No surprises on Arizona State football’s 1st depth chart of 2021
Aug 31, 2021, 10:21 AM | Updated: 10:25 am
Wide receiver LV Bunkley-Shelton #2 of the Arizona State Sun Devils makes a reception against the UCLA Bruins during the first half of the NCAAF game at Sun Devil Stadium on December 05, 2020 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
There weren’t any grand surprises springing up on the first depth chart for the Arizona State football team heading into a season opener against Southern Utah.
Jayden Daniels will start at quarterback, a two- or three-headed monster at running back will support him, and a number of young receivers will get their chances.
Defensively, the Sun Devils will miss defensive tackle Jermayne Lole, a Pro Football Focus preseason All-American who is out for the year with a triceps injury.
But there’s tons of experience behind him and from the interior of the D-line through the secondary.
Here’s ASU’s depth chart heading into the season and a few numbers that stick out.
5
There are five unsettled position battles listed as an “OR.”
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At running back, that’s no surprise with Rachaad White and DeaMonte Trayanum coming off strong 2020 seasons — and with Daniyel Ngata not far behind them.
At receiver, Andre Johnson and transfer Bryan Thompson are listed as co-starters at X. Ricky Pearsall and L.V. Bunkley-Shelton are co-starters at H.
There other two “OR” designations are on special teams. Head coach Herm Edwards does not appear overly confident at kicker, where Logan Tyler and Eddie Czaplicki are listed as co-starters with Cristian Zendejas potentially aiming to return to Arizona State after entering the transfer portal.
Punt returner is less of a concern, with White or cornerback Chase Lucas are potential options to start the year.
1
There is only one true freshman listed on the depth chart as a starter.
That would be Czaplicki, who in addition to potentially seeing time as a kicker will also start at punter.
8
Nine starters have three years of experience with the Sun Devils under Edwards. Eight of them are on defense.
That list includes: Defensive linemen Shannon Forman, D.J. Davidson and Tyler Johnson; linebackers Darien Butler, Kyle Soelle and Merlin Robertson; defensive backs Chase Lucas and Evan Fields.
Tight end Curtis Hodges is the only offensive player with three or more years of experience with ASU.
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