ASU Football
Support The Pat Tillman Legacy Plate Bill And Help Our Veterans
Already in the hearts and minds of Sun Devils worldwide, one of the most revered figures in Arizona State history may soon find his way onto your license plate for a very good cause.
In December, State Representative Michelle Ugenti of District 8 sponsored House Bill 2042. With the title of "Fallen Hero Special Plates" and informally known as the Pat Tillman Legacy bill, the legislation would institute a commutative license plate available to Arizona drivers that would serve to honor the legacy of Tillman and others who have paid the ultimate sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.
If passed, HB 2042 would create a special Pat Tillman license plate that celebrates the life of the former ASU legend, Arizona Cardinal and U.S. Army Ranger who was tragically killed by friendly fire on April 22, 2004. For an additional $25 on top of their annual registration fees to the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division, drivers would receive the plate, currently under design by the Pat Tillman Foundation.
Of the $25, $17 would go to the Pat Tillman Foundation to help fund the Tillman Miltary Scholars program, which provides educational opportunities for active service members and veterans, as well as their families.
On Thursday, the bill passed a vote in the Arizona House of Representatives Transportation Committee, and now moves on to a vote by the full 60-member House. That vote is tentatively schedule for sometime next week.
Speak Of The Devils Podcast: Alonzo Agwuenu Interview And Coaching Staff News
It may be the offseason, but Speak of the Devils is still going strong with the most in-depth ASU coverage you'll find.
In our 25th episode, we analyze the very busy coaching carousel for the Sun Devils, as Todd Graham's staff finally appears set. We then introduce a new segment to showcase non-football sporting excellence ast ASU, and then buy and sell in the Sun Devil Stock Report before our main event.
Joining the show is one of the newest Sun Devils, wide receiver Alonzo Agwuenu. The 6'4" playmaker details his journey to ASU, what to expect from his tremendous on-field talent and why he loves having lofty expectations.
Report: Ron West Hired As ASU Co-Defensive Coordinator
The final defensive coaching vacancy on Todd Graham's staff has seemingly been filled, as the Albuquerque Journal reports that New Mexico defensive coordinator Ron West has accepted an offer to become Arizona State's co-defensive coordinator. This will be West's second stint as a co-defensive coordinator under Graham.
West was only a Lobo for less than a month, having joined new coach Bob Davie's staff in late of January.
Prior to his fortnight in Albuquerque, West served for two seasons as the linebackers coach at Illinois. He helped turn around an average defense into one of the nation's top units this past year, as the Illini ranked 7th in total defense and 3rd against the pass. With ASU moving to a more aggressive and attacking defensive style, Sun Devil fans will be pleased to know that Illinois ranked No. 6 in the nation in sacks (3.15 per game) and 4th in tackles for loss (7.92 per game).
In 2009, West was Graham's co-defensive coordinator at Tulsa. Prior to that, he spent 10 years at his alma mater Clemson, where he played offensive line during the 1977 and 1978 seasons. Returning to Clemson, he was the offensive line coach from 1998 to 2002 before moving over to coach the linebackers for the final five seasons of his tenure.
He began his coaching career with stops at West Alabama, North Texas and Texas Tech as a position coach before becoming Louisiana-Lafayette's defensive coordinator for seven years. West then coached offensive lines at Baylor for four seasons and Tulane before his time at Clemson.
At ASU, he will serve as co-defensive coordinator alongside Paul Randolph.
West's hiring would have completed Graham's staff, but last week running backs coach Chris Thomsen left Tempe to take over the offensive line coaching duties at Texas Tech.
Follow me on Twitter @BDenny29 for the latest on ASU football
ASU Football Roster 2012: Strengths, Weaknesses And Sun Devil Wild Card
Yesterday was an awesome day to be a fan of college football. Not only did coach Todd Graham put together a very respectable class on National Signing Day, but he gave Sun Devils fans across the nation a glimpse into the future. Guess what? The future is looking pretty bright.
While we've all pored over the list of new Devils and thought about how they'd fit into the 3-3-5 and the spread offense, the time has come to take the first glimpse at the strengths and weaknesses of the Arizona State roster going into 2012.
Strengths
Running backs: Without a question, the best position on the ASU roster in terms of depth, talent and versatility goes to the workhorses in the backfield. Cameron Marshall returns for his senior season, hoping to build on his 18 touchdown, 1,050 rushing yard junior campaign.
Deantre Lewis should be back after missing last season, while the talented Jamal Miles will continue to see snaps out of the backfield. D.J. Foster and Marion Grice, both four star recruits that signed yesterday, should compete immediately for snaps and provide a very exciting position battle from spring practice all the way up to the season opener against Northern Arizona.
