ARIZONA STATE FOOTBALL

ASU coach Todd Graham looking for leaders

Aug 8, 2013, 1:24 AM | Updated: 1:25 am

Follow @AZSports...

The Arizona State football team wrapped up its second practice of fall camp Wednesday in Tempe.

Head coach Todd Graham is going into his second season with a team some think is BCS worthy.

However, Graham says his team is not at that level yet.

“Look guys, we just got here a year and a half ago,” Graham said. “You think you’re going to win a championship in your second year by going through the motions?

“It is not going to happen. You got to work at an intensity that is second to none.”

With camp just getting started, captains have not been named for the season, but Graham is giving his seniors a big voice.

“How we do that is we evaluate the people that have the most investment, not everyone gets a vote,” Graham said. “The people that have the most invested are the guys that have been here four or five years, their vote is a lot bigger than someone that just got here.

“That does not mean we don’t listen to everyone else, but being a leader, if they had a vote for who would be the head coach everyday, I probably would not win. Leadership is just something you do every day.”

Graham did call out two players by name as guys who have a big influence in the locker room.

“Our leadership on our team, I can clearly tell you that the most influential players on our football team are William Sutton and Taylor Kelly.”

Kelly started every game for the Devils last year, throwing for over 3,000 yards with 29 touchdowns and nine interceptions, and Sutton is the reigning Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year.

Other players mentioned by Graham as leaders in the locker room were running backs Marion Grice, D.J. Foster, tight end Chris Coyle, offensive lineman Evan Finkenberg and safety Alden Darby.

“Most years that I’ve been coaching, if you can name two captains, then you are doing good,” Graham said.

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Arizona State Football

Arizona State football coach Herm Edwards...

Kevin Zimmerman

NCAA levies penalties, partially rules on Arizona State recruiting violations under Herm Edwards

The NCAA levied penalties for recruiting violations by Arizona State program, which was found to have broken rules under Herm Edwards.

3 hours ago

Kenny Dillingham, Arizona State head coach...

Vincent DeAngelis

Arizona State football managing loads with spring game approaching

As Arizona State football enters the final week of its spring session, the Sun Devils look to be ramping up at just the right time.

4 hours ago

Sam Leavitt, ASU QB...

Damon Allred

Sam Leavitt to be named Arizona State starting quarterback, Jaden Rashada to enter transfer portal

Jaden Rashada is expected to leave Arizona State, as Sam Leavitt is expected to be named the starting quarterback.

20 hours ago

Kamari Lands, latest Sun Devil to enter transfer portal following 2023-24 season....

Bailey Leasure

Kamari Lands marks latest Sun Devil to enter transfer portal

Sophomore Kamari Lands, latest Sun Devil to enter transfer portal as ASU continues rebuild headed into 2024-25 season.

3 days ago

SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 19: San Antonio Brahmas head coach Hines Ward argues with officials during ...

Arizona Sports

Hines Ward to become ASU’s wide receivers coach

Former NFL wide receiver Hines Ward has agreed to join Kenny Dillingham's staff and become Arizona State’s next wide receivers coach.

6 days ago

Arizona State head football coach Kenny Dillingham in studio...

Damon Allred

Arizona State football adds 2025 3-star defensive back Xavier Skowron

Arizona State's 2025 recruiting class got a little bit bigger on Thursday with the addition of three-star defensive back Xavier Skowron.

8 days ago

ASU coach Todd Graham looking for leaders