Kelly gains ultimate complement, respect from ASU great

Andrew Walter traded in his cleats and shoulder pads for a suit and tie several years ago but it doesn’t mean he isn’t keeping a close eye on what’s happening at his alma mater.

The record-setting former Arizona State quarterback Walter, whose congressional election is in August, believes the skies’ the limit for senior Taylor Kelly. The Idaho native is entering his third season in Deputy head coach Mike Norvell’s spread offense.

“Taylor is a stud,” the former All-Pac-10 and NFL signal-caller Walter told Sports360AZ.com’s Brad Cesmat in a recent phone interview. “I think this year Taylor has the opportunity to break about every record in school history.”

After two years of improvement and a balanced offensive system with skill players like Jaelen Strong and D.J. Foster it’s easy to see why many believe Kelly could even be a dark horse Heisman Trophy candidate if the Devils can repeat as Pac-12 South champions.

“He’s earned it,” Walter said of TK’s local and national recognition. “You tip your cap and you love it.”

Walter owns several of the school records Kelly could break this fall. He also passed the great John Elway for most career touchdown passes in conference history back in 2004.

Kelly’s quiet confidence caught the attention of ASU fans and coaches after winning a three-way quarterback battle with Michael Eubank and Mike Bercovici two years ago.

“He knew from day one,” Walter said of Kelly who declared he’d win the competition before the 2012 fall camp. “I don’t think anybody else did. You love that in a quarterback. That’s what you need in the huddle.”

The 6’2, 211-pounder already has two wins over in-state rival Arizona and a Pac-12 South championship.

Now it’s time for even bigger and better things in his final season in Tempe.

Below are some of Kelly’s hi-lights from last fall.