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ASU Football: Breaking Down the Quarterback Competition

By Zach Pekale

Nov 28, 2015; Berkeley, CA, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Manny Wilkins (5) dives above California Golden Bears safety Luke Rubenzer (17) but is ruled out of bounds at the four yard line during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium. The California Golden Bears defeated the Arizona State Sun Devils 48-46. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Berkeley, CA, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Manny Wilkins (5) dives above California Golden Bears safety Luke Rubenzer (17) but is ruled out of bounds at the four yard line during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium. The California Golden Bears defeated the Arizona State Sun Devils 48-46. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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While the smoke from ASU football’s spring practice has cleared, the quarterback battle at Arizona State University is just heating up.

Following the graduation of former quarterback Mike Bercovici, head coach Todd Graham must now hold the first quarterback competition of his tenure with the Sun Devils.

With four possible options, here are the candidates:

Manny Wilkins- Redshirt Sophomore

In his first season following a redshirt season, Wilkins served as the backup to Bercovici. While he never registered a passing attempt, fans did have the opportunity to see his potential as a dual-threat quarterback in brief stints against Colorado, California and West Virginia. Wilkins picked up 55 yards on just seven carries.

As a dual-threat option, Wilkins shows a resemblance to Taylor Kelly, a quarterback who had a lot of success under Graham. On top of his ability to run the ball, his footwork is strong and displayed good arm strength prior to arriving in Tempe.

Bryce Perkins- Redshirt Freshman

During his first year on campus Perkins did not see the field due to redshirting. Now eligible, the Chandler, Ariz. native is ready to compete for the starting job.

Perkins has a winning mentality after claiming the state championship as a senior in high school. Additionally, he set a state record for completion percentage in 2014.

Known by scouts nationwide as being a very accurate passer who can also scramble well, Perkins is yet another quarterback vying to become the starting signal-caller.

Related Story: Predicting the Upcoming Football Season

Brady White- Redshirt Freshman

Like Perkins, White has yet to see the field at Sun Devil Stadium after redshirting.

Coming from Newhall, Calif., White is competing with huge expectations despite having never played a down of football for Arizona State. He was unanimously rated a top-10 quarterback prospect by all major publications and is the highest quarterback signee for ASU in the history of internet recruiting evaluation services.

Unlike Wilkins and Perkins, White is best suited to run a pro style offense. He possesses tremendous arm strength and field vision while also being able to run when necessary.

Dillon Sterling-Cole – Freshman

Make no mistake about the true freshman. Sterling-Cole has the football IQ of a seasoned veteran and tremendous poise in the pocket. He is an accurate passer who makes good decisions on the field and has a quick release.

While it is unlikely that he will get the starting nod, it is not unreasonable to think he is capable of challenging his older teammates.

All four quarterbacks have shown promise through spring practice. With the season quickly approaching, Graham will have a difficult decision to make regarding who will be under center when the Sun Devils take the field against Northern Arizona on September 3.

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