(Photo: Courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics) TEMPE – In both college football and the NFL, teams often see regressions in defensive production year over year. Many underlying factors, whether it’s installing a new scheme or dealing with roster turnover, can disrupt defensive communication and keep players from operating on the
Tag: Martell Hughes
Family Motivates Martell Hughes Through The Phone
(Photo: Damon Allred/ Arizona Sports) The hours before kickoff are defined by pregame habits. Whether through prayer, music, or silent reflection, players find confidence in their personal routines before putting on helmets and shoulder pads. Each player has their own unique routine. For Arizona State football linebacker Martell Hughes, part of
Immediate Impact: Keyshaun Elliott’s Two-Year Journey at ASU
Sun Devils head into bye week after home win against TCU
(Photo: Grace Monos/ WCSN) TEMPE — As soon as sophomore linebacker Martell Hughes fell to the ground with the game-sealing interception in his grasp, a collective sigh of relief washed over the fans in attendance at Mountain America Stadium last Friday night. Arizona State overcoming a 17-point deficit to secure a 27-24
Defensive heroics save the day for the Sun Devils
(Photo: WCSN/ Grace Monos) TEMPE – When Arizona State football arrived at Mountain America Stadium Friday afternoon ahead of its nightcap matchup against No. 24 Texas Christian, the usually clear skies of the Valley were anything but. A dark, ominous blanket of clouds controlled the heavens, with buckets of rain pouring
ASU Linebackers Ready to Run It Back for Another Year
(Photo: Spencer Barnes/WCSN) TEMPE — Upon his arrival in 2023, Arizona State defensive coordinator Brian Ward implemented a Nickel Defense or 4-2-5 scheme. The design requires athleticism, versatility and, most importantly, the ability to stop both the run and pass. One of, if not the, most critical component in ASU’s Nickel Defense
‘We’re building something special’: Sun Devils move to 7-2 with gutsy win over UCF
(Photo: Spencer Barnes/WCSN) TEMPE — It started out as an innocent-looking kickoff with under a minute remaining in the first half. After redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt and redshirt junior tight end Chamon Metayer connected for a four-yard score to cut UCF’s lead to 17-14, graduate kicker Parker Lewis booted a 65-yard kick
Competition and depth defines ASU 2024 new-look linebacker group
(Photo: Marina Williams/WCSN) When Arizona State football’s linebackers finished the last individual period of their final practice before Saturday’s season opener against Wyoming, the group, led by linebackers coach A.J. Cooper, gathered and chanted ‘Werewolves on three’ before breaking the huddle and joining the rest of the defense on the sideline