May 22, 2013 - 02:35 pm - Boundary Safety, #4 Alden Darby Sun Devil safety Alden Darby has never been the quiet sort. In his three years at ASU, he's been about as charismatic, outspoken and ready with a one-liner on the field as anyone on the roster.  He's quick to greet you with a handshake and a smile. He answers questions with a "yes sir" or "no sir."  He's also filled much of the leadership void after Brandon Magee exhausted his eligibility following the 2012 season. As is often the case, the accomplishments of Sun Devil student athletes, outside of competing for championships, can get less exposure and attention that they deserve. In the case of Darby, he has just landed on a prestigious list of 42 national finalists for the Ronnie Lott IMPACT Trophy. It’s a fitting accomplishment for a Sun Devil to the bone like Darby. He has been the model of student-athlete that Coach Todd Graham wants as a roster-wide differentiator of ASU Football. The Lott IMPACT Trophy is awarded each year to a defensive player who excels on the field, in the classroom and in the community. IMPACT stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.  As an All-Pac-12 second team selection in 2012, Darby has definitely made his mark with the pads on. The starting boundary-side Safety wrapped up last season with 80 tackles and 3 interceptions, one which he took 70 yards to the house against USC.  For those who have closely followed the off-season, Darby has become as much a representative of the program as All-American DL Will Sutton. He was the first to earn the honor of wearing the Pat Tillman camouflage #42 jersey, which represents similar excellence on and off the field as the Lott IMPACT Trophy. Alden Darby knows he has big shoes to fill since Sun Devil leader, Brandon Magee, has finished his ASU career Darby has participated in, and is heavily involved in a unique program that ASU proudly calls "Scholar Ballers." He is actively reaching out to local high schools in an effort to mentor kids and set an example of strong character, a sense of self and proactive leadership. He has put time and energy into connecting to young students and instilling in them a sense of awareness to fulfill their best potential. It is evident that #4 has assumed the role of vocal and inspirational leader for a defense that lost a one-of-a-kind Sun Devil in Brandon Magee. And there’s no one better suited for grabbing the reins than Darby. Heading into his final year in the maroon and gold, expectations and optimism abound for the  2013 squad. Darby has fully embraced the moment and will challenge his teammates to do the same while he leads by example. The winner of the Lott IMPACT Trophy will be presented December 8th on FOX Networks. Regardless of who’s name they call, you can expect Mr. Alden Darby to proudly represent ASU over the course of this season and at the ceremony. And my guess is that he'll do it with that larger than life smile on his face. This award, above all else is the very definition of Speaking Victory. Visit the Official Lott IMPACT Trophy site and talk about it in the DieHard Forums

May 18, 2013 - 03:36 pm - #Graham360 ASU head football coach Todd Graham has added a new hash tag to his social media repertoire. Adding to his #AnyChallenge and #SpeakingVictory hash tags on Twitter, Graham now has another one: #Graham360. The new hash tag incorporates the idea of “the full development of the student athlete,” according to Assistant Athletics Director of Recruiting Sherman Morris. “Coach Graham has a unique approach when it comes to developing student athletes,” Morris said. “He believes that in order to develop a student athlete you gotta be able to touch him in every aspect of his life." “We want to make sure we’re developing him as a student, we’re touching him from a social standpoint, we’re challenging him in every area in order to make him a productive citizen beyond the game.” The development of the student beyond the field is something that Graham has been trying to promote and is a message that Morris wants to continue to deliver. “For us, it’s important that everyone understand exactly what coach Graham is all about: His goals, his vision for this program and the direction that this program is moving in,” Morris said. “It’s important that we communicate that because, in absence of that, other individuals will communicate that for us and they won’t be able to tell the full story of what coach Graham is really all about.” When selling a product, say a football program, it’s important to be where the consumer is. Namely, that means social media sites. “If you think about social media, that’s where the prospects (are) and that’s where the younger generation is basically communicating,” Morris said. “In order for us to effectively recruit a student athlete it is important for us to make sure that we are in those environments as well.” Recently, college football programs have become rather clever in their social media campaigns. Florida hosts a prime example. So does Morris plan to emulate the Gators? In his own words, “Absolutely not.” “We’re not really looking to follow anyone else’s lead.  Coach Graham wants to be a leader in this area and that’s the direction we need to go in,” Morris said. In 2012 ASU had the 38th-ranked recruiting class according to Rivals.com and that ranking increased to No. 34 in 2013. There is little doubt that this coaching staff has put a bigger emphasis and year-round focus on recruiting than we have seen for years. It's a 24/7/365 operation. Strike that- it's a 24/7/#360 operation. Gotta break for a couple holidays. #Graham360. Use it when you Speak Victory on Twitter (and Instagram) to remind top football prospects of what Todd Graham and his staff stand for.

