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| | Thursday, August 31 Sun Devils have issues to solve | |||||
| By Ed Graney Special to ESPN.com Season notes: 1999 record: 6-6, 5-3. Coach: Bruce Snyder. Starters returning:12 (7 offense, 5 defense). Outlook: Talent has never been an issue with Ryan Kealy, who has completed 56 percent of his career passes. Nor is toughness a concern, witnessed by his returning from five knee surgeries since stepping on campus. But the senior quarterback has struggled to control himself off the field, and because of that, he enters camp suspended indefinitely after an arrest on driving under the influence. "It's a very emotional issue," Snyder said. "We have to do what's best for the young man now." On the field, it means (for now) making redshirt freshman Jeff Krohn the starter. His learning curve is benefited by one of the nation's best tight ends in junior Todd Heap (67 career receptions, 1,041 yards, seven TDs). "A special player," Snyder said. "One of a kind." The running back spot vacated by J.R. Redmond is filled by senior Delvon Flowers (5-11, 185), who can be as electric as Redmond on the field and doesn't carry as much baggage off it. The offensive line, an athletic bunch, returns. Strength defensively will come from the linebackers and safeties, positions that need to produce while an inexperienced front and two new cornerbacks mature. Keep an eye on: Senior linebacker Adam Archuleta (6-0, 213). He is a former walk-on who Snyder says "came from nothing to be a great player." Snyder compares Archuleta most to former ASU star linebacker Pat Tillman. The defense has a chance to be very good late in the season, but only if Archuleta is the major building block. It's a good season if: The quarterback situation sorts itself out early and ASU challenges for seven wins. The non-conference games (at San Diego State, Colorado State, Utah State) are tricky but winnable, and ASU gets USC and Washington at home. This isn't a championship team, but could be a third-place club with the proper breaks. Ed Graney covers college football for the San Diego Union Tribune. |
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