ASU Football: Jermayne Lole set to have triceps surgery, season in doubt

Even in the desert, when it rains it pours. The offseason has been tough on the Arizona State football program, and Friday certainly didn’t change that path. Coach Herm Edwards informed reporters following Friday’s practice that defensive tackle Jermayne Lole will have surgery for a triceps injury this upcoming Tuesday and saying “it doesn’t look good,” likely putting Lole’s available for the season in doubt.

Lole, who was a preseason All-Pac-12 first-team pick, appeared to be in-line for a big season. Arguable the most talented player on the Sun Devil, his position will certainly leave a big hole to fill. Lole has NFL draft talent and aspirations, he was the top-graded interior defender in the Pac-12 by Pro Football Focus, meaning Arizona State will need someone to really step up in his absence.

The two players likely to take time in Lole’s three-technique spot are veteran Shannon Forman or freshman Omarr Norman-Lott. The best case for Arizona State is that Norman-Lott, a highly-ranked recruit and a player that has had a good preseason camp, steps up into the main role and Arizona State can trust the experienced Forman to take some of the load off the youngster’s shoulders.

Either way if Lole is able to return this season or not, it certainly impacts this season’s outlook for the Sun Devils.