Arizona State Football 2013 Spring Wrap Up

Spring Summary

The major story line coming from this spring is that ASU’s defense, arguably the nation’s best attacking unit in 2012, may be even better. Thanks to the surprising return of consensus All-American Will Sutton and seven other starters, the Sun Devil defense has been a consistently dominant force over the last few weeks.

On the flipside, team’s biggest question mark, wide receiver, still remains a huge unknown. No player emerged this spring as a go to target, and as a result, the five wide receivers coming in this summer as part of the 2013 recruiting class will all have a chance at playing time.

Name a few unknown players who could have breakout seasons

The team lost three-year starter Deveron Carr at cornerback, and the competition to replace him has been fierce. Robert Nelson and Lloyd Carrington have each had their moments with the starters, but Rashad Wadood may be the leader right now. Wadood has the talent to be among the Pac-12’s best, but has yet to stay healthy. If he can stay off the trainers’ table, he’ll be a star.

One of the few bright spots as wide receiver has been speedy sophomore Rick Smith. He’s shown reliable hands and great downfield speed moving from the slot to the outside this spring, and the team will desperately need him to produce this fall.

Grade each position group & special teams

QB: B   Taylor Kelly had a breakout year in 2012, but questions remain as to his viability as a long-term answer. Mike Bercovici has been excellent and jumped Michael Eubank as the back-up.

RB: A   Marion Grice and D.J. Foster are likely the best 1-2 backfield combo in the Pac-12. Deantre Lewis looks to be back to his explosive 2010 pre-gunshot form and could be deadly as a versatile No. 3 option.

WR: C-  Rick Smith has shown flashes of being a viable downfield threat, and Kevin Ozier is a solid short-range target, but if the unit is going to improve upon last year’s disappointment, it will likely come from the new recruits coming in August.

TE: B+  Chris Coyle is back after a record-setting year and has really improved his blocking. After him, nothing great happened this spring, but watch for the versatile De’Marieya Nelson this fall.

OL: B+  Despite replacing two starters, the offensive line has been surprisingly good this spring. Jamil Douglas has moved from left guard to right tackle and could be an all-conference caliber player.

DL: A   Will Sutton is back, and with a fierce Jaxon Hood, speedy Junior Onyeali, and heralded recruit Marcus Hardison coming, this unit will be a force.

LB: B   Losing captain Brandon Magee leaves a big hole, and the competition to replace him will be fierce in August. Carl Bradford is coming off an 11.5 sack season and should be among the nation’s best once again.

DB: B   The team needs to find two new starters, but have two very capable players in corner Osahon Irabor and All-Pac-12 second teamer Alden Darby.

ST: D  ASU is still looking for a kicker who can make a field goal, so much so that they signed a new player to their 2013 class mid-way through the spring. Their new punter, Matt Haack, comes in August, and both return spots will be up for grabs.

Are there any “surprises” we can expect from this team ?

ASU is being discussed along with UCLA as the South division favorites, and rightfully so. A top-notch defense and a loaded offensive backfield give the Sun Devils the talent needed to make a Rose Bowl run.

How they handle their early schedule will dictate the season. In Weeks 2-5, they host Wisconsin, go to Stanford, host USC and then play Notre Dame in Dallas. If they can go 3-2 at worst, they’ll be in great shape.

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Brad Denny of House of Sparky provided the information for our Arizona State football 2013 spring wrap up.  For more ASU football information, commentary and analysis, you can follow Brad on Twitter @BDenny29.

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