2013 kicks off on Thursday, September 5

Tempe, AZ – On Saturday, ASU held it’s 2013 Football Media Day at the Carson Athletic Center. The event signifies the official kick-off of the 24/7 media season that tracks ASU Football from the start of fall camp all the way up until an expected Bowl Game appearance.

But with plenty of news coverage that has been in swing since July, there weren’t many new revelations for Todd Graham to disclose at the event. In fact, the coach along with his players were hustling to gather themselves after a morning practice session that lasted longer than expected. 

We’ll briefly highlight a couple items for fans: 

Newcomers off to a great start

Freshman Marcus Ball is making an early impact in fall camp.

“I can’t tell you one newcomer that we’ve brought here that I’ve been disappointed with in the first four days of practice.” Graham said. “So I think our coaches did a good job of recruiting and getting the right guys.”

Three of the standouts so far include freshmen Marcus Ball, Chans Cox and Cameron Smith. Ball has been praised for his maturity and leadership, Cox is smart and physically gifted and Smith brings lightning quick speed and precision running pass routes.

On his early impact, Ball added, “I had a spot here to come in and make an early impact and that is something that attracted me to ASU.”

Also keep an eye on freshman kicking recruit, Zane Gonzalez. Gonzalez is looking good in camp and could soon take the starting spot from Jim Mora.

The Run Defense still has room for improvement

Anchored by Will Sutton, Carl Bradford and Jaxon Hood, the defensive line will be a strength for the Sun Devils in 2013.  However, they still need to get better against the run if the Devils are to beat Wisconsin, Stanford and Notre Dame.

Bradford and company will have to do a better job against the run in 2013.

“Every player has put on 10-15 pounds, so we have gotten bigger and stronger,” Defensive Coordinator Paul Randolph pointed out. “The guys understand the system a little bit more, and in order for us to have a great season, we have to be a dominant run defensive team. I think the guys are up for the challenge.”

Possible adjustments at Camp T

Coach Graham mentioned some possible changes to the schedule and activities this year at Camp Tontozona. Throughout the week in the pines, Graham hinted at backing off two-a-day practices and really wants the team to bond and get to know each other off the field.

“We want to have time for team building stuff,” Graham noted. “We have a lot of newcomers and a lot of freshman, and we really need to learn each other’s names and get to know each other.”

ASU is expecting record crowds this year for the annual Saturday scrimmage. 

Big Will Sutton wants to see you at Camp T this year.