ASU Football: Another Look at Devil Backer
By Mike Slifer
At the halfway point between the UCLA game and the USC game, it’s time to take another look at the evolution of this young defense.
In last Thursday’s loss, two touchdowns were given up by the offense and special teams. (the offense and special teams also gave the Bruins three short fields to work with that led to touchdowns) But in the end, the glaring weakness of that game was the defense. Many people are blaming the tackling. Indeed, tackling was a head-scratching issue. But there were several issues with alignment, assignment and personnel packages.
First, let’s examine the much-talked about position of Devil Backer. This position is an important one in coach Todd Graham’s defense. It’s a hybrid defensive end/linebacker position. Ideally, the Devil Backer is an extraordinary athlete that is big enough to take on offensive linemen, but also quick enough to drop in coverage. Carl Bradford was that extraordinary athlete. But he’s in the NFL now.
Since spring ball, there have been a host of players who have tried out for Devil Backer: Chans Cox, Marcus Washington, De’Mariyea Nelson, Edmond Boateng, Antonio Longino and a few others have taken first team reps at this position. None have truly won the job. After relinquishing the starting job three weeks ago, it appears that Boateng has won it back. He did produce the only sack for ASU last Thursday.
Here’s the problem: If the defensive scheme is going to rely heavily on this position, then you’ve got to have a guy that can do it. Period. The defensive staff either needs to “coach a guy up” to play that spot, or they need to change the scheme. One of the oldest adages in coaching is: “You have to dance with the lady you brung”. Carl Bradford is gone. If nobody on the roster can do the job, then put the defense in a different look that uses the talents that these players do have. It may sound simplistic, but it is no less true.
Certainly, there is competition for every position, every week. Players are graded constantly in practice and in games. But most of those position battles are isolated to certain personnel. No other position, besides Devil Backer, features guys moving from one different position to another. This situation has got to get figured out.
For sure, there are other concerns on defense. But this on-again, off-again, musical chairs at Devil Backer is frustrating. ASU fans are hoping that one guy can step up and figure it out before it’s too late.