All photos taken by Nicholas Badders on December 29 at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Texas. Contact @BadderUpSports or nbadders@asu.edu for high-quality images.
Tag: Phil Bennett
ASU Football: ‘New Leadership Model’ off to a rocky start
(Photo: Nicholas Badders/WCSN) Ray Anderson’s plan isn’t working. Firing Todd Graham was supposed to alleviate the perceived uncertainty that Anderson saw in this program’s future. Instead, the last two weeks have done nothing but put that future in further jeopardy at every turn. “It’s not a situation where we’re going to have to
ASU Football: Bennett confirms he will be leaving program at season’s end, giving ASU another coaching hole to fill this offseason
(Photo: Nicholas Badders/WCSN) Arizona State’s coaching carousel took another turn on Tuesday afternoon, as defensive coordinator Phil Bennett announced he will not be returning to the program to join new head coach Herm Edwards’ staff next season. Bennett, who was hired by recently fired head coach Todd Graham last offseason, confirmed to
ASU Football: Coordinators address future plans amid coaching change
(Photo: Nicholas Badders/WCSN) In the past, Todd Graham has been the darling of Arizona State football media availability, most days answering question for at least 10 minutes. On Friday though, the lame-duck head coach spoke for barely 2 minutes, the latest reminder of the winds of change that are swirling in Tempe
‘Leader by Nature’: Tashon Smallwood leaves his mark on ASU football
(Photo: Nicholas Badders/WCSN) Standing with his hands on his hips, Tashon Smallwood listens attentively to defensive line coach Michael Slater’s instructions. He’s done variations of this drill dozens of times this season and hundreds of times in his career, but he still pays close attention — peering through the facemask of
ASU Football: Sun Devils preparing for Rosen-led UCLA Attack
(Photo: Nicholas Badders/WCSN) In ASU’s eight Pac-12 conference games this season, the Sun Devils have faced eight offenses that all share one common denominator: Each had a dangerous and statistically dominant running back. In two months, ASU has faced six of the Pac-12’s seven most productive tail backs. But that streak will finally
ASU Football: Young wave of defensive lineman ready to break through
(Photo: Nicholas Badders/WCSN) Arizona State has four games left, and a whole crop of young defensive lineman waiting for their chance to break into the lineup. At the season’s beginning, a trio of upperclassmen claimed all three starting places, and most of the snaps, along the Sun Devils’ defensive front. But injuries
ASU Football: Development key in Sun Devils’ defensive turnaround
(Photo: Nicholas Badders/WCSN) For the last three years, ASU football has been among the worst defenses in the country statistically, rotating through a cast of coordinators and position coaches. Before a 13-7 upset victory over then-No. 5 Washington, the Sun Devils had allowed 30 points or more in 11 straight games. So
A Sleeping Giant: Renell Wren coming alive for ASU football
(Photo: Sun Devil Athletics) “Mark my words, I hope all y’all listen to this. Renell Wren is about to have a great rest of the season.” Redshirt freshman defensive back Chase Lucas isn’t shy about hyping up his teammates, even if it might border on hyperbolic. In Wren’s case, however, Lucas’s praise
ASU Football: Sun Devils face biggest test yet in No. 5 Washington
(Photo: Nicholas Badders/WCSN) Bye weeks provide teams with an opportunity to reflect and improve on their weaknesses. After two full weeks of practice following a road loss to Stanford, ASU football will need its best effort of the season when it returns to the field Saturday. No. 5 Washington (6-0) rolls into