ARIZONA STATE FOOTBALL

Graham is optimistic injured players will go vs. Oregon St

Oct 29, 2012, 9:08 PM | Updated: 10:31 pm

Arizona State’s once promising defense has been bitten by the injury bug.

Last week, the Sun Devils lost defensive tackle Will Sutton to a knee injury and fans panicked.

Well, it got even worse this week.

In Arizona State’s disheartening loss to UCLA, two more defensive starters left the game with injuries, defensive end Junior Onyeali and linebacker Steffon Martin.

Martin, Onyeali and Sutton’s statuses are all uncertain for ASU’s upcoming game against Oregon State, but head coach Todd Graham is thinking positively.

“I’m obviously an optimist, I just believe that we are going to have those guys back and our guys are going to play their hearts out and get it done up in Oregon State” Graham told Arizona Sports 620’s Burns and Gambo Monday.

Graham said that he will know more at (Tuesday’s) practice.

It was apparent on Saturday that the Devils were missing key guys on defense. They gave up 45 points and 486 total yards, both season highs.

“We hope that we can get healthy and get some guys back this week,” Graham said. “I think that will make a big difference.”

Arizona State Football

Kenny Dillingham of the Arizona State Sun Devils at Rose Bowl Stadium on November 11, 2023 in Pasad...

Damon Allred

Former Brophy DL Zac Swanson transfers from Texas to Arizona State

Former Brophy defensive lineman Zac Swanson is transferring from Texas to Arizona State, he announced on Thursday.

10 hours ago

Elijah Badger runs after the catch...

Arizona Sports

Reports: Former ASU Sun Devil Elijhah Badger planning to visit Arizona and Florida

Former Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Elijhah Badger is planning to visit Arizona and Florida, according to multiple reports.

16 hours ago

Nebraska QB Jeff Sims...

Arizona Sports

Reports: Former Nebraska QB Jeff Sims expected to join Arizona State

Former Georgia Tech and Nebraska quarterback Jeff Sims is expected to enroll at Arizona State, reports 247 Sports.

2 days ago

Arizona State president Michael Crow...

Jesse Morrison

State of the Sun Devils Podcast: Does anyone want the Arizona State athletic director job?

On the latest edition of State of the Sun Devils, the guys discussed the latest news surrounding ASU's search for an athletic director.

4 days ago

Arizona State head football coach Kenny Dillingham in studio...

David Veenstra

Arizona State football adds 2025 3-star cornerback Dajon Hinton

Recruit Dajon Hinton from Saguaro High School in Scottsdale announced Sunday that he is committed to Arizona State.

5 days ago

J'Mond Tapp, who spent the past two seasons at Texas, announced his commitment to ASU on Sunday. (@...

David Veenstra

Arizona State football lands DE J’Mond Tapp from Texas

Arizona State football landed a versatile defensive threat in defensive end J'Mond Tapp, who spent the past two seasons at Texas.

5 days ago

Graham is optimistic injured players will go vs. Oregon St