ASU’s Brady White preparing as if he’ll start vs. UCLA
Oct 4, 2016, 5:56 PM
Arizona State quarterback Manny Wilkins (5) and quarterback Brady White (2) warm up prior to an NCAA college football game against California, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)
(AP Photo/Matt York)
TEMPE, Ariz. — Brady White insists there has been value in playing understudy to Manny Wilkins, and in watching Arizona State’s offense from the sideline.
“Just being able to go through the week preparing and talking with the coaches and with Manny and being in that quarterback room and then to be able to go and visualize; see it happen on the field as you have kind of prepared over the week,” the Sun Devils’ backup quarterback said Tuesday after the Sun Devils’ practice.
All the same, White liked the playing part a whole lot more — except for the circumstance of his appearance.
“I wasn’t nervous,” said White, who completed 6 of 13 passes for 80 yards and a TD in relief of an injured Wilkins on Saturday at USC. “I felt I was well prepared throughout the week. I did have butterflies; first time really playing an extensive period in the game. After a few plays, those went away and I felt pretty comfortable. I just got back to playing the game and trusting the gameplan and what I’d been prepared to do.”
The Sun Devils will likely need more of that on Saturday at Sun Devil Stadium. Coach Todd Graham called Wilkins questionable to doubtful for the UCLA game as he recovers from an apparent left foot injury suffered late in the first half against the Trojans.
“It’s just a pain thing,” Graham said Tuesday at his media availability. “He’s been improving every day. We’ll see what he can tolerate.”
The Sun Devils received good news on Monday when tests revealed no breaks or torn ligaments after Wilkins was helped off the field in the 41-20 loss to the Trojans. Wilkins was in a walking boot during the game, but he was no longer wearing it at practice Monday.
ASU update: QB Manny Wilkins had his left foot wrapped but he moved better than expected. Jogged w/ limp. Still would say doubtful for UCLA.
— Doug Haller (@DougHaller) October 4, 2016
If Wilkins can’t go, Graham said White would start.
“That’s not our first choice,” Graham said. “Our first choice is to have our starter, but I’m really confident in Brady.
“He’s a guy that has prepared, and worked hard. I thought he did a nice job when he was in there. It took him a little bit like it would anybody. We didn’t make a first down in the third quarter, but he did do well in the fourth quarter. If he winds up playing this week and Manny doesn’t make it back we’ve got confidence in him.”
White said he’s not surprised that Wilkins is still in the conversation for Saturday’s game.
“That dude’s a fighter; he’s a competitor,” he said. “He’s not going to get taken out of the fight. Obviously, the video looks pretty ugly but he has responded really well so we’re just going to continue to rally around him. ”
White said the uncertainty surrounding his playing status for Saturday’s game is not impacting his preparation.
“My approach is: every day I’m going to be preparing as if I’m the guy; as if I’ve been the guy,” he said. “Football is a sport where there’s many things that can happen and you never know when your number is going to be called so I always want to be ready whether it is my time or someone else is going.”
ASU is 2-2 against UCLA in Graham’s four-plus seasons in Tempe. The road team has won every game, including a 38-23 Sun Devil win last season at the Rose Bowl.
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