May 15, 2013 - 02:11 pm - The Barracks Upon Coach Todd Graham's arrival in Tempe after the 2011 season, he proclaimed that he was a big fan of college football tradition, specifically those housed within the ASU football program. Truthfully, there is none bigger for the universities in Arizona than the Sun Devils heading up the hill 13 miles beyond Payson in the fall to resume what legendary coach Frank Kush initiated in 1960.  After a four year hiatus between 2008-2011, the Sun Devils returned for an abbreviated "Camp T" stint before the 2012 season that culminated in a memorable Saturday scrimmage. Sun Devil Nation had ponied up the funds to restore the practice site, and backed that up with over 5,000 fans attending what turned out to be our first glimpse of last season's 8-5 Sun Devils. Sun Devil Family Tontozona, at 5,312 foot elevation offers a reprieve from the sweltering heat in the desert, but more importantly, a chance for players and coaches to leave behind all of the distractions in Tempe. No cell phone service, no television, rudimentary housing conditions, team bonding and that ever-so-anticipated cracking of the pads that only a fall camp can provide. It is an invaluable "back-to-the-basics" venue that must be credited to Coach Graham’s work at overhauling ASU Football’s culture. The 2013-2014 Devils have been tabbed by many as favorites to win the Pac-12 South Division and challenge for a Rose Bowl birth. The extended stay in the pines this year will be a positive segue heading into what is sure to be one of the more memorable football seasons in decades.  ASU is coming off of impressive wins in the final two games of the 2012 regular season and a complete domination of Navy in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl. Momentum, expectations, optimism and talent levels across the roster are all solid. Brandon Magee at Camp If you were at Camp Tontozona last year, you are fully aware that many of the all-time Sun Devil greats were in attendance and certainly will be this year. They fully back this great tradition having been a part of it during their playing days. To a man they will tell you that it was one of the best experiences of their playing career at ASU... not IN SPITE of the tough conditions, but BECAUSE of the tough conditions. This is a tradition like no other for both the fans and the student-athletes, and in a way, the line separating the two fades away on the field cut out of the mountain. Andrew Walter with Mom & Dad Last year right after the Saturday scrimmage, the Sun Devil gods sent a torrential downpour to give us a final cool down before heading back to the valley. I ran for cover under a pine tree and found myself with one other person, Coach Frank Kush. You would think it was the sunniest day of Camp when looking at the big smile on the good ol' coach's face... and mine. Attendees of Camp T are DieHard Devils. Are you? Prove it.  *  *  * Camp Tontozona Dates:  August 12-17 with scrimmage on 8/17. DieHardDevil.com will post practice and scrimmage information heading into Fall Camp. Stay tuned. For more pictures from last years Camp, check out the gallery. The Culmination of Camp Tontazona

May 10, 2013 - 07:12 pm - #87 Chris Coyle By Eric Smith for DieHardDevil.com One thing that can not be over-stated is that, in a single season, the 2012 Sun Devils established a new identity for the ASU Football program. Here is a snap-shot of ASU’s 13 performances. As we look forward to a big 2013, these serve as reminder’s of the game-to-game trends that evolved into an 8-5 campaign under first year head coach, Todd Graham. Can this years team solidify ASU's identity and push it a step further up the hill?   Aug. 30, 2012 vs. NAU: W 63-6   Marion Grice led all rushers with 107 yards on 14 carries and three touchdowns The Sun Devils rushed for a combined 305 yards on 51 attempts (5.98 per attempt) Taylor Kelly made his first career start going 15-19 for 247 yards and one touchdown. Kelly also rushed six times for 43 yards. Brandon Magee made two tackles and one interception, which he returned 45 yards for a touchdown. It was his first and only career pick six. ASU allowed 237 total yards (88 rushing, 149 passing)    Sept. 8, 2012 vs. Illinois: W 45-14   The Sun Devils forced three interceptions, two from freshman linebacker Carlos Mendoza. A shoulder injury would end Mendoza’s season against the Illini QB Michael Eubank threw five passes completing all of them for 69 yards and tossing two touchdowns. Eubank also ran seven times for 51 yards and another score. TE Chris Coyle hauled in 10 passes for 131 yards and two touchdowns. ASU sacked Illinois six times for 35 yards. ASU racked up 510 total yards of offense, (192 rush, 318 pass)   Sept. 15, 2012 @ Missouri: L 20-24     Taylor Kelly was 14 for 23 passing for 178 with one touchdown and two interceptions. Kelly had a team-high 15 rushes for 59 yards. The Sun Devils were held to 113 yards rushing, their second lowest total of the season. LB Brandon Magee recorded his second interception in three games. Magee led all Sun Devils with 12 total tackles. ASU controlled time of possession, holding the ball the ball for 34:51 to Missouri’s 25:09 The Sun Devils were lights-out on third down, allowing Missouri to convert only twice in 12 attempts.   Sept. 22, 2012 vs. Utah: W 37-7    Head Coach, Todd Graham Utah’s two-time 1,000 yard rusher, John White, was shut down by ASU’s defense, gaining only 18 net yards on 14 carries. ASU’s defense allowed only 129 yards of total offense. The defense only allowed two drives of more than 26 yards. 21 of ASU’s 37 points came in the first quarter. QB Taylor Kelly threw 326 yards on 19 completions as well as three touchdowns and one interception. RB D.J. Foster rushed a team-high seven times and 70 yards as well as catching one pass for 26 yards. LB Brandon Magee had a game-high 10 tackles as well as a forced fumble that he recovered.   