Optimism is running at an all-time high within Sun Devil Nation, and the hard work of ASU’s recruiting staff is clearly coming to fruition. The #15 Sun Devils now have unprecedented depth across most positions on both sides of the ball.

With a huge non-conference opener looming against Texas A&M, there are still several question marks for this team. For example, Todd Graham is still moving and shifting players to determine his starter and back-ups at ASU’s ever-important Devil Backer position on defense. In fact a good part of the Sun Devil Hell’s Gate Defense is still in flux.

Today, however, let’s examine what we DO know about the upcoming season.

Truth:

#28 LB Laiu Moeakiola (photo- ASU)

Redshirt Junior Laiu Moeakiola has a strangle-hold on the hybrid SPUR Linebacker position.

Last season saw a significant drop-off in production when Moeakiola was hurt. Even with the plethora of talent at most positions on defense, the second-team option is still undecided if he is sidelined.

Moeakiola is arguably the most fundamentally sound player on a defense that returns nine starters from a ten-win season. He has another summer conditioning session under his belt, and he finished among the top-12 Sun Devil players in the gym. Health in tact, Moeakiola will further establish himself as an anchor on Todd Graham’s D.

Senior D.J. Foster has become a leader on his team

Truth:

Senior D.J. Foster will be a nightmare for every opposing Defensive Coordinator.

Senior #8 D.J. Foster

Foster has shed the weight he added a year ago when assumed the top spot in ASU’s ground game. Now around 190 pounds, he is quicker and more nimble to serve as QB Mike Bercovici’s primary receiving target in the slot.

Because ASU is now stacked at running back and has increased depth at receiver, D.J. will solidify a household name in college football as a player that opposing defenses will worry about whenever and wherever he lines up.

Offensive Coordinator Mike Norvell loves capitalizing on mismatches, and this is exactly what #8 will create when teams assign a safety or linebacker to cover him. Foster will only further prove that he is one of the most versatile players in the game, something that will bode well for him in the eyes of NFL scouts.

Truth:

True Sophomore RB Kalen Ballage will take a big step forward this season.

Ballage has increased his core strength on an already chiseled 230 pound physique. This has allowed him to improve his pad level when running inside between the tackles.

#9 RB Kalen Ballage nearly returned a kick in the 2014 Sun Bowl, a pivotal play that lead to ASU’s 36-31 victory over Duke (photo- ASU)

Expect #9 to pick up those tough yards in red zone situations which had recently become a bit tricky for the Devils. The tandem of Ballage and true Sophomore Demario Richard should establish the run game against any opponent they face in 2015.

Ballage has old-school RB size with world-class track speed. To add to his talents, he has also worked with the defense at Devil Backer, so we may see him wreaking havoc on QB’s in third down passing situations. Ballage and Richard have an opportunity to announce themselves as the best one-two RB tandem in the nation. Believe it.

Truth:

On defense, the player most likely to hurt someone will be Senior WILL LB Antonio Longino.

Longino has shown the propensity to hit anything that moves right in the mouth. He plays with a high motor and a ton of intensity. The NFL even named Antonio Longino as one of the 15 most physical college football players to watch in 2015.

At times in 2014, Longino played at the hybrid Devil Backer spot where he recorded some key QB hurries along with a collection of show-stopping hits on opposing running backs. Make no bones about it, Longino’s physical presence will be an asset to Todd Graham’s defense this season.

#32 Senior Antonio Longino

Truth:

LG Christian Westerman will be the unquestionable road grader for ASU’s highly anticipated running back group. 

Hometown Devil, Senior #55 Christian Westerman

Westerman plays with that mean streak you love to see on an offensive line, and he brings it on every down. Whether he’s opening holes for the running game or protecting his QB, Westerman will be no fun for the lineman on the other side of the ball in 2015.

At Camp Tonotzona, Westerman slammed a defensive player to the grass who attempted to bull-rush him during drills. He is a beast in the weight room, and it shows on the field.

This ASU Senior will be playing on Sundays in 2016.

Truth:

Order will be restored.

The Territorial Cup will be back residing in Tempe on November 21st.

Get Some!