ASU Football: James Johnson continues to be the utility man in the secondary

(Photo: ASU Athletics) 

Despite Arizona State returning all but two starters on defense, it is still unclear where all of those returners will fit.

ASU head coach Todd Graham has reiterated his desire to get as many of his best players on the field at the same time, so it has become commonplace to see players shift positions as Graham toys between three and four-man fronts along the defensive line.

And with those shifts comes a fluid process of determining where redshirt sophomore James Johnson will lineup come September 5 against Texas A&M. Defensive backs coach Chris Ball said Johnson will see the field plenty given his versatility.

“I just need reps,” Johnson said. “Just as many reps as I can cram into that time frame, but I feel pretty good.”

Today, still donning a Tillman jersey – representative of performance on the field, in the classroom and the community – that was earned during the spring, Johnson lined up at the safety/linebacker hybrid Spur.

This could be in part because of the absence of redshirt junior linebacker Laiu Moeakiola during the session open to the media, but regardless, it goes to show the confidence in Johnson’s ability to play spur as well as both safety positions (field and bandit).

“I’m comfortable in all three (positions),” Johnson said. “And to win a national championship, I’m going to have to be comfortable in all three, so whenever my number is called, I’m going to be ready.”

Last season, Johnson played in all 13 games, tallying 25 tackles along the way. With safety Damarious Randall off to the NFL, it left a gap in the secondary Johnson intends to fill.

“It’s all about your mindset, wherever they put me,” he said. “My position doesn’t determine my work ethic.”

Sophomore defensive back Armand Perry returned from an offseason injury to take most of the first team reps at Randall’s former field safety position, but considering all signs throughout the preseason, Graham’s choices across the defense are still yet to be solidified outside of a handful of spots.

Marching band and spirit squad welcomed in by the football team.

The Verde Dickey Dome was filled more than usual at the conclusion of today’s practice for ASU and coach Graham welcomed in the ASU marching band and spirit team.

Graham emphasized the importance of today’s event in influencing the environment inside Sun Devil Stadium.

“The band, the students dictate the atmosphere in the stadium,” Graham said. “We’ve worked very hard to build that.”

ASU is 16-4 at home in Graham’s tenure, and a strong home field advantage will be necessary given that the Sun Devils will play seven games this season in Tempe.

Practice Notes

• Redshirt junior wide receiver Tim White was in green again today with his left hand wrapped.
• Junior defensive lineman Deonte Reynolds participated in practice for the second time today. Graham says the JUCO transfer weighed in at 357 pounds, but he is a “powerful guy.”
• Redshirt freshman wide receiver Jalen Harvey will likely miss 6-8 weeks with a collarbone injury that was sustained during Camp Tontozona.

You can reach Zac Pacleb on Twitter @ZacPacleb or via email at zacpacleb@gmail.com

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