ASU Football: Three players to watch vs. New Mexico State
By Alec Henden
ASU football has undergone a lot of personnel changes as players graduated or left the program, but three Sun Devils will look to make a first impression.
ASU football is back, for many Sun Devil fans they are probably still deciding whether or not this is a good thing.
Storylines are everywhere; a head coach on the hot seat, a contested starting quarterback battle and a fan base tired of losing.
There are some intriguing players to look out for this season. With a good core of offensive talent this team will score points.
The defense is filled with question marks, but it will be hard to be worse than the previous two campaigns.
Starting with the defense that was worst in FBS football a season ago and lost two returners Armand Perry and Kareem Orr.
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Redshirt junior Joey Bryant will be given the opportunity to start at cornerback.
Bryant is a 6’1” speedy cover corner that has taken great strides this spring. A transfer from Mt. San Antonio College, Bryant has a height advantage most cornerbacks lack and will be given every opportunity to sink or swim for new defensive coordinator Phil Bennett’s defense.
The challenge is daunting in the offensive paradise that is PAC-12 football, but Bryant has showed the skills to have success at the Division I level.
Sun Devil fans found a place deep in their hearts for recent graduate Zane Gonzalez’s kicking prowess.
His replacement Brandon Ruiz has huge shoes to fill, but the skill set to make the transition smooth.
The Williams Field High School product passed up an opportunity to play at Alabama to stay home and kick for ASU. Ruiz was the consensus top kick-off specialist in the country, and his strong leg gives Todd Graham confidence to make long kicks shortening field position for Arizona State’s offense.
Rounding out the list of breakout candidates is redshirt sophomore wide receiver John Humphrey.
The spring game standout transferred from Oklahoma to Tempe and will look to provide an excellent counter punch to N’Keal Harry in the passing game.
Next: ASU Football: Players to watch for on New Mexico State
Humphrey is excellent at creating separation at the point of contact, and will have an opportunity to put up huge numbers with opposing defenses zoning in on Harry.