Erickson seeing improvements since scrimmage
Apr 13, 2011, 7:32 PM | Updated: 8:45 pm
While everyone in the state focuses on the new uniform designs, Arizona State football coach Dennis Erickson is keeping his attention where it matters most: Not what his players will be playing in, but how they will be playing this fall.
Following Tuesday’s spring practice, Erickson’s attitude regarding his offense was much more positive than it was after Saturday’s scrimmage.
“Execution was a lot better,” Erickson said. “Thought Brock [Osweiler] looked real sharp. Thought George [Bell] caught the ball well. It was a good Tuesday after scrimmage.”
He recognized that the defense played strong on Saturday and that it’s typical to come out lazy when playing next.
Despite players stepping up in their absence, both sides of the ball are still missing seniors Omar Bolden and TJ Simpson. The cornerback and wide receiver, respectively, tore their ACLs to begin the spring and will both be undergoing surgery on Thursday to repair them.
Senior wide receiver Aaron Pflugard will see the doctor on Thursday due to a case of vertigo. If he’s cleared, he’ll return to practice; if not, Pflugard will likely miss the rest of the spring.
Bolden, who in January announced he was returning for his senior season rather than turn pro and enter the NFL Draft, said Tuesday he has no regrets about his decision.
“Because the way I got hurt, it was a natural movement that I do every day,” Bolden said. “It was something that probably could’ve happened to me at the combine or a workout or whatever I was doing preparing for the next level.”
Depending on how the surgery goes, Bolden is likely facing up to seven months of rehab. He can’t look that far ahead, though.
“My main focus is just being better tomorrow than I am today,” Bolden said. Regarding remaining around the team, he said, “Vocally, you’ll hear me just like I was on the field.”
He will, however, remain around the team. After participating in Tuesday’s logo and uniform unveiling, some wonder if Bolden showing off the team’s white and maroon style will be the last time he’s seen in the colors.
Sports 620 KTAR’s Craig Grialou contributed to this report.
