Arizona State football had its sixth spring practice of 15 today. The team was in shells rather than full pads, but was just as physical. Here are some field notes from the practice:
Update on Frank Darby’s leg injury
Senior wide receiver Frank Darby ditched the walking boot and compression sleeve, but was still not dressed for practice.
Darby moderately strained his left calf and hasn’t practiced since Feb. 27.
Although he didn’t participate in practice, Darby was as animated as ever on the sidelines. He cheered at and encouraged his teammates during every drill and 11-on-11 session.
Darby had 31 receptions for 616 yards last season, and will continue to be sophomore quarterback Jayden Daniels’ primary target down field coming into the 2020 season.
Ethan Long practicing with the tight ends
Sophomore Ethan Long is officially a quarterback, but has been taking reps as a tight end the past two practices.
He swapped his gray quarterback jersey for a maroon offensive one earlier this week.
Long originally played tight end at West Linn High School in Oregon, where he caught nine passes for 133 yards his sophomore year alone. He switched to quarterback his junior year, and started two seasons with dual-threat abilities.
Long did not start any games for the Sun Devils last season, but played in nine. He had 32 rushing yards and no passing yards.
Defensive versatility
The Sun Devil defense is changing its scheme for the third time in four years. The new scheme emphasizes position versatility, integration of the 3-4 alignment and key cornerback and receiver match-ups.
“I feel like the 3-4 is more of our style, more physical and fast, and that showed on the field today,” freshman linebacker Jordan Banks said.
The integration of the 3-4 alignment into Arizona State’s secondary will allow them to be more unpredictable to their opponents’ offenses.
Multiple players have expressed their appreciation and eagerness of the new defensive scheme.
“Me and Jack Jones love this defense because we get to follow the number one receivers – the big name guys on the offense,” senior defensive back Chase Lucas said.
The new scheme also incorporates rotating positions, so that one player is not constricted to one role the whole season. Defensive backs will be playing as safety and cornerback, and linebackers will rotate between middle, inside, and outside.
“I feel like we’re going to work some real magic this year,” Lucas said.
