Modern day college football is all about the forward pass, which makes the defensive backs arguably the most important players for any defense. That's especially true in the Big 12, where Arizona State will have to defend against a litany of accomplished quarterbacks this year.
The Sun Devils are fortunate to return several starters from the secondary, highlighted by Xavion Alford, Keith Abney, and Javan Robinson. They also welcome in some new faces via the transfer portal, and there are a couple of roles still up for grabs before the season starts.
Our own Andrew Hayslett and David Howman take a look at all the major players in this secondary and who could rise to the top of the depth chart.
Hayslett: The most notable departure is Shemari Simmons. The nickelback was a defensive centerpiece for the Sun Devils, and the biggest question is who will replace him in Brian Ward’s defense, which normally runs a 4-2-5 look, as the other four starting defensive backs return.
Arizona State has returning talent as well as inbound transfers. Redshirt sophomore Montana Warren returns, and he had an increased role in the postseason after Simmons had a targeting penalty that sidelined him for portions of the two games. Warren fared well in the games, and his experience could propel him to the starting role full-time.
The Sun Devils bring in a couple of transfers in Kyndrich Breedlove and Nyland Green. Both players come from Purdue and have other Power Four experience. Breedlove had 28 solo tackles last year at Purdue and a trio of interceptions. The redshirt senior did not have much playing time at Ole Miss and Colorado. Green had 15 solo tackles last year with two sacks for the Boilermakers. The redshirt senior did not see much time in action in his first three years, which were at Georgia. I expect Breedlove to have the most action in the nickel.
Howman: I'm keeping my eye on that nickel spot, too. The defense was noticeably better in the Peach Bowl once Simmons came back in, which underscores how much of a loss he will be this year.
Warren showed potential, though, and word out of camp suggests he's making a leap this summer. Of course, Breedlove is the more experienced option, coming in from Purdue where he held a similar role. He has plenty of talent, and with this being his final year of eligibility, Breedlove may have the edge over Warren for what will be a crucial nickel role.
At cornerback, the starting duo of Abney and Robinson are back, but Breedlove's Boilermaker teammate, Nyland Green, also transferred in, complicating the picture.
Hayslett: Green made seven starts for Purdue last year. I expect him to be featured in dime packages and in a reserve role. He gives good depth to the Arizona State defensive back room.
Robinson and Abney are a solid duo as they each had a trio of interceptions last season including Robinson’s late-game interception against BYU. Abney led the team with nine pass breakups last season, which was tied fourth in the Big 12. Both cornerbacks are capable and I expect them to be the starters for the year.
Howman: I think Green was largely brought in to replace LaTerrance Welch, who saw plenty of playing time when the Sun Devils went with three cornerback looks. Of course, last year they didn't do that as often because Simmons was so lethal in the slot, and Arizona State also had two great safeties in Xavion Alford and Myles “Ghost” Rowser.
This year, though, with a new face in the slot, we might see Brian Ward use more three cornerback looks, especially with Green, a former 5-star recruit who just hasn't had the right opportunity yet. But I agree that Abney and Robinson should still be the top two options out there; Abney, in particular, in generating buzz among NFL scouts.
Speaking of those safeties, the Sun Devils are in a great position right now with Alford and Rowser. Both have been held out of practices this past week, but Kenny Dillingham didn't seem concerned that their undisclosed injuries would keep them from playing in Week 1. That's great news, as these two may give Arizona State the best safety tandem in the Big 12, if not all of college football.
Hayslett: Alford and Rowser are a dynamic duo. There is a lot of buzz around the former, as Alford was named to the Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List (best defensive back) and the Preseason All-Conference Team. The duo led the team in combined tackles last year with Rowser leading the team in solo tackles.
If the depth is tested I think Adrian "Boogie" Wilson will be a solid piece. The redshirt sophomore had a breakout year in his second year at Washington State last season. He recorded 37 solo tackles with the Cougars which is comprable to Rowser and Alford as he played in two fewer games last season. Although he might not see the field much this season, Wilson might be an inpactful player in future Sun Devil teams.
The defensive back position is the one that I am most confident in for Arizona State. The defense as a whole has to grow from last year and with the returning production and transfers they will likely take the necessary step up.