Jordan HammThe ASU spring game was played on Saturday, and while all the offseason questions may not be answered until the season starts (and maybe not even then), the scrimmage helped paint a picture of how the Sun Devils will look when they take the field this fall.
Battle Under Center
Both incumbent starter Manny Wilkins and transfer Blake Barnett looked sharp on Saturday. Each had multiple passing touchdowns, one rushing touchdown each and didn’t turn the football over while playing on the Maroon team.
“Obviously, I don’t think a decision will be made right now or anytime fairly soon,” Barnett said. “So I think just continue the momentum, continue to grow as a leader, as a quarterback and as a player going into fall camp.”
Defensive Standouts
New Arizona State defensive coordinator Phil Bennett said the one who stood out the most to him this spring was defensive back Chad Adams. Bennett said he had heard Adams was at times apprehensive on the field, but “made plays” this spring. He also credited Christian Sam, D.J Calhoun, JoJo Wicker and Tashon Smallwood as others who stood out. He is also looking for Koron Crump, who is coming off a 10.5 TFL and nine sack season.
“A lot of people have said he played a lot,” Bennett said. “He hasn’t played that much. He has to be an every down player, he’s got to develop.”
Wideout Weapons
The MVP of the spring game was redshirt sophomore receiver John Humphrey, who brought in three touchdowns Saturday. Fellow first-year receiver Ryan Newsome had a score as well. This was an opportunity for the duo to step up as N’Keal Harry suffered a tweak during pregame and did not participate in the spring scrimmage. Jalen Harvey also had a few nice catches but left the scrimmage early limping. If this group is healthy, there are plenty of options for ASU quarterbacks.
“John’s impressive. Him and Ryan Newsome have had great springs,” ASU head coach Todd Graham said. “So has Terrell Chatman, N’Keal (Harry), (Ryan) Jenkins. Jalen Harvey has been as good of a standout this spring. Our receiving corps is impressive.”
The Sun Devils kick off their season against New Mexico State on August 31st at Sun Devil Stadium.
