ASU football WR Frank Darby makes Bruce Feldman’s ‘freak’ list
Jul 26, 2020, 6:17 AM
Wide receiver Frank Darby #84 of the Arizona State Sun Devils celebrates after scoring on a 26 yard touchdown reception against the Oregon Ducks during the second half of the NCAAF game at Sun Devil Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. The Sun Devils defeated the Ducks 31-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
After two straight years in which an Arizona State wide receiver was taken in the first round of the NFL Draft, the Sun Devils are looking for the next No. 1 WR to step up.
The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman thinks it’s going to be Frank Darby.
Darby made Feldman’s annual list of college football “freaks” whose physical abilities stand out even among a group of some of the most physically imposing people on campus.
The thing that makes Darby stand out: his velocity.
The 6-1, 200-pound New Jersey native has topped out at 23 mph on GPS. He also has squatted 500 pounds.
That speed and the ability to move up the field and catch the ball on the run has made him a deep threat over his time with ASU. Over his career, he has averaged more than 20 yards per reception.
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In 2018, 50% of his targets were on deep passes, which led the Pac-12, according to his ASU bio.
Six of his eight touchdown catches in 2019 were deeper than 20 yards. Three were at least 39 yards downfield.
Darby’s velocity has helped him become an important piece of the Sun Devil offense. In his final year at ASU, he’ll look to prove he can be a No. 1 receiver.
If the “freak” indicator means anything, Darby may be able to do just that.
