Football season is here.
ASU’s first game against UC Davis may be a month away, but fall practice began on Tuesday, signaling the start of another season.
While it is hard to garner much from the first practice as nothing is really determined or set in stone, there were a few things that stood out from the Sun Devils first day of practice.
Brandon Magee sighting:
Magee was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 2011 MLB player draft, but he has not signed a contract. However, he has not declined one either.
The linebacker has not decided whether he will play football or baseball this season, but seeing him open camp with the rest of the team is certainly a welcome sight for Sun Devils fans.
Magee started 11 games for the Sun Devils a year ago and was second on the team in tackles (Burfict).
Omar Bolden:
While Bolden future on the field remains murky, his presence with the team is clear. Although the corner is still recovering from ACL surgery, and rode the bike for a good portion of practice, his presence was felt.
Bolden was very vocal and his leadership was shown. Bolden could constantly be seen talking to and coaching the young secondary, which will have a lot of their shoulders this season.
Everyone would prefer to have him on the field, but Bolden’s willingness to help his teammates will certainly have an impact on the Sun Devils ability to defend against the pass this season.
Vontaze Burfict:
This seems to be the year that Burfict finally puts everything together.
His talent has always been obvious, but sometimes his emotions and maturity let him down.
2011 seems to be different. Burfict has said all the right things to the media prior to the season and appeared to do the same in practice.
Due to the injury of Bolden, Burfict will be expected to take on more of a leadership role which he seems to have embraced as he was vocal in practice as well.