Chandler’s Chase Lucas trying to lock down ASU starting job
[ad_1]
CLOSE
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
1 of 40
CLOSE
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
2 of 40
CLOSE
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
3 of 40
CLOSE
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
4 of 40
CLOSE
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
5 of 40
CLOSE
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
6 of 40
CLOSE
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
7 of 40
CLOSE
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
8 of 40
CLOSE
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
9 of 40
CLOSE
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
10 of 40
CLOSE
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
11 of 40
CLOSE
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
12 of 40
CLOSE
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.
13 of 40
CLOSE
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
14 of 40
CLOSE
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
15 of 40
CLOSE
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
16 of 40
CLOSE
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.
17 of 40
CLOSE
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.
18 of 40
CLOSE
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
19 of 40
CLOSE
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
20 of 40
CLOSE
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
21 of 40
CLOSE
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
22 of 40
CLOSE
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
23 of 40
CLOSE
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
24 of 40
CLOSE
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
25 of 40
CLOSE
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.
26 of 40
CLOSE
WATCH THE LATEST ASU FOOTBALL VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSSights from ASU football’s spring game | 0:53
Hyperlapse of ASU’s spring football game.
27 of 40
CLOSE
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
28 of 40
CLOSE
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
29 of 40
CLOSE
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
30 of 40
CLOSE
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
31 of 40
CLOSE
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
32 of 40
CLOSE
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
33 of 40
CLOSE
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
34 of 40
CLOSE
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
35 of 40
CLOSE
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
36 of 40
CLOSE
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)
37 of 40
CLOSE
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
38 of 40
CLOSE
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
39 of 40
CLOSE
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
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 — With Arizona State’s first-team offense lined up inside the 10, Chase Lucas read the situation.
The redshirt-freshman cornerback knew he had to be prepared for fade routes and comebacks. He knew junior quarterback Manny Wilkins liked to pick on him. And just before the snap, Lucas saw Wilkins look at his man, redshirt-freshman receiver Frank Darby.
At the snap, Lucas pinned Darby and tried to get to his outside shoulder. In a split second, he picked off Wilkins’ pass, racing down the field for a touchdown, the biggest play from ASU’s first practice up here among the pines.
“I looked at Manny and I knew he was going to throw the ball,’’ Lucas said, “so I jumped the route, picked it and then gave them a little sauce at the end.”
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
Last season, Graham considered playing Lucas, a true freshman who had prepped at Chandler High, but he held off. He knew Lucas was athletic enough, but he also understood the defensive back had much to learn.
This is Lucas’ audition to show that he’s ready.
“I was so excited last year, but I got shot down,’’ he said. “I’m ready this year. Coach Graham, he’s bringing in some new corners to try and scare me. I told him, ‘No, man, I’m ready to do my thing.’ I’m going to prove to everybody, the ASU fan base and the whole Pac-12 that I’m going to be one of the best cornerbacks in this league.”
As you can see, Lucas (6-foot, 178 pounds) doesn’t lack for confidence. An important detail, however, is this: Outside of his time in Tempe, he has not played defense.
“Not a lick,” Lucas said.
At Chandler High, he rushed for 2,219 yards and 25 touchdowns, and also had more than 1,000-receiving yards. He played in the U.S All-American game. And he accepted his future was on defense.
“Defense is all about reaction,” said Graham, noting Lucas’ quick feet and ability to change directions. “Some of the best defensive backs that I’ve coached were tailbacks or quarterbacks. From the word go, we always recruited (Lucas) as a DB, and he’s really actually developed faster than I even anticipated. He’s got what he needs (athletically). He’s got to get the technique down and the experience, that’s a big thing.”
Lucas said the transition from offense to defense hasn’t been easy. Working with new defensive coordinator Phil Bennett has helped. So, too, has a new approach.
“I got a killer mentality now,” Lucas said. “In high school, playing running back, I was more finesse. I wanted to get the ball and score. Now all I worry about is shutting down the person in front of me.”
Until recently, that person was sophomore N’Keal Harry, ASU’s best receiver, but Harry has sat out the past few practices with minor injuries. That Lucas was on Harry to start might suggest ASU is fast-tracking Lucas, trying to get him ready as soon as possible. At the same time, it’s still early. Much can change, especially with this construction project.
“It’s competitive,” Lucas said. “It really is, but that’s what I like. That’s how I was raised.”