ASU defense shows improvement since spring game during camp scrimmage
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSFinal day at Camp Tontozona for ASU football team | 2:25
Jeff Metcalfe and Doug Haller of azcentral sports wrap up the final practice of the Arizona State University football team at Camp Tontozona, Saturday, August 5, 2017. Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSTodd Graham after Camp T practice Thursday | 2:22
ASU coach Todd Graham talks to reporters following Thursday’s practice.
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSASU’s Todd Graham on Sun Devil leadership | 0:57
Arizona State head coach Todd Graham discusses Sun Devil leadership at Camp Tontozona. By Rob Schumacher
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSASU Football: wrapping up Day 3 at Camp T | 1:38
azcentral sports Doug Haller wraps-up Day 3 of ASU football practice at Camp Tontozona. By Rob Schumacher
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSTuesday at Camp Tontozona: ‘Probably our best day’ | 1:31
Arizona State coach Todd Graham said he liked applying a little adversity with 3 ‘gassers’ at the end of practice on Tuesday at Camp Tontozona. Video: Doug Haller/azcentral sportsl
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSMonday at Camp T: ASU coach Todd Graham | 1:28
Arizona State head coach Todd Graham talks about defensive back Chase Lucas at Camp Tontozona. Rob Schumacher/ azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSVideo: Day 1 at Camp Tontozona for ASU | 1:46
The Sun Devils opened Camp Tontozona on Monday, July 31 with a morning practice on their field tucked amid the pine trees outside Payson, Arizona. Follow @doughaller at week for updates on ASU. Wochit
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSDay 1 at Camp T: Greg Moore and Doug Haller | 2:41
azcentral sports Greg Moore and Doug Haller wrap up Day 1 at Arizona State’s Camp Tontozona. Video: Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSWhat ASU fans should know about Camp Tontozona | 1:07
Arizona State football pays an annual visit to Camp Tontozona as part of its preseason training camp every season. Video: azcentral sports Wochit
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSASU football leaves for Camp Tontozona | 2:59
Coach Todd Graham on his sixth trip to Tontozona and Frank Kush legacy Jeff Metcalfe/azcsports
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSASU players share favorite Todd Graham moments | 2:15
Blake Barnett, Chase Lucas, Kalen Ballage and others talk a few favorite moments about Todd Graham. Some even offer up their impressions of their head coach. Patrick Breen/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSTodd Graham talks shorter halftimes and linebacker depth before camp | 2:21
ASU’s head coach gives a quick chat with reporters before Media Day on Saturday. Patrick Breen/azcsports
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSDoug Haller at Pac-12 Media Days in Los Angeles | 2:58
Doug Haller from azcentral sports and Paul Myerberg from USA TODAY Sports discuss the Pac-12 Media Days and Arizona State’s chances in 2017. Video: USA TODAY Sports
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSPAC-12 media days: Washington has bullseye on its back | 1:53
USA TODAY Sports’ Paul Myerberg breaks down Day 1 of the PAC-12 media days. USA TODAY Sports
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSASU wide receivers John Humphrey and Ryan Newsome | 2:22
Transfers talking about ASU wide receiver depth and new defensive backs. Video: Jeff Metcalfe/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSASU Head Coach Todd Graham, OC Billy Napier and QBs talk after practice | 2:00
Quarterbacks Manny Wilkins and Blake Barnett, offensive coordinator Billy Napier and coach Todd Graham discuss the first day of practice. By Sam Caravana/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSCoach Todd Graham gives tour of new Student Athlete Facility | 2:51
Members of the media were given their first look at the new Student Athlete Facility in the north end zone of Sun Devil Stadium. The facility is state of the art, according to Head Coach Todd Graham. Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSASU football: Breaking of the rock | 1:12
ASU football ended summer workouts on Wednesday, July 19 with its tradition of breaking a rock.
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSImportant dates for ASU football’s 2017 preseason | 1:16
Fans of Arizona State football should keep these key dates in mind as the Sun Devils’ preseason approaches. Wochit
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSPaying homage to ASU legend Frank Kush | 1:29
Raul Monreal, 45, Chandler, brings flowers to the statue of Arizona State University Head Coach Frank Kush outside Sun Devil Stadium, Thursday, June 22, 2017. Monreal, from ASU Class of 1995, is a big fan of Kush. Tom Tingle/azcentral.com
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSASU football legend Frank Kush passes away at 88 | 1:51
Former ASU coach Frank Kush leaves a lasting memory for Sun Devil fans. Wochit
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSASU’s West Side Club at Sun Devil Stadium | 0:49
Ray Anderson (ASU Vice President for Athletics) talks about ASU’s new club level seating at Sun Devil Stadium on June 23, 2017.
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSMixed emotions: Kush’s death; draft excitement | 1:55
Jay Dieffenbach and Dan Bickley give tribute to former ASU football coach Frank Kush and discuss the NBA draft in our Shot Clock video.
