Tempe, AZ – 6,836 dedicated ASU fans created a positive buzz at Sun Devil Stadium on Saturday for ASU’s 2013 Spring Game and Fan Fest. Students yelling game day chants, and a large group of ASU football alumni was on the sidelines, including Sun Devil legend Jake “The Snake” Plummer.

“There’s a good energy here. You’re part of the family when you’re a Sun Devil for life,” Plummer said. “Coach Graham has really opened the door for everyone that played here and put on the Sun Devil uniform.” Having the former players in attendance added another layer to the family atmosphere that Coach Graham is creating within the culture of ASU Football.

Jake Plummer talks to the team after the spring scrimmage.

Following all the fan fest activities in the morning, the spring game kicked off at 11:00 AM. Not much was revealed by the offense during the scrimmage because the game was broadcast on the Pac-12 Network and Coach Graham didn’t want to give too much away.

Starting quarterback Taylor Kelly finished the day 15 of 21 for 126 yards, but that didn’t matter much as the defense played conservative, making sure to avoid any injuries on both sides of the ball. Mike Bercovici and Michael Eubank both had some positive moments driving the offense down the field. The jury is still out on who will back up Kelly in the fall.

Taylor Kelly signs autographs for fans.

DJ Foster, Will Sutton and other starters played limited minutes, so there were a lot of opportunities for back up players to see some action. Overall, it has been a productive spring for ASU Football.Alden Darby, who has embraced his new leadership role on the team added, “We started spring practice fast. It’s our second year under Coach Graham, so we knew what to expect and guys were already on it. Going into summer, we can’t take a break. In my eyes as a leader, I’ve got to make sure we’ve got guys working out every day, doing the extra staff that’s going to get us a championship.”

On the high expectations of the Sun Devil defense in 2013, Darby answered with confidence saying, “Honestly, we can be the best defense in the nation.” With the existing group and the talented newcomers in the fall, that is a strong possibility.

One of the best moments of the day was when Plummer addressed the team for over 10 minutes directly following practiceafter practice. I’m sure he gave them a few pointers on how to make it to the Rose Bowl. Plummer also had some words of advice for Taylor Kelly. “Have fun while you’re doing it, but know that you have to lead this team, and make the plays that you know how to make.”

With high expectations in Tempe, there will be plenty of anticipation over the summer months leading up to the first game of the 2013 season.

Head Coach Todd Graham takes some time to pose for pictures with fans.