ASU Football: Sterling-Cole leads first-team offense at Wednesday practice

The Arizona State Sun Devils continued work at the Kajikawa Practice Field on Wednesday ahead of their matchup against the Colorado Buffaloes.

The team worked through takeaway, tracking and tempo drills in front of the media.

Quarterback Update

Freshman Dillon Sterling-Cole directed the first team during tempo drills today.

Sterling-Cole will make his first career start in place of Wilkins if he’s unable to play, with freshman receiver Jack Smith and redshirt-sophomore safety Coltin Gerhart being prepped as emergency options.

Smith directed the second team and Gerhart the third team units during tempo drills for the second consecutive day.

Each of the three quarterbacks listed at the top of Arizona State’s depth chart is currently nursing an injury.

Manny Wilkins (high left ankle sprain) walked through stretches, then threw with a coach during takeaway drills. Head coach Todd Graham said Tuesday he is “hopeful” Wilkins can play this week. Monday, Graham said his plan is to have Wilkins practice by Thursday.

Quarterback Brady White was ruled out for the remainder of the season Monday after suffering a right foot injury during his first career start against UCLA. The injury will reportedly keep him out 10-12 months.

Quarterback Bryce Perkins—who was a part of the three-man competition at quarterback during the offseason prior to suffering a neck injury—was not in attendance at today’s practice.

Orr, Perry update

Starting cornerback Kareem Orr, who exited during the first half of the Sun Devils’ victory over UCLA, once again sported a brace over his right knee and had a noticeable limp.

Starting safety Armand Perry was again wearing a sleeve over his right leg, which was padded over the knee.

Neither player was on Muscle Beach. Orr stood on the side during drills as an observer, jogging a little behind the defensive back group as they jogged from drill to drill.

Graham said Tuesday both Orr and Perry should play Saturday.

Linebacker Christian Sam (left ankle) was not seen during today’s practice. Offensive lineman Tyson Rising was the lone inhabitant of Muscle Beach today, working on a stationary bike.

Tempo Drills

Three offensive units worked through a series of plays against no defense. Here’s how they lined up and performed:

First Team Offense

Dillon Sterling-Cole (QB); Demario Richard (RB); N’Keal Harry (WR), Jalen Harvey (WR), Tim White (slot); Kody Kohl (TE, H-back); Evan Goodman (LT), Sam Jones (LG), AJ McCollum (C), Stephon McCray (RG), Quinn Bailey (RT)

Possession Summary:

• Richard inside run
• Sterling-Cole complete angle route Richard short
• Sterling-Cole complete short RPO swing to Tim White
• Sterling-Cole incomplete Harry (threw early)
• Richard inside run TD

Second Team

Jack Smith (QB); Nick Ralston (RB); Ellis Jefferson (WR), Cameron Smith (WR), Frederick Gammage (slot); Raymond Epps (TE, H-back); Cohl Cabral (LT), Alex Losoya (LG), Tyler McClure (C), Steven Miller (RG), Mason Walter (RT)

Possession Summary:

• Ralston inside run
• Smith complete short
• Smith complete swing RPO to Gammage
• Smith complete Smith TD

Third Team

The unit featured Coltin Gerhart at QB, Jason Lewis at RB, and Terrell Chatman at WR. The group concluded its session with an inside-run by Lewis for a TD.