The Arizona State Sun Devils wrapped up their 12th spring practice on Friday. For the first time this session, practices took place inside of the Verde Dickey Dome following rain on Thursday night.
Below are our observations from Friday's installment:
Tim White at Cornerback: On Wednesday, White practiced with the defensive back group during individual drills. When asked by members of the media, head coach Todd Graham quickly expunged any potential for media frenzy over the move by saying that they were simply just trying him out there.
Graham went on to say the part-time triple jumper had been asking the coach for an opportunity to play on the defensive side of the ball "(just about) every day" before Graham finally gave in.
On Friday, however, White once again saw action at defensive back, but wasn't limited to group drills. He lined up at boundary corner during the 11-on-11 session. On Wednesday, Graham said "there's no big story," but we're certainly monitoring the situation.
Dasmond Tautalatasi getting time at field safety: Tautalatasi saw time with the starting unit at field safety, allowing all-conference defensive back Kareem Orr to slot in at boundary corner. After practice, Graham said that when spur linebacker Laiu Moeakiola returns, he will see time at field safety, enabling him to serve a role and provide experience on the defensive side of the ball.
Quarterback Order: During 11-on-11 drills, this was the order in which they played: Bryce Perkins, Brady White, Manny Wilkins. The quarterback order is still fluid, however.
Standouts
Jay Jay Wilson: Wilson hauled in a touchdown during 11-on-11 team drills. Bryce Perkins rolled out to the far side of the field, and Wilson leaked out before turning up field for the score.
Wilson has impressed throughout spring, and figures to spell Kody Kohl in the tight-end/H-back role.
Cameron Smith: As far as I can tell, Smith is the best receiver with the team right now. He catches the ball with his hands very naturally, and does a great job of creating a wide catch radius (which is especially quarterback-friendly in a passing game predicated upon short, quick passes and quarterback accuracy).
He's going to be an important member of the ASU passing attack.
Notable Plays
- Perkins threw a long touchdown on the run to Wilson
- Gump Hayes broke up a pass during 11-on-11 team drills
- Perkins sailed a pass to the left pylon that was batted up into the air before falling safely into the hands of Jalen Harvey
- Brady White threw a touchdown pass to Ellis Jefferson