ASU Football: Sun Devils open season against NAU

(Photo via Reece Andrews/WCSN)

After an off-season full of turmoil and bumps, the 2022 season is upon Arizona State Football. The timing almost seems too good to be true. After losing a laundry list of players and welcoming over 40 new players, the storyline seemed to write itself before the season even began – how will the Sun Devils mesh with all of these new pieces?

The players were aware of the apparent question, but many described how close this year’s team is and how great the chemistry is. Many Sun Devils have explained how players will work out together outside of the facility or participate in social gathering events. Some even said it was the closest team they’ve been a part of.

Despite players assuring outsiders how close this team is, it’s fair to wonder if the chemistry will translate into on-field success.

That question will be answered sooner rather than later.

On Thursday evening, Arizona State will open its season against the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks of the Big Sky conference. Last season, NAU defeated the Arizona Wildcats and hopes to repeat the result against ASU. Historically, the Sun Devils have had the Lumberjacks’ number, winning the last 15 bouts, dating back to 1939.

Leading the Lumberjacks is head coach Chris Ball, entering his fourth season at the helm of NAU Football. Ball has accumulated an overall record of 12-16 and has only led the Lumberjacks to one winning season, finishing 3-2 in the COVID-shortened spring 2021 season.

Under center is sophomore quarterback RJ Martinez, who earned Big Sky Freshman of the Year honors in 2021. Martinez threw for 1,714 yards, 14 touchdowns and two interceptions. During his strong freshman campaign, Martinez’s top target was redshirt sophomore wide receiver Coleman Owen, who stands at 5-foot-11 and weighs 170 pounds. Owen’s smaller frame didn’t stop him from leading the Lumberjacks in most receiving categories, catching 43 passes for 713 yards and six touchdowns.

Martinez also relied on junior wide receiver Hendrix Johnson. Despite only catching 29 passes, 14 less than Owen’s team-leading 43 receptions, Johnson was a top target in the red zone. Five of his 29 receptions resulted in a touchdown, and also amassed 509 receiving yards.

NAU’s passing game is one of the strongest assets of its offense. However, the Lumberjacks also take advantage of the ground game. In addition to Martinez’s passing game, he can also be a threat in the run game, rushing for 187 yards and five touchdowns. Sophomore running back Kevin Daniels, who is coming off an FCS All-American season, was Ball’s go-to option at running back, rushing for 1,146 yards on 185 attempts. During last year’s season opener against Arizona, Daniels rushed for 109 yards on 27 attempts. However, this year, Daniels and the offensive line will have their hands full with ASU’s front seven, which has seen schematic continuity from last year.

The Lumberjacks’ offense isn’t the most experienced, but their defense certainly does not lack any experience. Leading the defense is redshirt senior safety Morgan Vest, who started in all 11 games last season. Vest tallied 105 tackles and also made an impact in the passing game, intercepting five passes. Vest is also leading an experienced secondary that consists of redshirt senior safety Anthony Sweeny, who joined Vest on the All-Big Sky Conference second team, redshirt senior safety Dyvine Wallace and redshirt cornerback Jacob Mpungi.

While the secondary is filled with experience, NAU’s front 7 lacks just that. Conducting the front seven is junior defensive end Eloi Kwete, who obtained 45 total tackles and four sacks. Joining Eloi on the defensive line is his twin brother junior defensive linemen Cosmas Kwete, who is entering his third season at NAU after transferring from Washington State. Cosmas’ best season came during his freshman campaign in Pullman, where he tallied 20 tackles. Since then, Cosmas has made just 22 tackles and started in 10 games.

With the Lumberjack’s experienced secondary, the Sun Devils could have their hands full in the passing game. During fall camp, ASU head coach Herm Edwards and offensive coordinator Glenn Thomas have experimented with many different receiving groups. It’s possible that redshirt sophomore wide receiver Elijhah Badger, redshirt junior wide receiver Andre Johnson and senior wide receiver Giovanni Sanders could be the receivers Thomas starts alongside redshirt junior quarterback Emory Jones. Additionally, it’s probable to see the Sun Devils could use their tight ends, redshirt junior Messiah Swinson and redshirt sophomore Jalin Conyers, in the passing game.

With questions surrounding the passing game, ASU will likely put the ball on the ground in the hands of redshirt sophomore running back Daniyel Ngata and graduate running back Xazavian Valladay. The Sun Devils have expressed how Ngata and Valladay will share the rock, and the starter could depend on who has the hot hand. Nonetheless, ASU’s run game will be a vocal point of its offense for not only its game against NAU but the entire 2022 season.