ASU Football: Three players that have impressed early

With a 2-0 record and the No. 23 ranking in the Associated Press poll, ASU football is off to an ideal start under Herm Edwards. Who has stood out early?

In many instances within college football, personnel changes are frequently paired with a steep learning curve. However, Arizona State appears to have quickly weathered the storm.

After the program received a much-needed facelift this past offseason, the Sun Devils are rolling to open the 2018 campaign. Here are three players who have looked particularly impressive through the season’s first two games.

1. Eno Benjamin – Running back

As a true freshman, Benjamin likely could have started for a number of Division-I schools. If not for the senior backfield tandem of Kalen Ballage and Demario Richard, he probably would have played significant snaps in 2017.

In limited action, Benjamin rushed for over six yards per carry in his first season, highlighted by a 19-yard, go-ahead touchdown run against Colorado.

Under Edwards, Benjamin is the lead back and he’s embraced the role with gusto. In a balanced attack, the sophomore has 29 carries for 158 yards and a touchdown.

Though his primary skillset is to be a downhill runner, Benjamin has been more versatile, finding space between the tackles and showing an ability to get to the outside.

In the passing game, he hauled in a receiving touchdown against UTSA and made up for a poor rushing performance against Michigan State with six catches for 54 yards while proving to be an above average blocker for Manny Wilkins.

2. Merlin Robertson – Linebacker

Credit Robertson’s place on this list to a late change in the Week 1 depth chart. Initially slated to start behind Kyle Soelle, Robertson entered against the Roadunners and proved to be a disruptive force in Danny Gonzales‘s 3-3-5 scheme, seeing a majority of snaps.

The true freshman followed up a respectable debut with a nine-tackle showing against Michigan State in which he registered 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble. His pressures against Spartans’ quarterback Brian Lewerke came on consecutive plays of Michigan State’s final possession.

Robertson’s efforts warranted him winning the Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week award, becoming just the third Sun Devil to receive the honor since 2004.

3. Michael Sleep-Dalton – Punter

Though a small sample size, one area of the ASU team that has seen a major improvement is special teams with Sleep-Dalton largely responsible for the changes made.

His eight punts inside the 20 lead the nation and while he’s yet to record a touchback, only one punt has been returned.

Additionally, the starting field position of opponents has dropped this season.

Sleep-Dalton’s two longest punts of 2018 have traveled further than any kick he took all of last season. He currently sits ninth nationally in net yards per punt with 43.9 and is 11th with 45.4 average yards per punt.