ASU Football: Sun Devils healing up before midweek bout with Utah

(Photo: Brett Deckert/WCSN)

During media viewing availability, the following occurred at Sunday’s practice:

Period A: Tackle

Players split up into individual positional drills.

Period B: Team Tempo

The first and second teams worked on 11-on-11 drills.

First team offense: Manny Wilkins, Demario Richard, N’Keal Harry, Fred Gammage, Jalen Harvey, Kody Kohl, Evan Goodman, Stephon McCray, Tyler McClure, Quinn Bailey, Zach Robertson

Wilkins practiced with the first team on Wednesday as well, giving another indication that he will start Thursday against Utah. The redshirt sophomore quarterback has not started since suffering an injury on the second possession of the game against Washington State.

Freshman quarterback Dillon Sterling-Cole, last week’s starter, practiced with the second team.

Richard, who has dealt with injuries, was with the first team, and like Wilkins had practiced on Wednesday as well.

A notable absence was center A.J. McCollum, who has missed the past two games with personal issues. He was not seen once again at practice, with McClure taking his place.

First team defense: JoJo Wicker, George Lea, Ami Latu, Tashon Smallwood, Koron Crump, D.J. Calhoun, Laiu Moeakiola, Armand Perry, Marcus Ball, Kareem Orr, Maurice Chandler

Not a ton of surprises within the first-team defense. Perry is the biggest change, as he was sidelined against Oregon, but looks healthy enough to play against the Utes.

Muscle Beach: Cameron Smith, Christian Sam, Salamo Fiso, Sam Jones, Stephon McCray

With the exception of McCray, all of the Muscle Beach inhabitants did not play at all last Saturday. Todd Graham has not yet expanded on the status of any of them for Thursday.

The bye week has given ample time for the injured players to heal, even if this week is technically considered a “short week.”

Of note: Dasmond Tautalatasi was helped off the practice field after suffering an injury during drills. McCray participated in the 11-on-11 drill despite spending time on Muscle Beach during the first portion of practice. He was injured in ASU’s loss against Oregon.

From Graham: On the seniors: “Every group has been my group. The more you spend with someone, the deeper that relationship gets. This group, I recruited every one of them. Some were already committed when I took the job, and they stayed with us and we stayed with them. It’s a really special group for me, and I’m really grateful for what they have done for the university.”

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