Coleman a role player, on both sides of the ball

(Photo: ASU Athletics)

Defensive end Davon Coleman has played a surprisingly major role on both sides of the ball this season, and there is only more to come from this 6-foot-2, 283-pound senior.

Last week against Colorado, Coleman was implemented into a fullback package on the offense early in the second quarter, where he scored a touchdown on 1^st and goal. The run made him the first ASU lineman to score a touchdown this season.

“It was so surreal,” Coleman said. “I was just so happy I scored.”

Along with his touchdown last week, he posted 4 tackles, 0.5 sacks, and 2.5 tackles for loss. Coleman brings a special attitude and consistency to the Sun Devil’s defense. He is ranked in the top three on the team in total tackles, sacks, and tackles for a loss.

“My goal is the Pac-12 championship, first of all,” Coleman said. “The sky’s the limit. I just want the best for my team and myself.”

After filling in for an injured Gannon Conway against USC, Coleman earned a starting position against Notre Dame and Colorado. The performances he’s been having have not only caught the attention of the spectators, but the coaching staff as well.

“He’s had his two best weeks since I’ve been here,” Todd Graham said. “I told him if he could have three straight weeks he could change his number.”

After two consecutive games with tackles for loss, Coleman knows exactly what his challenge is and is ready to shut down Washington’s running back, Bishop Sankey, who averages 151 yards per game. Last week, even against No. 2 Oregon, Sankey still averaged 6 yards per carry and accounted for 167 of Washington’s 194 rushing yards.

“We need to do what we’re coached to do,” Coleman said. “We need to work on our fundamentals and techniques.”

Fundamentals are going to be key going into this week’s game against the No. 20 Washington Huskies. In the Pac-12, the Sun Devils are ranked ninth in rushing defense, allowing an average of 195 yards per game.

Washington is the Sun Devils’ biggest challenge now that the Pac-12 championship berth standings are drawing closer.

Expect Davon Coleman to suit out in his dream jersey with a new single-digit number after Saturday.

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