ASU Football: Full Spring Practice Schedule Released
National Signing Day is tomorrow, but the first practices that new head coach Todd Graham will hold for his returning players and recruits has been released.
On March 13th, the Sun Devils will open Spring Practice. The 15 practices will continue through April 19th and most will be open to the public. In one of the better traditions around, the Spring Game will be held on April 21st at 1pm at Sun Devil Stadium, immediately following Pat's Run (register here). Admission to the Spring Game is free for all fans.
The full schedule is below, and all practices will be held at the Bill Kajikawa Practice Facility unless noted.
March 13th, 4:00-6:00pm
March 14th, 4:00-6:00pm
March 15th, 4:00-6:00pm
March 27th, 4:00-6:00pm
March 29th, 4:00-6:00pm
March 31st, 9:00- 11:00am at Sun Devil Stadium
April 3rd, 4:00-6:00pm
April 4th, 4:00-6:00pm
April 5th, 4:00-6:00pm
April 10th, 4:00-6:00pm
April 12th, 4:00-6:00pm
April 14th, 9:00-11:00am at Sun Devil Stadium
April 17th, 4:00-6:00pm
April 19th, 4:00-6:00pm
Spring Game: April 21, 1:00pm Sun Devil Stadium
Follow me on Twitter @BDenny29 for the latest on ASU football
ASU WR T.J. Simpson Denied Sixth Year Of Eligibility, According To Source
While the rest of the college football world focuses on the upcoming National Signing Day, one young man was waiting to learn his fate. T.J. Simpson, who tore his ACL in spring practice, missed the entire 2011 season while he went through the arduous process of healing his body.
Simpson applied for a sixth year of eligibility in order to improve his chances of getting drafted, as he would likely be the #1 wide receiver on the Sun Devils depth chart in 2012. According to ASUDevils.com, Simpson's request was denied.
Source: WR T.J. Simpson wasn't given a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA and will now train for ASU's pro day and potential pro workouts
— ASUDevils.com (@ASUDevilscom) January 31, 2012
A talented wide receiver, Simpson figured to get plenty of snaps in 2011 before his injury. In 2010, Simpson caught 29 passes for 481 yards, with his best game coming against USC, where he grabbed eight receptions for 95 yards.
Should this report be true, it would be a big loss for a depleted offensive unit. We wish Simpson the best of luck as he attempts to become an NFL wide receiver.
Follow me on Twitter (@cwilliams2k4) for my thoughts on ASU sports and the finer things in life.
New Speak Of The Devils Podcast: D.J. Foster, Top 10 Recruits And Signing Day Predictions
Signing Day is just a day away on February 1st and in this bonus Speak of the Devils, we make sure you have the latest and most detailed information so you'll be in the know as the faxes are flying.
First, we examine the big news of D.J. Foster's decision to be a Sun Devil, before giving you the latest news from a very busy final weekend of recruiting. In the main event, we break down the Top 10 remaining uncommitted ASU targets and make the bold predicitons of where they will eventually sign.
For Sun Devil fans, this is can't a can't miss podcast.
Todd Graham: A Pre-Signing Day Approval Rating Poll
National Letter of Intent Day is now just under a week away (February 1st for those scoring at home), and that marks the first major event of the Todd Graham era.
When he was hired on December 14th, Graham inherited a program in complete disarray. The team had lost four straight games that had cost them a once certain South division title, the culture around the program was toxic, key recruits and assistant coaches were leaving for division rivals, and the fanbase and boosters were either livid or pushed into apathy by the school's terrible coaching search. Then, just three weeks later, he lost his two most prominent players on each side of the ball--Brock Osweiler and Vontaze Burfict--to the NFL Draft.
Yet, as January draws to a close, Graham has done something nearly impossible--he's restored faith in the program.
He's assembled a very talented, if under-the-radar staff. He's aggressively hit the recruiting trail and not only has he salvaged a large number of key recruits, he's expanding ASU's reach and making strides in keeping local prospects in state. Graham's also bringing a strong sense of discipline and accountability to a program and roster that had spent five listless years under Dennis Erickson.
But most importantly, he's brought back a sense of optimism that for once doesn't feel misplaced. ASU fans have been duped by false hopes and promises more times than anyone would care to count. But the early returns on Graham have been far better than most could have realistically hoped for back in December. He's laying down a strong foundation from which he and his staff can build a consistent winner.
So far he's talked the talk and walked the walk. We'll see on February 1st how many recruits have decided to start "speaking victory" with Graham.
Six weeks after his hire, how would you rate the early work of Todd Graham and his staff?
Follow me on Twitter @BDenny29 for the latest on ASU sports
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