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSBreaking down Arizona State football’s 2017 schedule | 1:47
A look at each game in the Sun Devils’ 2017 season Wochit
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSASU football – 10 players to watch in 2017 | 2:05
Here are 10 Arizona State football players whose performance in 2017 will go a long way toward determining if the Sun Devils will have their first winning season since 2014. Wochit
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSASU football: 5 areas of concern | 1:00
azcentral sports’ Jeff Metcalfe takes a look at some pressing issues for the Sun Devils heading into 2017. Wochit
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSWho will be the starting QB at ASU? | 0:43
Jay Dieffenbach and Doug Haller discuss: Will it be newcomer Blake Barnett, or will Manny Wilkins hold on to the job? Video: azcentral sports Wochit
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS5 observations from ASU spring football | 1:18
Jeff Metcalfe takes a closer look at some of the top issues surrounding the Sun Devils football team. Video: azcentral sports Wochit
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSEarly preseason top 10 college football teams for 2017 | 1:02
The college football season doesn’t start until the fall but it’s never too early to start looking ahead. USA TODAY Sports
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSWide receivers shine in ASU football spring game | 2:52
Wide receivers, including John Humphrey and Ryan Newsome, were the headliners Saturday at the Arizona State football spring game.
Credit: Jeff Metcalfe, David Kadlubowski/Arizona Republic Wochit
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSASU shows off some offense in spring game | 0:54
Offensive highlights from ASU’s spring game on Saturday.
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSSights from ASU football’s spring game | 0:53
Hyperlapse of ASU’s spring football game.
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTS2017 ASU Spring Game & Fan Fest | 0:49
Here’s what you need to know before you head to ASU’s Spring Game and Fan Fest on Saturday. Wochit
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSTodd Graham: ‘The big thing is to get better fundamentally’ | 2:37
Arizona State head football coach Todd Graham talks about his team’s second spring scrimmage on Friday, April 7. Video: Jeff Metcafle/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSASU coach Graham on Richard, Hill and more | 3:15
ASU football coach Todd Graham talks about Demario Richard, Christian Hill and more after spring practice on Wednesday, April 5.
Credit: Jeff Metcalfe, Nick Oza/Arizona Republic Wochit
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSASU defensive line coach Michael Slater gives instructions at practice | 0:27
ASU defensive line coach Michael Slater gives instructions to his players at Monday’s workout in Tempe. Video: azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSTodd Graham speaks after ASU holds first spring scrimmage | 2:28
Coach Todd Graham says defense came out ahead by limiting big plays during ASU’s first spring scrimmage on Wednesday. Jeff Metcalfe/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSASU football completes second week of spring practice | 3:14
Arizona State football completed its sixth spring practice Friday at Sun Devil Stadium with nine practices remaining over the next three weeks. The spring game is April 15. Wochit
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSTodd Graham on new consultants White, Christensen | 2:11
ASU football coach Todd Graham discusses hiring Danny White and Dave Christensen as consultants. Jeff Metcalfe/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSASU QB Blake Barnett on starting spring | 2:36
Quarterback Blake Barnett, a transfer from Alabama, is in his first year at Arizona State. He is competing with four returners to be the starting QB.
Credit: Jeff Metcalfe, Rob Schumacher, Nick Oza, Thomas Hawthorne/Arizona Republic Wochit
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSTodd Graham on opening of ASU spring practice | 0:57
Arizona State head coach Todd Graham discusses the first day of football spring practice on March 14, 2017 at the Kajikawa Practice Facility in Tempe, Ariz. By Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSASU football opens spring practice | 1:33
ASU football begins sixth season under coach Todd Graham with five new assistant coaches. (Jeff Metcalfe/azcentral sports)
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSTransfer QB Blake Barnett on coming to ASU to compete | 1:10
Transfer quarterback Blake Barnett talks about coming to ASU to compete for the starting job on Wednesday. Thomas Hawthorne/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSBilly Napier discusses first day of ASU practice | 1:05
Arizona State offensive coordinator Billy Napier discusses the first day of football spring practice on March 14, 2017 at the Kajikawa Practice Facility in Tempe, Ariz. By Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSTodd Graham talks staffing challenges, 2017 season | 3:01
ASU football coach Todd Graham talks about the challenge of hiring “good people” and losing them to other schools entering ASU’s 2017 season on Wednesday. Thomas Hawthorne/azcentral sports
Tuesday at Camp Tontozona: ‘Probably our best day’
Monday at Camp T: ASU coach Todd Graham
Video: Day 1 at Camp Tontozona for ASU
Day 1 at Camp T: Greg Moore and Doug Haller
What ASU fans should know about Camp Tontozona
ASU football leaves for Camp Tontozona
ASU players share favorite Todd Graham moments
Todd Graham talks shorter halftimes and linebacker depth before camp
Doug Haller at Pac-12 Media Days in Los Angeles
PAC-12 media days: Washington has bullseye on its back
ASU wide receivers John Humphrey and Ryan Newsome
ASU Head Coach Todd Graham, OC Billy Napier and QBs talk after practice
Coach Todd Graham gives tour of new Student Athlete Facility
ASU football: Breaking of the rock
Important dates for ASU football’s 2017 preseason
Paying homage to ASU legend Frank Kush
ASU football legend Frank Kush passes away at 88
ASU’s West Side Club at Sun Devil Stadium
Mixed emotions: Kush’s death; draft excitement
Breaking down Arizona State football’s 2017 schedule
ASU football – 10 players to watch in 2017
ASU football: 5 areas of concern
Who will be the starting QB at ASU?
