ARIZONA STATE FOOTBALL

State of the Sun Devils podcast: Running the football

Aug 10, 2022, 11:53 AM

Arizona State running back Daniyel Ngata (4) eludes Stanford linebacker Ricky Miezan, second from l...

Arizona State running back Daniyel Ngata (4) eludes Stanford linebacker Ricky Miezan, second from left, and Stanford linebacker Gabe Reid, left, during the second half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Oct. 8, 2021, in Tempe, Ariz. Arizona State defeated Stanford 28-10. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

On the third episode of State of the Sun Devils, an Arizona Sports podcast, Jesse Morrison, Jeremy Schnell and Arizona State reporter Jake Anderson break down how ASU’s running game will look with the one-two punch of Wyoming transfer Xazavian Valladay and returning redshirt sophomore Daniyel Ngata.

The trio also discusses why Herm Edwards is playing it close to the vest when it comes to revealing who the starting quarterback will be between Florida transfer Emory Jones, Alabama transfer Paul Tyson and returning redshirt junior Trenton Bourguet after the head coach said on Monday that he will be announcing it “shortly.”

Edwards was also disappointed in his wide receivers dropping too many passes in practice on Monday, even joking that it looked like him out there trying to make grabs.

The head coach did, however, attribute the drops to ASU’s rather lengthy secondary, with six of the team’s 21 defensive backs being listed at 6-foot-2 or taller.

Off the field, Arizona State revealed one of its uniform concepts at the players and fans only open house at Sun Devil Stadium on Saturday, which prompted some less-than-stellar reviews among the fan base.

And just a short drive away in Glendale, former ASU running back and current Arizona Cardinals ballcarrier Eno Benjamin is battling to be the team’s No. 2 RB.

Benjamin also thanked and credited Edwards for everything the head coach has done for him in his football playing career — specifically preparing him for the NFL.

Arizona State Football

Head coach Kenny Dillingham...

Vincent DeAngelis

Defense stands out at Arizona State football spring practice with ‘attack the ball’ mentality

The Arizona State defensive line has impressed head coach Kenny Dillingham and defensive coordinator Brian Ward early in spring practice.

10 hours ago

Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham reacts during the second half of the team's NCAA college footb...

Vincent DeAngelis

Kenny Dillingham talks Jaden Rashada injury, revamped roster ahead of spring ball

ASU football coach Kenny Dillingham addressed quarterback Jaden Rashada's injury, revamped roster and NIL ahead of start of spring ball

6 days ago

Jaden Rashada on the football field...

Arizona Sports

Report: ASU’s Jaden Rashada dealing with thumb injury, will miss spring ball

ASU's Jaden Rashada won't be a full participant in spring ball due to a thumb injury on his throwing hand suffered earlier in the year.

8 days ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: What is Bobby Hurley’s future at Arizona State?

On the latest State of the Sun Devil podcast the guys react to the end of men's basketball season, and wonder what the future of the program will be and how the offseason will unfold. Plus, reactions to football's pro day.

13 days ago

ASU football field...

Dan Bickley

Arizona State reaches rock bottom at end of Pac-12 stay

Rock bottom is mostly a metaphor, a cliché for sports teams that have fallen and can’t get up. But you can find it on the map at ASU.

14 days ago

Michael Crow, Arizona State University president...

Kevin Zimmerman

Now would be a good time for Arizona State to hire an athletic director

Who's to make a decision on Arizona State coach Bobby Hurley without an athletic director? Michael Crow must make a decision soon.

15 days ago

State of the Sun Devils podcast: Running the football