Sept. 29, 2012 @ Cal: W 27-17 ASU sacked Cal QB Zach Maynard seven times, tied for the most in a game all-season DT Will Sutton and DE Junior Onyeali combined for five of the seven sacks. The Sun Devil offense ran a whopping 94 offensive plays for 409 yards. Of those 94 plays, ASU ran the ball 48 times (51%) but only gained 116 yards (2.4 yards per rush) and didn’t score a rushing touchdown. K Alex Garoutte had a rough day going 2 for 5 on field goals, one of which was blocked. ASU fumbled the ball three times but didn’t lose any of them. WR Kevin Ozier caught three passes for 41 yards and two touchdowns.   Oct. 11, 2012 @ Colorado: W 51-17 The Sun Devils put on their second-best offensive performance of the year with 593 yards of offense (261 rush, 332 pass) Taylor Kelly passed for 308 yards on 20-28 passing and tossed five touchdowns. RB Marion Grice did most of his damage as a receiver, catching five passes for 101 yards and three touchdowns. RB Cameron Marshall rumbled for 98 yards on 13 carries. RB D.J. Foster led the team with 132 all-purpose yards (61 rush, 71 receiving) LB Brandon Magee made a game-high nine solo tackles as well as sacking Colorado QB Jordan Webb twice DT Will Sutton also chipped in two sacks.   Oct 18, 2012 vs. No. 2 Oregon: L 21-43 ASU scored on its very first offensive play, a 28-yard strike from QB Taylor Kelly to WR Kevin Ozier. The Sun Devil defense was gashed for a season-high 406 rushing yards. ASU suffered demoralizing injuries to DT Will Sutton and DE Junior Onyeali in the first quarter. The Sun Devil defnese gave up touchdown runs of 71 and 86 yards. QB Taylor Kelly was 10 of 18 passing  for 93 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. He was also sacked five times. QB Michael Eubank didn’t fare much better, going 10 for 19 passing for 123 yards, one touchdown and two picks. S Alden Darby led ASU in tackles with 12. The Sun Devils outscored Oregon 14-0 in the second half but it was too little too late by then.   #1 Marion Grice Oct. 26, 2012 vs. UCLA: L 43-45   ASU had trouble containing UCLA RB Johnathan Franklin who had 164 rushing yards on 26 carries and two touchdowns. RB D.J. Foster led the Sun Devils in receiving with 107 yards and a touchdown on seven receptions. It was his only 100 receiving-yard game. Foster also led the team in rushing yards with 61 yards on 13 carries. QB Taylor Kelly threw for 315 yards and four scores on 25 for 35 passing with one interception. RB Marion Grice caught two touchdowns on six receptions for 69 yards. CB Osahon Irabor made nine solo tackles, his most in a game all season. The Sun Devils managed to sack UCLA QB Brett Hundley five times but also gave up four sacks on Kelly. With 1:33 left, ASU led the Bruins 45-43. Hundley would lead a 12-play, 60-yard drive setting up UCLA to kick a game-winning field goal as time expired.   Nov. 3, 2012 @ No. 13 Oregon State: L 26-36   DT Will Sutton returned to action. QB Taylor Kelly struggled against one of the Pac-12’s best defenses, posting his lowest pass efficiency rating of the season (88.18) Kelly was 22-41 for only 153 yards and one touchdown and one interception. The defense struggled against the run again, allowing 146 yards on 19 carries to OSU RB Terron Ward. However, the defense did manage to sack OSU QB Cody Vaz six times. For the third straight game ASU gave up 400+ yards of offense. The Sun Devils only converted four third downs on 17 attempts (23%) LB Brandon Magee posted another double-digit tackle performance registering 12 total tackles and a sack.   Nov. 10, 2012 @ No. 21 USC: L 17-38   In a recurring theme, stopping the run was an issue against the Trojans. USC RB Curtis McNeal racked up 163 yards and two touchdowns on 31 carries. Additionally, USC WR and Biletnikoff Award winner Marquise Lee hauled in 10 catches for 161 yards and a touchdown. QB Taylor Kelly was sacked a season-high seven times. ASU was held to a season-low 71 rushing yards. TE Chris Coyle led all Sun Devil receivers with five catches for 85 yards and a touchdown. The Sun Devils turned the ball over four times: one fumble lost and Taylor Kelly threw three interceptions.    Nov. 17, 2012 vs. Washington State: W 46-7   In four previous games, ASU allowed an average of 250 rushing yards per game. Against WSU, they allowed one. QB Taylor Kelly was exceptional, going 20-23 for 246 yards and four touchdowns and an efficiency rating of 234.19. WR Rashad Ross snagged eight catches for 79 yards and two scores. TE Chris Coyle, had three catches for 53 yards and another two touchdowns. ASU’s defene sacked Washington State’s quarterbacks a combined seven times. DE Davon Coleman led the team with two sacks. RB Cameron Marshall led all rushers with 77 yards on 16 carries. S Keelan Johnson intercepted two passes and returned them for a combined 35 yards.   Ready to take the field in Tucson Nov. 23, 2012 @ Arizona: W 41-34   The Sun Devils forced four UA turnovers that led to 28 points. With ASU leading 34-27 in the fourth quarter Robert Nelson had a critical interception that he returned 66 yards to the Arizona two-yard line setting up a Michael Eubank rushing touchdown. ASU had less total yards of offense that UA in the win (460-522) RB Marion Grice was named the Bob Moran Game MVP with 18 rushes for 156 yards and three touchdowns. S Keelan Johnson had an interception as well as forced a fumble. LB Brandon Magee was all over the field making 17 total tackles, 14 solo. ASU had seven penalties for 86 yards.    