ASU’s Marshall sidelined after ankle surgery

Fans who showed up to watch Arizona State’s first post-Spring
break practice were greeted with a disconcerting image.

Senior running back Cameron Marshall, who led the team with
1,050 yards and 18 touchdowns was on crutches after undergoing
surgery on his right ankle.

However, head coach Todd Graham was quick to reassure that the
procedure on Marshall’s ankle was basically a tune-up.

“It was a deal we just needed to clean up,” Graham said. “It was
really just a routine deal that had lingered from the season that we
probably should have already done. But we wanted to make sure
we had him at 110 percent, and he was fighting through that.”

Despite the setback, Graham was very pleased with what he saw
from Marshall in spring practice, even though only one of them was
in pads. He’s also visibly enthusiastic when considering the role
Marshall will play in ASU’s offense come fall.

“He’s going to be a great back in our system, with our downhill runs
that we have and I wanted him to get a feel for those and not wait
until next fall,” Graham said.

The timetable for Marshall’s recovery is 3 to 4 weeks according to
Graham.

Other notes from Tuesday’s practice:

• Defensive end Davon Coleman returned to practice after not
participating in the first week because of a suspension.

“He finally met the standards that we need and he came out, and
we’re glad to have him back,” Graham said.

• Graham hasn’t set a depth chart at quarterback just yet, although
he said that will be coming soon. So the competition is still a
three-headed one between sophomores Mike Bercovici and Taylor
Kelly and redshirt freshman Michael Eubank.

Graham commented on the development of Eubank so far this
spring through four practices.

“I like the fact that I’m trying to strain him, and the first day I could
see it bothered him,” Graham said. “Today, he ignored it, he
ignored me, it didn’t bother him, but I’m gonna try tomorrow to see
if I can get him.”

• Graham did end his Tuesday media session by singling out one
player – linebacker Anthony Jones.

“The guy that’s been a shining light in spring, a guy that’s getting it
done in the classroom and has been bright out here on the field is
Anthony, Old Mississippi, Anthony Jones is doing a great job.”

Jones, a junior from Hamilton High School in Chandler, played in 11
games in 2011, and registered six total tackles, one tackle for loss
and one pass breakup.

• Sophomore defensive lineman Joita Te’i was not at practice
because of what Graham called failure to meet team standards.

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