ASUnited (Arizona State University WeBlog)

Sparky’s Insights

In three weeks game one of the 2010 Sun Devil football season will be in the books. Camp ended on August 14, 2010 with a 70 play scrimmage on the Kajikawa Practice Field. It was a good first scrimmage.

My observations of our first eleven days of practice:

1.)    Our team is working at a hard even pace. They do so without much scolding from the coaching staff. This is one of the attributes of a team that has more veterans. They know the effort level needed to produce success and our players DO WANT a successful season.

2.)    Our defense has depth, talent, speed, experience and speed. We have a chance to have a very good defensive team.

3.)    Our offense has more guys that can make big plays than we have had in many years. A number of them are part of a deep receiving corps. I believe that this group has a chance to be the best that we have seen in the past thirty years. They played the first scrimmage like a group that had tired legs. Their legs are tired because they worked very hard prior to the scrimmage and they will bounce back as the number of practices per day moves back. The group is very good.
The addition of 6’3, 203 lb. George Bell, and 6’4, 220 lb. Mike Willie will give our QB’s two more big targets as they join 6’4, 222 lb. Gerell Robinson, and 6’1, 185 lb. T.J. Simpson. Add a rejuvenated/healthy Kerry Taylor, JR Transfer Aaron Pflugrad and speedy freshman Kyle Middlebrooks and we have guys who can make plays. Middlebrooks is comfortable catching the ball and has great speed and quickness. I mention all of those guys, but forgot #80 J.J. Holiday. Every time I seem to look up and he is catching a ball for a big gain. 6’2, 202 lb. Brandon Smith is back for his senior season after missing all of last season with a knee injury. He has talent as well. Redshirt freshman Chris Coyle, a Tight End, is going to catch some balls. People, this is a deep and talented group.

4.)    There is more speed at Running Back. Cameron Marshall had a bright moment or two as a freshman. He had a solid camp but he is being pressed hard by a trimmed down, faster, James Morrison. Jamal Miles is a truly athletic player that will make you miss and make big plays. True freshman Deantre Lewis, an athlete that has the vision, hands and speed to be a truly big time back. This group will be productive.

5.)    Quarterback: I would play Vontaze Burfict. He is athletic enough to do everything on the football field. Seriously, he is that athletic and can do anything in the game. No, I would not play “Tez” ahead of our QB’s. This is an interesting position. We lose last year’s starter and return three QB’s who have Division-I starting experience. No quarterback has separated from the pack. Sampson Szakacsy is throwing better than he has since he has been here, but is still behind (in my opinion) Brock Osweiler and Steven Threet. All are learning a new offense, but Brock and Steven had the advantage of spring practice. As preparations continue for the first game, the offense will be pared down and a starter will emerge. I like the way these players are working. I like their talent, and they are accepting the coaching of Noel Mazzone with great results.

6.)    Offensive line: More athletic, bigger, stronger, more aggressive. Thoughts for the group…”stay healthy.”

7.)    Kicking Game: Tomas Weber is healthy. He will convert field goals. Punter Trevor Hankins is poised to have a great year. Kicking is important. It wins games. We really missed Thomas Webber last year, but he is healthy and ready to challenge his competitors again in an effort to regain the Lou Groza award that he won in 2008.

Folks, I think we will tackle it better, throw it better, catch it better, run it better, and kick it better in 2010. We will win more games, and there is going to be excitement again on Frank Kush Field. Hope to see you there.

Be well, Be Safe, and GO DEVILS!

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