Dec. 29, 2012 vs. Navy: W 62-28    The Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl performance against Navy was by far ASU’s best all year, posting 648 yards of total offense. After the tragic shooting death of his brother, RB Marion Grice had a standout rushing performance, racking up 159 yards on 14 carries with two touchdowns. QB Taylor Kelly threw for 267 yards on 17-19 passing with four touchdowns. WR Rashad Ross had his best game of the season, snagging four passes, three for touchdowns and 139 yards. DT Will Sutton chipped in 2.5 sacks, brining his total on the year to 13. ASU’s Defense allowed only 37 passing yards but surrendered 313 rushing yards to Navy’s option-style running attack. On their 68 offensive plays, the Sun Devils averaged 9.5 yards per play.   We can only imagine the nature of the battle summaries we’ll be reviewing in a year.   With a calendar that includes the Badgers, Cardinal, Trojans and Irish, that new identity formed by last year’s team will be tested about as hard as any college football fan could ask. It is the long, hard road necessary to produce a Championship team. Will that be Todd Graham’s Sun Devils?   

May 02, 2013 - 03:29 pm - Brandon Magee has been a fan favorite of Sun Devil Nation over the course of his five years in Tempe. #8 wreaked havoc on opposing offenses from his linebacker position. But there is so much more to the man that has embodied the prototypical student-athlete. He's an extremely proud Sun Devil, a leader, a family man and a hero to many grade school kids who he proactively sought out to advise on the virtue of being the best they can be in everything they do. Last night at ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism downtown campus, a 27-minute documentary, “Unbreakable", was showcased chronicling the life and times of not only Brandon's college football career, but his larger-than-life personality off the field. Master Tesfatsion, an ASU journalism student, writer for the State Press and intern for Rivals.com’s ASUDevils, followed the last several weeks of Magee's life as he prepared for the NFL combine, ASU Pro Day and an BOOM!... Sack by #8 at Colorado. NFL Draft party this past weekend in Newport Beach, CA. It was in in-depth look at the player, student, workout warrior and true leader that some of us have had the pleasure of meeting. As great of a job that Master and his colleagues did, it is certain that 27 minutes barely scratched the surface. I'd still love to see what ended up on the cutting room floor. Described by friends and family as a never-quit, humble “regular” guy who has lived his life doing nothing but maximizing his God-given potential, Brandon has exceeded expectations at every turn. The documentary caught a glimpse of a person who has overcome great odds to become a star on and off the field of the ASU campus. His parents, who instilled in Brandon basic old-fashioned values, took in many of his friends from Centennial High School in Corona, CA who needed support and a family structure. Linebackers Vontaze Burfict and Shelly Lyons, Brandon’s teammates in High School and at ASU, were just a couple of the young men that the Magee family took in without blinking an eye. Coach Todd Graham took over the ASU program for the 2012 season while Brandon was still recovering from an Achilles tendon rupture that robbed him of his true senior season. Graham knew about Magee and sought him out within 48 hours of his arrival. The things that the new coach stood for resonated with Brandon, and he immediately responded by becoming the emotional leader of his team despite doubts that Magee could return to his pre-injury form. Any time Magee was asked if he could return to his pre-injury form, his resounding response that included a larger than life smile was always, "NO. I'll be better!" And that he was during a dominant 2012 season that culminated in a 17-tackle performance against our in-state rival that almost defined who Mr. Brandon Magee is as not only a player, but an individual. Something that I was not previously aware of was that when Graham started to rally the team trailing 27-17 going into the 4th quarter, Magee stepped in and said, "Coach, I've got this."  Only the players on the roster know what Magee said, but we all know the outcome of that game. Brandon had been in contact with several NFL teams heading into the draft, and was confident that he would be taken by one of them. As the draft was finishing, Magee was left out in the cold when one name after another was called that weren't his. Shortly thereafter, he received a few calls from teams including the Dallas Cowboys who ended up offering him an unprecedented contract for a free-agent. Brandon has stated that he selected the Cowboys because of how he fit into their 4-3 defensive scheme versus the paycheck. I believe him. And the many programs that passed on him entirely will surely remember his name when he exceeds expectations and meets them on the field. Great advocate for ASU. Great leader. Great linebacker. Die-Hard-Devil. Here's a clip of Brandon in true form after the 2010 Territorial Cup Victory:  *  *  * Side note:  The first time I met Brandon was out one night after the 2011 season when he was with his brother Angelo right after ASU’s Pro Day. I introduced myself, and Brandon did nothing but tell me about how well Angelo had done during his evaluation in front of the scouts. I've since had a number of run-ins with him off the field, and I'm not sure I've ever seen him without a smile on his face. DHD will present “Unbreakable” Documentary upon it's YouTube release in the coming week. Master's twitter handle is @MasterTes. * * * Many rock songs could represent how #8 played for ASU. We chose this one, Led Zeppelin's "Achilles Last Stand" (live at Knebworth 1979). It hits hard and it's relentless. Can you think of a more appropriate cut? Post it in the DieHard Forums.

