Newcomers to watch as ASU opens football practice

Entering Tuesday’s first football practice, Arizona State has holes to fill and position battles on both sides. While the program’s veterans will factor into this, several newcomers – or at least players who have not yet played for the Sun Devils — will get strong looks.

By now, everyone is aware of sophomore quarterback Blake Barnett, the Alabama transfer who will battle junior Manny Wilkins in ASU’s preseason competition. Here are others to keep an eye on:

Chase Lucas

Coach Todd Graham last season considered playing Lucas as a true freshman but held off. This season, Lucas – a former Chandler High standout – is in position to help the Sun Devils where they need the most help, at cornerback.

ASU lost both starting corners from last season; De’Chavon Hayes graduated and Kareem Orr transferred. Senior Maurice Chandler started four times in his first season out of junior college. He’ll get a shot to nail down a starting spot, as will Lucas and a host of newcomers.

John Humphrey

Humphrey was a standout in spring practice and is poised to join a talented receiving core. Problem is, the 5-11 sophomore hasn’t played in two years.

In 2015, Humphrey redshirted at Oklahoma, where he finished as the team’s Offensive Scout Player of the Year. After transferring to ASU, Humphrey sat out last season because of NCAA transfer rules.

The Sun Devils are talented at receiver. Sophomore N’Keal Harry is an All-Pac-12 candidate. In addition, Humphrey, junior Jalen Harvey, Texas transfer Ryan Newsome and sophomore Kyle Williams give offensive coordinator Billy Napier options.

Eno Benjamin

Truth: Most of ASU’s carries will go to seniors Kalen Ballage and Demario Richard. Sophomore Nick Ralston should get his share as well.

That doesn’t look promising for anyone else on the depth chart, but Benjamin might be too talented to redshirt. The 5-10, 200-pound freshman – on campus for spring practice – last season was among the top high school running backs in Texas. The AP named him Class 5A Offensive Player of the Year.

Alex Perry and Evan Fields

It’s really not much of a question. Given ASU’s situation in the secondary, the Sun Devils will need a few newcomers to contribute. Perry and Fields both are strong candidates.

The brother of former ASU safety Armand Perry (who retired for health reasons), Alex Perry comes from a strong program at Las Vegas Bishop Gorman, where he was a two-time All-State selection. In addition, Perry was a consensus four-star prospect.

Fields (6-1, 190 pounds) is another four-star prospect. Scout.com ranked him as the No. 1 safety in Oklahoma. Freshman Ty Thomas – nephew of former Miami linebacker Zach Thomas – also is expected to get a strong look.

Brandon Ruiz

There have been three unanimous All-Americans in school history. Zane Gonzalez, who last season set school and national kicking records, is one.

As a result, Ruiz likely will face pressure from the start. Given the nature of the business, that might help.

Ruiz is talented enough. Last season at Gilbert Williams Field High, he ranked among the nation’s best kickers, making 17 of 20 field goals.

D.J. Davidson

It’s not ideal to play freshmen on the defensive line, but ASU doesn’t have much depth up front, particularly at nose tackle. Davidson possibly could help.

At 6-5, 306 pounds, the Mesa Desert Ridge product — who initially signed with Central Florida —  has the size to contribute immediately, but he might be rusty. Davidson didn’t play last season and focused on academics. 

Contact Doug Haller at 602-444-4949 or at [email protected]. Follow him at Twitter.com/DougHaller. Download and listen to the ASU Pick Six Podcast.