Arizona State Sun Devils release first official depth chart vs. USC

You know college football is right around the corner when the depth chart finally drops.

The Arizona State Sun Devils released their first official depth chart on Monday, and no surprise, sophomore quarterback Jayden Daniels and redshirt senior wide receiver Frank Darby are set to lead the offense come Saturday against the USC Trojans.

Joining Daniels in the backfield is junior running back and transfer Rachaad White and freshman Chip Trayanum.

White will also handle kick return duties, with back up running back David Ngata behind the junior on special teams. Redshirt senior Jack Jones will return punts.

Additionally, sophomore receiver Ricky Pearsall and freshman LV Bunkley-Shelton figure to start at the “H” spot, while freshman Johnny Wilson and Geordon Porter will get the reps at the “Z.” Senior WR Curtis Hodges fills in at the “Y” position in the offense.

Along the line, redshirt freshman right tackle Ben Scott gets the start over sophomore LaDarius Henderson. Seniors Henry Hattis (RG), Cade Cote (C) and Kellen Diesch (LT) and sophomore left guard Dohnavan West join Scott in the trenches.

Defensively, the linebacker group of juniors Merlin Robertson, Darien Butler and Kyle Soelle remains intact. There is, however, a bit of a mix up up along the defensive front.

While defensive tackles D.J. Davidson and Jermayne Lole and defensive end Shannon Forman were locks to get the starting nod, redshirt sophomore defensive end Michael Matus usurps junior Tyler Johnson on the depth chart.

Johnson, who made the switch from linebacker to defensive end this season, recorded 21 tackles, 5.5 for losses, 2.5 sacks, two passes defensed and a forced fumble last season but dealt with a number of injuries. He made the decision to retire from the game in January but had a change of heart and in position.

The Sun Devils take on the Trojans Saturday at 10 a.m. Catch all the action live on Arizona Sports.

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