5 observations from ASU spring football
Early preseason top 10 college football teams for 2017
Wide receivers shine in ASU football spring game
ASU shows off some offense in spring game
Sights from ASU football’s spring game
2017 ASU Spring Game & Fan Fest
Todd Graham: ‘The big thing is to get better fundamentally’
ASU coach Graham on Richard, Hill and more
ASU defensive line coach Michael Slater gives instructions at practice
Todd Graham speaks after ASU holds first spring scrimmage
ASU football completes second week of spring practice
Todd Graham on new consultants White, Christensen
ASU QB Blake Barnett on starting spring
Todd Graham on opening of ASU spring practice
ASU football opens spring practice
Transfer QB Blake Barnett on coming to ASU to compete
Billy Napier discusses first day of ASU practice
Todd Graham talks staffing challenges, 2017 season
CAMP TONTOZONA – The longer Arizona State football scrimmaged Saturday, the easier it became to credit the defense for offensive problems that persisted through the entire first half.
The defense, under new coordinator Phil Bennett, forced six consecutive punts and limited the offense to two field goals – one a 49-yarder – prior to a mid-scrimmage break. Then there were two more punts after the break before the first-team offense finally reached the end zone when running back Kalen Ballage broke a tackle by linebacker DJ Calhoun to score on a 34-yard pass play.
“We didn’t want them to score,” linebacker Christian Sam said. “We have a long ways to go. This is a stepping stone going forward, but we need to get back to practice and make adjustments. It’s like the regular season, keep getting better to a level we know we can be. As a defense, we’re jelling together. Bennett and the whole staff have us on the right track.”
ASU’s three quarterbacks – Manny Wilkins, Blake Barnett and Sterling Dillon-Cole – were sacked a combined eight times. Six of those were against Barnett, primarily working with the No. 2 offense against the No. 1 defense.
Wilkins threw the touchdown pass to Ballage and late in the scrimmage during red zone work from the 25-yard line, Barnett rolled out off play action and hit Kyle Williams for a TD. Mostly, though, the quarterbacks were kept in check.
Khaylan Thomas intercepted Barnett, who appeared to misread the coverage, and the sophomore linebacker returned the pick for a touchdown. Safety Chad Adams had an interception of a Wilkins’ cross-field pass but dropped the ball, allowing John O’Brien to convert a 35-yard field goal.
All in all, the defense was much improved over the spring game April 15 when transfer wide receivers John Humphrey and Ryan Newsome combined for five touchdown receptions against a secondary still hung over from finishing last nationally in passing yards allowed in 2015 and 2016.
Bennett is overhauling the secondary with new personnel such as Chase Lucas, Kobe Williams, Langston Frederick, Darien Cornay, K.J. Jarrell, Alex Perry and Joey Bryant. But more than anything Saturday, constant pressure on the quarterbacks largely grounded the passing game (Wilkins threw for 114 yards and Barnett 81).
“It was fun,” Bennett said. “I told them, it’s a journey, but we’ve got a chance.”
Two days earlier, Bennett said, the defense had “sort of maxed out” from information overload. “It got foggy because they were tired. Todd (Graham) had a great idea. We spent about an hour and 20 minutes of what we call teach stuff, and it really got us back on focus. We pared it down. A lot of times when you’re doing installing, you wouldn’t necessarily run it. You just want to get it in and get a look at it. Today, we prioritized what we called.”
Sam, who missed all but the opening game last season due to injury, had eight tackles and a sack. Defensive tackle Tashon Smallwood had two sacks. Other veterans in the front seven such as Calhoun, Koron Crump and JoJo Wicker create optimism that ASU’s total defense will be appreciably better than its 2016 next-to-last national ranking.
“I think since my freshman year this was probably was best scrimmage we’ve had defensively,” Calhoun said. “Everybody running to the ball, everybody gang tackling, hitting. Just because a big play happens, nobody is going to let down. Everybody is saying we’re going to have the weakest defense. We’ve got to make a statement. Come the 31st, we’re for sure going to do that.”
ASU still has more than three weeks to navigate until its season opener against New Mexico State on Aug. 31.