Look for new comers to again be the difference for ASU this year.
As far as A-Sate goes, it has been their ability to add real 'impact player' to their returning talent as much as anything, that has allowed them to win or share the last 3 titles.
This year is different only in the fact there are a lot more 'star' players joining the returnees (I'm counting redshirts and transfers), and from practice thus far most are making their presence known and should make a huge difference for an ASU team already noted for having a large number of 'star' players.
Junior transfer Kyle Harris (the player that had starts in the SEC), looks like a sure bet to make the 2-deep at tackle and has been getting some reps with the 1st team.
Daniel Keith (who turned down the likes of Miami, Louisville and a host of others) is making a strong push to be the backup the other tackle position, and like Harris has been getting reps with the #1's. The guys ahead of them while young are also 'star', quality players, so that bodes well for ASU at that position.
Tyler Trison (the JR transfer who made some JC All American teams, and who started out at Oregon State), has been dinged up a little but has performed very well at receiver, and should be a quality addition to the 2-deep.
True freshman, and 3-star recruit Blake Mack (6-2, 200, Fr), who was one of the big gets last year, has drawn the praise of everyone and could land a starting job.
A trio of 3-star redshirts, Dijon Paschal(6-1, 200), Carl Lee Jr (6-2, 200) and Brandon Cox (5-8, 167) are showing why they got 3 stars at receiver, and all look like they will contribute. That they are not expected to start , shows just how much talent ASU has at this position.
TJ Turner (6-1, 210, So), the transfer from Arkansas, and former all SEC freshman team player, has been practicing with the 1st team, and looks like he will be as good as advertised ,if he has completed his class work.
Highly recruited 3-Star db Blaze Taylor (5-9, 170), (Troopers son ,who turned down the likes of Nebraska, Auburn, Tennessee and others) , is listed as the #2 CB.
Like the receiver position A-State is bringing in a host of 3-Star players in the secondary. Nehemia Wagner(6'1, 175, Fr), Charles Grant (5-10, 190), Kaleb Caston (6-1, 190), and Kahri Layne (5-10, 185) are doing very well as is redshirt freshman 3-star Jeremy Fulcher (6, 177). May be another week before their roles in ASU's already deep and talented defensive backfield (maybe the best in G5) are established, but the coaches are high on all these players.
Redshirt freshman QB Cameron Birse(6-2, 215 FR-R), who turned down PAC 10 schools to sign with A-State, has been getting some reps at the #2 spot, but is more likely going to be #3 this year, if he holds off 3-star freshman recruit James Tabary (6-2, 195), who has looked very good .
3-star DL recruit Chuck Ota (6'1, 285, Fr) is in the mix to make the 2-deep, and will play as a true.
If eligible 3-star punter Austin McGehee (6, 200, Fr,), who signed with Purdue but changed his mind, should be the starter.
In addition to these 'star' players several other newbie's are expected contribute this year:
Ja’Von Jones (6-2, 240, FR-R) , Jonah Hill (6-2, 245, Fr-R) Jabari Mathieu (6-2, 240, JR-R) , and Carderious Dean (6‐2, 235, Jr-Tr.)all should play a lot at DE, and are very athletic. Coaches have been very high on Jones.
New comers Charles Alexander (6-4,300, Jr, Tr),Marcus Hudson (6-4, 265, Fr) , Clifford Thomas(6-3, 280, Fr-RS) and Eugene Sutton (6-3, 275, Fr), all are in line for PT on the DL.
Highly recruited true freshman OL Christian Beard (6-4, 270, Fr) has moved inside on the OL, and has a chance to contribute as a true.
Late addition,JC transfer Jonathan Hamalton ( 6, 290, Jr), appears set to be the #2 center.
True freshmen Terrance Hollingsworth (5-9, 190, Fr),Brandon Byner, (5-11, 175), and Daryl Rollins-Davis,( 5-9, 175), all have shots a earning PT this year, at RB (Davis may end up at receiver).
Jamaris Hart (5-9, 170, Fr-R) should see PT in the secondary, and on special teams.
In addition there are a couple of other transfers from P5 programs that are trying to join the team for this year.
When your game plan is to play so fast the other team 'pukes' (which is their game plan according to their HC), depth is critical, and especially when so many backups are the 'star' players so coveted by the G5's. A-State again appears to at the head of the SBC class when it comes to overall talent, and again this year quality depth could be the difference for them.
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