Apr 29, 2013 - 07:23 pm - Now that Spring Ball has ended, DieHard Devil will satisfy your Sun Devil Football Fix, otherwise known as "S.D.F.F." until ASU's Fall Camp begins on Tuesday, August 2. In the meantime, download your 2013 PAC-12 Helmet schedule and tack it up in your office. It'll serve as a healthy distraction from the summer heat. Plus, you can get a jump on the seven best tailgates at Sun Devil Stadium next season, all yours of course. The Sun Devils game #1 of fourteen, yep 14, kicks off on Thursday, September 5 when ASU hosts Sacramento State -- translated into more helpful terms: in 128 days -or- 4 months, 6 days from today. The 2012, 6-5 Hornets will look to play "sleeper" and rush out of Tempe with an upset over the Maroon & Gold. On the other hand, the team than comes out of Tillman Tunnel that night may be one of the most focused and prepared squads we have seen in quite a long time. Until then, we're all in this next four months together. God-speed. Download your own via the link below..  2013 PAC-12 Helmet Schedule      

Apr 28, 2013 - 09:41 pm - Now that the 2013 NFL Draft has come and gone, it’s time to take a quick look back at the performance of the Pac-12 conference overall and more importantly, the Arizona State Sun Devils. 2013 NFL Draft inlcuded 254 players drafted over seven rounds. A total 254 players were selected in seven complete rounds of the 2013 NFL Draft. Of the 254 players selected, 26 were from the Pac-12 conference, or roughly 10% of the total number. This translates to an average of about 2 players per Pac-12 team.  Some teams in the conference had more players selected than others and some teams missed out all together this year, like the Sun Devils. That’s right, not one ASU player was taken in the first seven rounds of the 2013 NFL Draft. This is the first time that has happened since the 1960’s. Not to worry though, plenty of Sun Devils were picked up and will be given a chance as undrafted free agents this year. Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Here is the list: Brandon Magee – Dallas Cowboys Cameron Marshall – Miami Dolphins Keelan Johnson – Miami Dolphins Deveron Carr – Tampa Bay Buccaneers Brice Schwab – Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rashad Ross – Tennessee Titans Jamal Miles – Jacksonville Jaguars Good luck gentlemen as you “Prove It” in the NFL.

Apr 22, 2013 - 01:16 pm - Going into the 2012 season, many Arizona State fans figured that the running back duties would belong Cameron Marshall. After having an outstanding 2011 season, he seemed poised to finish with a bang in his senior season. While Marshall did lead the Sun Devils in rushing, JUCO-transfer Marion Grice and freshman D.J. Foster both emerged as high octane, outstanding options not only in 2012, but for 2013. Now that year one is in the books for the talented Foster, just how good was he, and how good will he be? D.J. Foster diving catch for TD in Boulder, Colorado  From the very beginning, Foster showed that he was ready to help Arizona State. Although he is listed at running back, he actually had 40 more yards receiving the ball in 2012. Overall, he finished the year with 1026 yards (rushing/receiving) and six touchdowns while sharing the backfield with two other players. Those statistics made him one of the most promising freshmen in Arizona State football history, and with his ideal size and overall skill, he could really explode in the coming years. Compared to past first year Sun Devils, Foster and defensive lineman Jaxon Hood, both born and bred in Arizona, became only the fifth and sixth true freshmen to start in their first-ever opportunity. Foster more than lived up to the hype after having an outstanding high school career in the state. He became the school’s freshman leader in all-purpose yardage, while finishing second in ASU history to another AZ talent, TE Zach Miller, in receptions and receiving yards. Pretty good for a non-wide receiver/tight end.  With highly-skilled Marion Grice looking to prove his worth to play on Sundays, D.J. might not truly explode with his numbers in 2013 and be a solid FanDuel Fantasy Football pick, until 2014. He will still get plenty of opportunities to be a playmaker though, and his future is one of the brightest in some time in Tempe.

Apr 14, 2013 - 07:35 pm - Tempe, AZ – 6,836 dedicated ASU fans created a positive buzz at Sun Devil Stadium on Saturday for ASU's 2013 Spring Game and Fan Fest. Students yelling game day chants, and a large group of ASU football alumni was on the sidelines, including Sun Devil legend Jake “The Snake” Plummer. “There’s a good energy here. You’re part of the family when you’re a Sun Devil for life,” Plummer said. “Coach Graham has really opened the door for everyone that played here and put on the Sun Devil uniform.” Having the former players in attendance added another layer to the family atmosphere that Coach Graham is creating within the culture of ASU Football. Jake Plummer talks to the team after the spring scrimmage. Following all the fan fest activities in the morning, the spring game kicked off at 11:00 AM. Not much was revealed by the offense during the scrimmage because the game was broadcast on the Pac-12 Network and Coach Graham didn’t want to give too much away. Starting quarterback Taylor Kelly finished the day 15 of 21 for 126 yards, but that didn’t matter much as the defense played conservative, making sure to avoid any injuries on both sides of the ball. Mike Bercovici and Michael Eubank both had some positive moments driving the offense down the field. The jury is still out on who will back up Kelly in the fall. Taylor Kelly signs autographs for fans. DJ Foster, Will Sutton and other starters played limited minutes, so there were a lot of opportunities for back up players to see some action. Overall, it has been a productive spring for ASU Football.Alden Darby, who has embraced his new leadership role on the team added, “We started spring practice fast. It’s our second year under Coach Graham, so we knew what to expect and guys were already on it. Going into summer, we can’t take a break. In my eyes as a leader, I’ve got to make sure we’ve got guys working out every day, doing the extra staff that’s going to get us a championship.” On the high expectations of the Sun Devil defense in 2013, Darby answered with confidence saying, “Honestly, we can be the best defense in the nation.” With the existing group and the talented newcomers in the fall, that is a strong possibility. One of the best moments of the day was when Plummer addressed the team for over 10 minutes directly following practiceafter practice. I’m sure he gave them a few pointers on how to make it to the Rose Bowl. Plummer also had some words of advice for Taylor Kelly. “Have fun while you’re doing it, but know that you have to lead this team, and make the plays that you know how to make.” With high expectations in Tempe, there will be plenty of anticipation over the summer months leading up to the first game of the 2013 season. Head Coach Todd Graham takes some time to pose for pictures with fans.

Apr 10, 2013 - 11:05 am - Tempe, AZ - Sun Devil Nation is actively counting the days until their first glimpse of the 2013 football team at the spring scrimmage this Saturday. Expectations, optimism, and confidence are at all-time highs after the way the 2012 group dominated at the end of last season. Combine that with the return of a lot of talent, and you have the makings of a team that should contend for not only the Pac-12 South Division title, but for a conference title and long-overdue Rose Bowl birth. It's time to consider the impact of ASU 2013 Recruits on Sun Devil Football in 2013. Addition of Junior College Talent For the most part, many of the household names will continue to plug into their usual starting positions and pick up right where they left off in December. However, the departures of “Field” (Free) Safety Keelan Johnson, “Field” Side Cornerback Deveron Carr and “Will” Linebacker Brandon Magee leave some very important positions up for grabs this spring. Having a current roster with a junior class that is lacking in numbers and depth, the ASU coaching staff went juco (junior college) heavy again this recruiting cycle with players that will be counted on to make an early impact on the depth chart come fall. DieHard Devil is taking a closer look at guys who should factor into the depth chart right away in August. 2013 Sun Devil Football Marcus Hardison Arguably the top recruit in this cycle is juco DL Marcus Hardison, who will remind many of Will Sutton, with his explosiveness and ability to effectively play inside or outside depending on defensive formation and down and distance situation. Hardison is impressively long and strong at 6-foot-4, 290 pounds and primed to play at any position across the defensive front. Depending on his physical fitness, he will definitely change the look of the defensive front. Can you imagine two “Will Suttons” either in the game at the same time or with the ability to spell one another without any drop off? Well then pay some attention in August, because he has the potential to be a run stopper and menace in the backfield, making him the newest crowd favorite and a complete headache for opposing offensive linemen and quarterbacks. Kisima Jagne CU transfer Kisima Jagne has an NFL body, but has been conspicuously absent from practice for the past week. This is a physical freak of nature who may have matured physically prior to having matured mentally while transferring to a discipline-first program. This is another story to watch heading into the fall because he adds a solid defensive presence to the team when involved. Demetrius Cherry Demetrius Cherry is another juco true DE who is a Julius Peppers clone, but on film looks like he needs some seasoning on his technique. Physical tools alone may keep him off the redshirt list, as he is another guy primed to make his way into the defensive front seven rotation in the fall. At the “Will” LB position, the current coaching staff has plugged in a recovering (from shoulder surgery) Carlos Mendoza who showed well in limited time last season as a true freshman. He is an above average LB beyond his age in years having been coached by Clay Matthews Jr. in high school. If healthy, he will be a serious option, but there are at least two incoming players this fall that will challenge him for the position. They have inserted incumbent “Spur” Safety Chris Young at the “Will” in an attempt to bolster the