A Look at the Quarterback Battle
As advertised, Jayden Daniels – the second-ranked dual-threat quarterback in the class of 2019, according to 247sports.com – doesn’t make many mistakes. Prior to Friday’s session, the 6-foot-3 signal caller had yet to throw an interception in ASU’s 14 sessions of 7-on-7s and 11-on-11s.
But on Friday – during the final throw of the last practice – human nature crept in. Daniels threw a pick to Kobe Williams on a simulated fourth-and-8, leaving his streak of perfection behind.
The play was one of a few teaching moments for next season’s prospective starters. Ethan Long’s first throw was intercepted by Tyler Whiley, and Joey Yellen also threw a pick on his third throw of simulated action.
Even Dillon Sterling-Cole – the longest-tenured quarterback on the roster – struggled at times with his accuracy.
However, there were plenty of positive moments. Shortly after his interception, Yellen responded with a perfect toss to Geordon Porter, who outlasted Timarcus Davis for a score in the endzone.
@JoeyYellen finding @GeordonPorter in the end zone 👀 pic.twitter.com/GhHNbc3Iq4
— Sun Devil Football (@ASUFootball) March 1, 2019
Daniels triggered his poise, hitting Frank Darby with a strike over the middle of the field. In pregame walkthroughs, he orchestrated a well-placed fade to Kyle Williams.
A toss from Jayden Daniels to the corner of the endzone: pic.twitter.com/a7znNamjkv
— Trevor Booth (@TrevorMBooth) March 1, 2019
Sterling-Cole spent time talking with center Cohl Cabral after a rough start, but then threw a great ball to Frank Darby in 7-on-7s.
Frank Darby made this catch in the endzone. He and Sterling-Cole both got excited after: pic.twitter.com/Jg1DYTfRiP
— Trevor Booth (@TrevorMBooth) March 1, 2019
While Sterling-Cole is looking to claim the position Manny Wilkins held over him, his leadership qualities haven’t gone unnoticed. Tonight and in previous practices, the redshirt junior didn’t hold back excitement when his counterparts performed well.
“It’s a part of loving the game,” he said. “When you see guys doing what coach is teaching day in and day out, you got to love it.”
“It says a lot about the character of (Sterling-Cole),” Edwards added. “When you go to recruit athletes, not only are they good players, they have to have good character. It’s about competition, but at the end, it’s about team.”
The quarterback battle is long from over, but it seems Sterling-Cole and Daniels have provided the most separation. Expect more progress in this decision to be made as the Summer approaches.