(Photo: Scotty Bara/WCSN)
Arizona State held a dress rehearsal of sorts today, which was closed entirely to the media. With seven days left until the season kicks off in Houston against Texas A&M, today’s practice was essentially a simulation of gameday and pregame procedures.
ASU head coach Todd Graham and the staff have been adamant in preparing the team for what, despite technically being a neutral site affair, will be an away game for the Sun Devils.
“It’s impossible to show them what the crowd noise is going to be like,” Graham said. “Obviously, I’m very familiar with the type of atmosphere we’re going into.”
Preparing for that environment is a point of emphasis, and today’s scrimmage was another step toward that in the mind of redshirt junior defensive lineman Edmond Boateng.
“We can’t let that (crowd noise) get to us,” Boateng said “And coach Graham says as long as we have our scheme down and our players and our effort down, that’s all we need because we’re a very disciplined team.”
Boateng and Wicker still battling at five-technique
After getting the majority of reps at defensive end in spring practice, Boateng has been battling true freshman JoJo Wicker at the spot during the fall. Wicker, a consensus top-100 recruit, has seen first-team reps across the defensive line, including devilbacker.
Boateng recently has been seen with the first-team defense ahead of Wicker, but Graham emphasized that the position is still up for grabs. That competition is something that Boateng is relishing.
“I’m appreciative of that because that’s been pushing me,” Boateng said. “It really opened my eyes.”
In 2014, Marcus Hardison locked down the five-technique position on his way to leading the team in sacks and tackles for loss. Boateng seemed to be getting a handle on the role during spring camp, and with Wicker pushing him for playing time, he has also taken on the role of a veteran on the line.
“It’s been great,” Boateng said. “Teaching him, and him pushing me… I think he’s one of the top recruits to come for coach Graham’s recruiting class. It shows.”
That interaction is not unlike the dynamic he had with Hardison a season ago, and Boateng has taken notice of that.
“Last camp, I was rolling with the ones and pushing Marcus (Hardison) to max out his potential when I came to ASU,” Boateng said. “I almost feel like that’s the same thing that’s going on here.”
Kalen Ballage remaining fresh
Sophomore Kalen Ballage continues to get reps on both sides of the ball. Alternating between a first-team running back alongside sophomore Demario Richard and devilbacker on passing downs, Ballage is all over the map for Graham.
Ballage has said he continues to study pass rushing techniques with coaches while he tries to catchup on the schemes and ideas of the defense while also improving at his natural running back position.
“I just try to polish all the tools that I have now,” Ballage said.
After being hampered by a back injury last fall, Ballage has made the most of his opportunities this camp and understands the importance of taking care of his body to accompany his increased responsibilities.
“It’s been a journey trying to keep that freshness just because playing all the different things,” Ballage said.
In addition to experimenting with his abilities on defense, Ballage has also continued to work with kick and punt return units. Although the workload could be seen as overwhelming or at the very least, taxing, it is certain that Ballage will be seen all over the field in a week.
You can reach Zac Pacleb on Twitter @ZacPacleb or via email at zacpacleb@gmail.com