run defense, but CY's talents at the Spur (hybrid LB/S) make it difficult to move him elsewhere. If Anthony Jones can digest the nuances of the defense at the “Will” spot, he may factor in as well. Eriquel Florence & Antonio Longino Incoming juco linebackers Eriquel Florence will be someone DieHard Devil will keep a close eye on, as he is a Brandon Magee clone physically, but only time will tell if he can grasp the defensive concepts well enough to replace one of the all-time greatest Sun Devils to ever don the maroon and gold. Another incoming juco LB Antonio Longino (who on film can bring the wood) is a physical specimen and will throw his hat in the mix to replace Magee. Needless to say, talent, physical ability, and depth run abound for the “Will” position...But it may take some time before we see anyone play the position as emotionally or intellectually sound as Magee, who was the leader for not only his position group, but the entire defense. Newcomers in the fall with help solidify the Sun Devil defense. Deveron Carr spent his ASU career as a dichotomy of either a player who battled injury and undisciplined play, all the while locking down wide receivers while in man-to-man coverage in his “Field” (wide) Side CB position. In a pass-happy conference like the Pac-12, the field side cb is often left in man-to-man coverage against some of the best wide receivers in the country. Rashad Wadood, Robert Nelson, and Lloyd Carrington have all shown an ability to grip the starting spot, but none of them with the kind of consistency that will allow coaches to hand it over to any of them. Nelson has the physical tools, (as was evident in a Nickel Back position against our in-state rival) but lacks the coverage discipline that should make him the odds-on favorite to be automatically slotted as a starter. Carrington is physically able to play any number of defensive back positions and should play his way into a ton of downs in 2013. Marcus Ball & James Johnson One position that I can't wait to see the competition for is the “Field” (Free) Safety spot. Keelan Johnson played it as well as anyone, as he led the team in picks in 2012 and laid the wood to running backs venturing into the secondary. No one on the current roster at the position posesses the length, strength, quickness, or ball-hawking skills as Keelan. As of now, Zeke Bishop and Laiu Moeakiola have split time at the position, but look for one of Robert Nelson, Lloyd Carrington, or whoever may lose the battle at the Field Side CB to step into the FS role. If current roster personnel can't cover the spot, look at incoming frosh James Johnson (who has the physical tools), and to a lesser degree (athlete) Marcus Ball to get a look at the position. We will be keying on this all-important battle as close as any others this fall. Jaelen Strong & Joe Morris Despite the gaudy numbers that the offense put up in 2012, it's no secret that they excelled despite a below-average wide receiving corp in terms of talent, depth, and production. With Rashad Ross and Jamaal Miles graduating, that left an even deeper deficit of talent and experience at the position. Coach Todd Graham and company addressed this void with an incredibly impressive haul of incoming wide receivers, none of which are under six-feet tall and with speed to burn. Of any position group that we watch on Saturday, none of them have the probability to look entirely different come fall. Juco, all-world, NFL prospect Jaelen Strong will be the primary player expected to bring a deep, outside, game-changing threat to the offense. However, in my opinion, 6'4" juco receiver Joe Morris might be as primed as anyone to be the first newcomer at WR to make his mark as the outside receiver ready to put his stamp on an illustrious Sun Devil career. Look, I'm as fired up as anyone to get a good look at what the 2013 squad has to offer, but I also understand that there are plenty of starting positions that will be won and lost in fall camp. Either way, there is a ton to be excited about as we head into a long summer. Get on board for all of it, because this is a group of young men to be proud of both on and off of the field. Here is the schedule for Saturday's festivities. Get involved, because it's going to be a long few months before we hear those pads crack again... Saturday, April 13th Pre-Game: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. -Sun Devil Way Fan Fest (located on the southern end of Sun Devil Stadium and adjacent parking lots) -Kids Zone presented by Junior Sun Devil Club and Shamrock Foods -The Great Sun Devil Tailgate Competition In-Stadium: 11 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. -2013 Sun Devil Football spring scrimmage -Interactive Fan Experience -Photo opportunities with the 1987 Rose Bowl Trophy, the Territorial Cup, the Victory Bell and much more! -Autograph opportunities with Sun Devil Football Alumni -Game Day Field Stage Post-Game: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. -Sun Devil Football Autograph Session -Junior Sun Devil Club Skills Challenge -Fan Fest

Apr 03, 2013 - 08:29 pm - By Alec Horne and Mike Howell, DieHardDevil.com Sun Devil Spring Football - 2013 With a pain staking 5 months between now and kick-off at Sun Devil Stadium, we must distract ourselves from time-to-time to stay occupied. This Spring, DieHard Devil will be simplifying explanations of plays so that you can gain more knowledge about all of the moving parts on the field during games. Hell, maybe you'll gather enough to drop a gem or two on your football-know-it-all buddy down at the bar. Voila- instant credibility. For the rest of you who have played or coached this game for years, this is as good an excuse as any to debate next season’s play-calling based on the strengths of 2013's personnel. Let’s get after it.  *  *  * Now that the team has spent a year executing new systems under this staff, Offensive Coordinator Mike Norvell will add more folds into ASU's offensive schemes and play calling in 2013. Last season, ASU was able to pull out some impressive wins. However, there were three losses (Missouri, Ucla and Oregon State) that the Devils want back. In those close games, the team lacked more of what Coach Graham refers to as “dynamic” plays. With more of those at the offense’s disposal in 2013, ASU could very well turn last seasons close losses into big wins for 2013. And with Wisconsin, Stanford, USC & Notre Dame on the schedule, such plays will be key in the quest for the 2013-14 Rose Bowl. *  *  * How does this work? The process of implementing higher-yardage plays often revolves around the repetition of some of the most basic elements throughout the game. Over time, this causes defenses to get comfortable enough for ASU to catch them off guard and capitalize on that weakness. Plays like this might sound fundamental, but they require many key players to execute very specific roles. Let’s take a look at a simple run play by ASU (shown below). We will call this formation, “base”. In the base formation, we have: five true down lineman, two in the back (QB Taylor Kelly with RB Marion Grice or D.J. Foster), three wide receivers (two to the large side of the field and one to the short), and last but certainly not least, the H-back position, usually filled by Chris Coyle. In this example, Coyle serves as the key distraction. Base Formation (ASU Offense are the O’s and Opponents Defense are X’s) For the most part, the H-back (Coyle) is used early on as a run blocker in plays like a basic zone run (shown below). As the line steps right, Coyle comes back to block to the left. What this does is create an open cutback lane for Grice or Foster to hit. It also sets up the pass play because the defensive end becomes responsible for and focused on the run. Constantly getting the defense to cheat up in order to stop the run, Norvell will likely implement a play-action pass. Using the same basic principles of the zone run, the successful play becomes possible. This time, instead of the H-Back sealing off the defensive end, he will have a precise route to run which creates the illusion that  he will be blocking for Grice or Foster, but it will actually drop him right into the empty hole of the defense, creating a clear target for Taylor Kelly. Basic Zone Run Play. (ASU Offense are the O’s and Opponents Defense are X’s) The last example we have drawn up is, in a sense, a pick route (shown below). The single receiver on the short side (left) runs a hard slant route to the inside. The opponent's defensive back again questions a run. As the Sun Devil slot receiver (right) then runs a go-route, a straight sprint down field designed to clear space and keep the safety at home, the outside receiver (right) does the same thing which can further reinforce the likeliness of a run-play. Now QB Taylor Kelly and the Running Back will create the illusion that it is the zone-run, but Kelly will pull the ball while Marion Grice or DJ Foster move up to block on the outside. Finally, there's H-Back Coyle taking the same steps he would on the zone-run, but instead of blocking, he’ll cut up the field past the defensive end and will more than likely be wide open. Pick-Route Pass Play (ASU Offense are the O’s and Opponents Defense are X’s) *  *  * First down conversions like this become more reliable due to the repetitive use of this simple strategy throughout the game. As long as the offensive line, running backs and QB find synergy, the Sun Devils will gain chunks of yardage on the ground, thus manipulating the defense to be exactly where we want them to convert the 1st down with the pass. With a talented receiver group joining the Devils this fall, ASU should have a legitimate deep threat to spread the field further. This all plays into Norvell’s style of keeping a disheveled defense on their heels & out of breath. #ForksUp

Mar 30, 2013 - 11:43 am - Tempe, AZ – Hip hop music was blaring on the house speakers and the bass was bumpin’ on Saturday morning at Sun Devil Stadium. Along with the music, coaches loud voices echoed on the field and throughout the stands. Players were suited up in gameday gear, the offense wearing the traditional gold/maroon/gold and the defense wearing a new combo of white/white/black. Coach Todd Graham had a brief moment with Frank Kush on the sidelines, they shook hands and Kush fixed Graham’s whistle around his neck as they shared a laugh. Then things got serious when the horn sounded and practice officially began.  ASU Football Spring Practice 2013. Sights and sounds at Sun Devil Stadium this morning: -Alden Darby and Rick Smith were the two primary punt returners. -Deantre Lewis looks strong, healthy and in great shape. After a long and tough road back, ASU fans can expect Lewis to make an impact this year. -Will Sutton had his left ankle taped, but it didn’t seem to be bothering him at all. -Coach Graham inspected the troops like a military General when the team was stretching. -LB Carlos Mendoza was sitting out of contact drills, making sure his shoulder is 100% healthy. -The first team offense included Taylor Kelly, DJ Foster, Marion Grice, Chris Coyle, Rick Smith, Alonzo Agwuenu and Kevin Ozier. -On the first field goal attempt, Alex Garoutte was the holder for Jon Mora, who connected from about 35 yards out. -DJ Foster had an exciting kick return to midfield and also scored on a nice 20 yard run. -The second team offense included Mike Bercovici and Deantre Lewis. Berco drove the team down the field and they scored on Foster’s run. Graham came over to Berco on the sideline after the drive and told him, “Nice job.” Also, Bercovici still has an absolute laser for an arm. -On defense, Alden Darby was calling the plays and barking orders to his teammates. He is definitely embracing the leadership role vacated by Brandon Magee. Look for big things from Darby in 2013. -Chans Cox was at practice in the same walking boot and using crutches following the surgery on his right foot.             Remaining dates/times for ASU Football Spring Practice: Tuesday, April 2 -- 8:30 a.m. (Kajikawa Practice Facility) Thursday, April 4 -- 8:30 a.m. (Kajikawa Practice Facility) Saturday, April 6 -- time TBA Tuesday, April 9 -- 8:30 a.m. (Kajikawa Practice Facility) Thursday, April 11 -- 8:30 a.m. (Kajikawa Practice Facility) Saturday, April 13 -- 11 a.m. (ASU Fan Fest and Spring Game) Tuesday, April 16 -- 8:30 a.m. (Kajikawa Practice Facility) Thursday, April 18 -- 8:30 a.m. (Kajikawa Practice Facility)