clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

ASU Football Season Positional Grades: Offensive Line

It was an up-and-down year for the offensive line. How do we think each lineman did?

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

LT Evan Goodman — D

It was a rough season for the redshirt junior tackle. Goodman was clearly the weakest link on the offensive line and didn't look like he fit in. As Todd Graham preaches disciplined, Goodman led the team in false-start penalties with five and committed the Sun Devils' only holding penalty of the season. Granted, this was Goodman's first season as a full-time starter and he should improve next season, but a lot of pressure falls on him as ASU's only returning starter on the offensive line in 2016.

LG Christian Westerman — A-

Westerman has been the clear standout of the entire offensive line, and even could be argued as the Sun Devils' top offensive player. Westerman has been known to clear several big runs for ASU all season. Much of the world outside Tempe has taken notice — Westerman was the only Sun Devil named onto the All-Pac-12 Second Team, received an invitation to the Senior Bowl and is projected as ASU's highest draft pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.

C Nick Kelly — B

There's no clearer way to determine an offensive lineman's value than to watch how the line holds without him. When Kelly left in the middle of the USC back in late September, ASU's offense had an even harder time finding a rhythm against the Trojans in a disastrous game. Kelly has certainly boosted the offense with his leadership as a senior, and he'll be missed next season.

RG Vi Teofilo — B

Ask anyone around the ASU football program, and they'll say Teofilo is the most under-appreciated player on the team. Assuming Teofilo suits up for the Motel 6 Cactus Bowl against West Virginia on Jan. 2, he will finish his career with 43 consecutive starts. He's served as a captain for ASU before several games, and his strength has cleared the way for big runs for the Sun Devils. Teofilo's absence will certainly create a void for next season.

RT William McGehee – C+

It was an up-and-down senior year for McGehee, as this was his first and final season as a full-time starter. He had trouble staying on the field throughout the season with lingering knee problems, but he did hold some key blocks, including for Kalen Ballage's "Moonwalk" touchdown run. As both tackle positions were up in the air prior to the season, McGehee filled the spot nicely this year.

T Sam Jones — INC

Jones, a redshirt freshman, had a start season in each of the tackle positions and was the first to come in whenever there was an injury on the line. There's not enough to give him a full grade, but he was a reliable alternate off the bench and should be a lock to start with four of the five spots being open next season.

Final Grade —C+

What an interesting season for the offensive line. The Sun Devils gave up a ton of sacks in their first few games, had a three-game stretch where they allowed just one per game, and then continued to allow sacks. They finished 118th in the country in sacks allowed with 38 for the season, but they deserve some credit for ASU's progression in the run game later in the season.