ASU Football: Spring Practice Report (3/6)

The Arizona State Sun Devils had their last practice before taking a break for the university’s spring break next week.

Last Practice: Wednesday, March 4

Next Practice: Tuesday, March 17

Injury Report

Wide receiver Frank Darby and offensive linemen Cody Shear continued to be sidelined by injury. Linebackers Stanley Lambert, Merlin Robertson, Jordan Banks, running back A.J. Carter, safety Cam Phillips were all absent from practice. Linebacker Darien Butler was limited and cornerback Jack Jones wore his green, non-contact jersey again.

What Went On

Both the offense and defense showed different looks on Friday. The defense used more of its nickel set bringing on an another defense back, usually either Jordan Clark or T Lee, instead of a third linebacker. Meanwhile, the offense started in 12 personnel with Nolan Matthews and Curtis Hodges return to practice. They later went three and four wide receiver (Hodges and Matthews both extended out to a slot/Y position).

The defense had a good day getting their hands on the ball. Jayden Daniels tried finding Ricky Pearsall on a crosser, Aashari Crosswell jumped the route for a near interception. A few plays later he made the catch after Daniels flung a deep ball that appeared to be a miscommunication between him and the receiver. Crosswell ended up grabbing the pick in the back of the end zone.

In two non-Daniels interceptions, safety Kejuan Markham made a nice play to range over for one interception. Then defensive back Alijah Gammage found himself in the right position for a snag in the end zone. Linebacker Fritzny Niclasse also tipped a pass as well.

Chase Lucas had nice coverage on Andre Johnson on a deep route forcing Johnson to almost make a one-handed catch that eventually dropped. Johnson got the best of Jack Jones on a corner route that Daniels missed on a would-be touchdown. Herm Edwards pulled Jones aside to talk about shoulder alignment and staying on the top of the receiver once he makes his break.

The kickers struggled on Friday. Cristin Zendejas, Kevin Macias and Jack Luckhurst missed six straight attempts until Zendejas put one in on the seventh try from 35 yards out. After Keith Davis beat freshman cornerback Macen Williams for a deep touchdown, Zendejas lined up for the extra point and Lucas called out “you don’t get seven tries this time.”

Depth Chart:

First-Team Offense

QB: Jayden Daniels

RB: DeaMonte Trayanum/Daniyel Ngata

FB: Case Hatch

WR: Ricky Pearsall, Andre Johnson

TE: Nolan Matthews, Curtis Hodges

OL: Kellen Diesch (LT), Ben Bray (LG), Ben Scott (C), Jarrett Bell (RG), LaDarius Henderson (RT)

First-Team Defense

DL: Michael Matus, D.J. Davidson, Jermayne Lole, Shannon Forman

LB: Elijah Juarez, Caleb McCullough

DB: Chase Lucas (CB), Jack Jones (CB), Evan Fields (SAF), Aashari Crosswell (SAF), Jordan Clark (Nickel)

Second-Team Offense

QB: Jack Smith/Trenton Bourguet

RB: Demetrious Flowers

WR: Brandon Pierce, Jordan Kerley, Keith Davis

TE: Nolan Matthews, Curtis Hodges

OL: Ralph Frias (LT), Ben Bray (LG), Eddie Medina (C), Roman DeWys (RG), Alijah Bates (RT)

Second-Team Defense

DL: Alexander Randle , T.J. Pesefea, Stephon Wright, Amiri Johnson

LB:Caleb McCullough, Fritzny Niclasse

DB: Keon Markham (CB), Timarcus Davis (CB), Connor Soelle (SAF), KJ Jarrell /Kejuan Markham (SAF), T Lee (Nickel)