Five and Five: Arizona State
By Paul Myerberg // Jun 9, 2010
What are five things I like about Arizona State in 2010? What about five things I don’t? This list has all the answers.
Likes
1. A new offensive coordinator. Noel Mazzone has a terrific resume of success on both the college level and the N.F.L. ranks. He’s a big improvement over Rich Olson.
2. Linebacker Vontaze Burfict. A budding all-American. He might — might — be there already.
3. Further stars on defense: tackle Lawrence Guy and cornerback Omar Bolden, the latter if healthy.
4. The Sun Devils play three of their final five games at home. Arizona State will go to U.S.C. and Arizona over this stretch, but the five-game period represents the best change A.S.U. has to make some noise in Pac-10 play.
5. The potential of the wide receiver corps. Kerry Taylor is the most experienced returning contributor, while A.S.U. hopes for further improvement from Gerell Robinson. Two transfers will have an immediate impact: Aaron Pflugard and George Bell.
Dislikes
1. A new quarterback. Sophomore Brock Osweiler leads the competition to replace departed starter Danny Sullivan, with former Michigan transfer Steven Threet running second. To be fair, each should stand as an improvement over what A.S.U. got from the quarterback position in 2009.
2. The offensive line, yet again, is not in good shape. An already questionable group took a hit when senior guard Jon Hargis — the most experienced returning lineman — tore his A.C.L. during spring practice. His loss stretches the depth on the interior of the line.
3. My only concern with an otherwise sterling defense is the pass rush. Not to say he had a great senior year, but A.S.U. will miss end Dexter Davis. There are some options at end, but I don’t know if there are any returning contributors with the ability to get to the quarterback with regularity.
4. The running game must be more productive, particularly with a new starter under center. The starting running back role falls to Cameron Marshall, who played well in spurts last fall, but the sophomore will need help from the offensive line.
5. The rapid decline of this program. A.S.U. has lost 18 of 29 under Dennis Erickson.
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