pyne found Guillory for a long ball down the right side to end on a high note.
ASU will need to hit a lot of high notes as Dillingham wrapped up practice emphasizing the fact that if players do not believe they can win, they should not be there. You play to win was the message, as that saying has been heard around the program a bit in the past. Dillingham was visually fired up for this game as he urges his players to work and believe.
First Team
LT Bram Walden
LG Sione Finau
C Leif Fautanu
RG Aaron Frost
RT Joey Ramos
QB Drew Pyne
RB Cam Skattebo/Kyson Brown
Slot Gio Sanders
WR Elijhah Badger
WR Xavier Guillory
TE Jalin Conyers
RG Cade Briggs rotated in with the first team with Aaron Frost.
Second Team
LT Sean Na’a
LG Kyle Scott
C Ben Bray
RG Cade Briggs
RT Joey Ramos
QB Jacob Conover
RB Javen Jacobs/Tevin White
Slot Melquan Stovall
WR Shawn Charles
WR Andre Johnson
TE Bryce Pierre/Messiah Swinson
TE Ryan Morgan also rotated in with the second team.
Defense
First Team
EDGE: Prince Dorbah
DT: Dashaun Mallory
DT: Anthonie Cooper/CJ Fite
EDGE: BJ Green
LB: Travion Brown
LB: Tate Romney/Will Shaffer
CB: Demetries Ford
CB: Ro Torrence
Nickel: Jordan Clark
S: Shamari Simmons
S: Chris Edmonds
Second Team
EDGE: Michael Matus
DT: Sam Benjamin
DT: Tristan Monday
EDGE: Ashley Williams
LB: Will Shaffer/James Djonkam
LB: Caleb McCullough/K’Vion Thunderbird
CB: Ed Woods
CB: Keith Abney II
Nickel: Macen Williams
S: Damon Williamson/Alphonso Taylor
S: Josiah Cox
Wednesday's practice saw a lot more energy out of the gate as during warm-ups were seen dancing and laughing. One particular song had Kyson Brown and Tevin White dancing in combination as if it was choreographed. Players were only in shoulder pads and helmets this overcast Wednesday morning, the last open practice before the Sun Devils take on USC at home on Saturday.
After the stretch portion, special teams took place with an emphasis on the pressure provided by the field goal block rush. Kicker Dario Longhetto set up from about 45 yards out with half a line blocking based on the hash where the ball was placed. For example, if the ball is on the left hash, there is an overload on the right blocking. Nonetheless, Longhetto was 2-4 from about 45 (left hash) and was 3-4 with a blocked kick from about 50 (right hash).
As special teams were going on, one of the main focal points of interest being the offensive line was getting their day started. As the depth has been tested, assistant coach Saga Tuitele was very vocal today. He asked groups to repeat movements while echoing “Sink!” and “Strike!”. Now second group guard Kyle Scott received plenty of coaching, which went on throughout practice.
In the team tempo period, the offense ran against the scout with Drew Pyne taking control of the offense today. Today saw a more balanced amount of play calls in terms of running and passing. This may be a sign of Kenny Dillingham taking over the play calling from offensive coordinator Beau Baldwin. There was a tempo as balanced as it was with Dillingham yelling, “How fast can we go!”. Dillingham was very animated and active today.
Taking a turn to look at the defense during individual drills, it was very clear how ASU is preparing for USC…or Caleb Williams. The edges were getting after it as Prince Dorbah and BJ Green led the charge in a drill that was focused on containing an allusive quarterback. Wide receiver Jake Smith acting as Williams on the scout teamand trying to evade rushes. Directly beside the edges, the interior line was focused on hitting gaps to ensure USC’s quarterback is contained.
This theme was carried over into the team period for the defense. Although only against scout, the defense looked sharp as the defensive line continued to be the main attraction. Defensively, the defense was set up in a lot of passing situations that was also seen later into practice. That quarterback contain emphasis was prudent in this segment.
The team met up all on one field in preparation for the second special teams segment. Here it was seen that Melquan Stovall was assuming punt responsibilities although banged up in last week's game. He and Javen Jacobs took punts, with Cam Skattebo taking one as well. As the team went into punt instead of punt return, Dillingham told players, “This is the most important play.” USC has had success in the punt return game so far this season.
Going back to the O-line, as the right side of the line is rotating heavily as guard and tackle, the solidified combo of Bram Walden and Sione Finau is fluid. In drills and in team segments today, the chemistry between the two seems to be growing as movements and passes between the two have looked seamless. There is an emphasis on the right side of the line allowing Walden and Finau to handle their business, especially with Isaia Glass still out with an injury.
In another team offensive segment, it was clear that Dillingham was going to take charge of the offense, as mentioned earlier. Dillingham was running all over the field, addressing things he didn't like from the players while moving things along quickly. A play would end, and Dillingham is right there calling plays off the call sheet, yelling “Let’s go!”. Dillingham said after practice that the urgency was there today as his attention to the offense was urgent.
Something that has been seen in practice is 2v2 competitions between receivers and defensive backs. Here the receivers were very efficient, running very quick routes in a red zone scenario. Stovall, Elijhah Badger, and Xavier Guillory looked especially good. There was some good defensive play by Ed Woods and Ro Torrence, with freshman Keontez Bradley showing extremely good potential as Bryan Carrington (cornerbacks coach) coached him up.
Going over the 7v7 portion of the practice, things looked a little sloppy from the offensive perspective before tightening up a bit. Drew Pyne had an interception to the left side of the field to Ro Torrence. As mentioned, things moved in a better direction though, as short throws were completed against the defense. Messiah Swinson was heavily involved over the middle, which aided the jumpstart for the offense.
Moving into the red zone in the same period, the defense was playing well before two touchdowns in a row for Kyson Brown. Another good note here is that during the 7v7 portion, receiver Jordyn Tyson was a participant running routes against a defense and even catching some balls from Pyne. It may be just a couple of weeks away from playing, but will definitely be in the lineup after the bye week.
Practice concluded with each side of the ball having a team segment against a scout team. On the defensive side, linebackers looked aggressive as the defensive line was getting penetration. That said, there were quite a few balls completed and as the team came together, Brian Ward said the segment was sloppy.
On the offensive side, Pyne looked continued to be efficient. Jacob Conover has looked better as well that he has gotten reps with the second team looking to find his footing after getting thrown into the fire. Dillingham worked quickly to correct things and orchestrated what he wanted to control all practice. On the last play of practice, Pyne found Guillory for a long ball down the right side to end on a high note.
ASU will need to hit a lot of high notes as Dillingham wrapped up practice emphasizing the fact that if players do not believe they can win, they should not be there. You play to win was the message, as that saying has been heard around the program a bit in the past. Dillingham was visually fired up for this game as he urges his players to work and believe.
