A-State Eight: Sun Devils To Watch In 2017

RBs Demario Richard and Kalen Ballage

I think putting these two on this list goes without saying. The Sun Devils are experiencing a time of transition with a new offensive coordinator, new members on the offensive line, new skill players and perhaps even a new starting quarterback.

The constant?

The backfield. ASU needs a big year out of these two to survive a tough Pac-12 slate. As there was last year, there’s talk about whether or not Richard and Ballage can each rush for 1,000 yards. After all, running backs coach John Simon had two 1,000-yard rushers at Southern Miss, his previous stop.

The running game was nonexistent last year as Richard was plagued with injuries, Ballage experienced some of his own and a young offensive line became injury-riddled. But if ASU wants to have success this year, it’s going to need to start up front with Richard and Ballage. Their jobs won’t end with just running the ball, but the coaches seem to think they’ll be crucial in helping the younger players adjust to a new offensive scheme.