:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69778577/ASU_football_Practice__0094_By_Zac_BonDurant.0.jpg)
A team can’t have a dominating run game without a good offensive line. Arizona State returns a lot of experience to its front and arguably has one of the better group of Sun Devil blockers in recent memory.
The Starting Outlook
Dohnovan West is one of the best offensive lineman in the conference, and leaves no doubt about his spot at center. However, if West to miss time, his replacement is not as clear as other positions.
Kellan Diesch (left tackle) and Henry Hattis (right guard) return to Tempe after transferring in last year and gaining an extra year of eligibility. Diesch, a former highly-touted recruit, was a bit of a surprise last season. He didn’t bring a lot of experience, but played really well for Arizona State. Diesch was Pro Football Focus’s pick for first-team left tackle for the PFF Preseason College Football All-Pac-12 Team.
Ben Scott (right tackle) and LaDarius Henderson (left guard) are likely the other two starters. Each have seen starting time in their young careers and offer position versatility. Offensive line is a group that can be defined by its weakest link. For Arizona State, it’s led by two stars paired with three solid starters.
The Depth
Offensive line coach Mike Cavanaugh tabbed Spencer Lovell as the six-man in the offensive rotation meaning he’ll likely come in if an injury were to occur. Freshman Isaia Glass has seen first-team snaps when Scott missed some time during camp.
After the top six players, the offensive line has a lot of names and a lot of questions. The Sun Devils brought in a pair of transfers, but neither has much or any experience. Triston Miller comes from North Carolina as a former four-star recruit and Sione Veikoso has an impressive frame, however, he’s coming off two-year church mission.
Jarrett Bell and Ralph Frias enter their fourth year in the program, yet have really only been and are seen as backup options. The young crowd includes Austin Barry, Armon Bethea, and Ezra Dotson-Oyetade, an incoming freshman that was a four-star center and might be the best option if West were to go down.
Overall, it’s clear that Arizona State has invested in the offensive line as there is plenty of talent. However, all five current starters are not going to make it through the season starting every game because it truly never happens. The Sun Devils will likely need a role player to step up in a situation. All in all, it is a good group and as long as Diesch and West avoid missing any type of major time, it shouldn’t be a weak point for Arizona State.
Read more positional groups previews: