ASU LB Jay Jay Wilson to return from suspension against Michigan State

TEMPE, Ariz. — ASU linebacker Jay Jay Wilson will return from a team suspension, head coach Herm Edwards said Monday.

Wilson has been suspended since the middle of August.

Edwards said at the time that it was “a team-related situation.”

The senior linebacker is now slotted to return to practice this week and play against Michigan State on Saturday.

Though Wilson has missed more than two weeks of practice, Edwards didn’t express doubt that he would be prepared to play.

“If he practices he’s going to play. When you don’t practice, you don’t play for me,” Edwards said Monday. “If you practice, you get an opportunity to play.”

Wilson, who transitioned from tight end to linebacker last season to replace the injured Koron Crump, was expected to be a leader among the young defenders for ASU this season.

He was ranked the No. 33 outside linebacker recruit coming out of high school.

With defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales rotating defenders on and off the field frequently, Wilson can be a constant if he’s prepared to play.

“He has a veteran presence to his self. The guys respect him,” Edwards said. “He’s a good, he’s a tough football player.”

Against a team like No. 11 MSU, that will be a benefit for the Sun Devils.

“This is a game he kind of likes because it’s a big, physical team, he’s a physical player,” Edwards said. “He has some athleticism that you can’t teach, just his gift. It’ll be good to get him back playing.”

Running back Trelon Smith will not return this week.

He missed the first game and will remain out due to a “coach’s decision,” Edwards said.

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