Sun Devils outside for practice, inside the top 25

Sep 7, 2011, 4:20 PM | Updated: 5:23 pm

It’s not unusual for ASU football to practice outside in September. It is unusual, however, for them to practice outdoors when temperatures push 110-degrees as they did late Tuesday afternoon. Remember, there is that practice bubble just a few feet away.

“Not so much for the elements,” head coach Dennis Erickson explained for why they were outside, even though he had a number of players cramp up in the season opener against UC Davis. “I just want to get out on the grass more than anything just to [work on the] timing of our passing game.” Erickson added they would be back inside Wednesday.

A couple of lineman may be back soon. Senior guard Adam Tello and freshman defensive tackle Mo Latu have worked with the second team this week. Tello, who is recovering from back surgery, even got in some reps with the first team at left guard.

“I thought he did some really good things with movement and getting his hips down that normally bother a back injury like his,” said Erickson. “Whether he’ll play this week or not the doctors have got to totally clear him but I would say he’s got a good chance.”

So too does Latu, who played at Perry High School in Gilbert but was just recently cleared by the NCAA.

“We think he brings an element to us on that defensive front that we don’t have right now which is a 340-pound defensive tackle,” Erickson said. “I don’t know if we’ll play him Friday or not but he will play this year.”

Erickson has been impressed by what he’s seen from Latu, who stands 6-foot-3. “He’s one of the better freshman I’ve seen at that position. He’s got one thing nobody else can give him and that’s size. He’s a big guy.”

The Tuesday practice was the first for ASU since debuting in the USA Today coaches poll this season. The Sun Devils are ranked 23rd, though that’s of little concern to Erickson. “No, not at all. I’d rather be out of it.”

Erickson on the continuing talk of conference expansion, particularly with the PAC-12 joked after practice, “We could have everybody in the country in our league. Who knows we might be playing somebody from Canada.”

Starting defensive tackle Will Sutton left practice early with a bruised toe. Erickson said Sutton should return Wednesday. And for a second straight day, OL Sil Ajawara, RB Deantre Lewis and OL Aderious Simmons did not dress.

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Arizona State Football

Follow @AZSports...

Arizona Sports

ASU’s Dillingham: QB Jaden Rashada ‘addicted to trying to be better’

The beginning of the Kenny Dillingham era in Tempe comes with an unknown at quarterback but also a few interesting options.

1 day ago

Kenny Dillingham, ASU football head coach...

Arizona Sports

2023 ASU football schedule includes FS1 appointments in nonconference

The Arizona State Sun Devils will begin the Kenny Dillingham era with a favorable schedule of four home games in a row.

1 day ago

(Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)...

Tom Kuebel

ASU receives commitment from 2024 prospect Albert Smith III

Arizona State football added a commitment from EDGE rusher Albert Smith III for its 2024 recruiting class, Smith announced on Twitter Sunday.

11 days ago

Offensive lineman Isaia Glass #73 of the Arizona State Sun Devils looks on from the sideline in the...

Wills Rice

The Draft Network: Pair of ASU offensive linemen impress at summer camp

Two Sun Devils competed in the second annual BRUTE OLine Development Camp in Minnesota this week and impressed scouts.

12 days ago

Follow @AZSports...

Character Counts

What a Guy: Former ASU lineman gifts Mother’s Day bouquets at hospital 

Former ASU defensive lineman and current Patriot Lawrence Guy provided a thoughtful gesture while his family was welcoming its fourth child.

14 days ago

Kori Roberson ASU football...

Jake Anderson

Arizona State lands former Oklahoma DL Kori Roberson via transfer portal

Former Oklahoma defensive lineman Kori Roberson announced his commitment to Arizona State via the transfer portal on Tuesday.

16 days ago

Sun Devils outside for practice, inside the top 25