Sun Devils Spring Practice Notebook: New Swagger Arrives

Look good. Feel good. Play good.

Author:
Donnie Druin
Updated:
Mar 26, 2022 7:21 PM EDT
Original:
Mar 25, 2022

TEMPE -- It was an exceptionally warm Friday at the Kajikawa practice fields for Arizona State in what was practice No. 6 of spring ball.

With just one more practice left on Saturday for the second week, the time for crawling is over. The Sun Devils are now expected to walk (and eventually run) with new schemes, verbiage and philosophy of attack.

Growing pains can be expected and even embraced now, as ASU prefers mistakes and mental mishaps to be overcome now as opposed to the beginning of the season.

Arizona State had a handful of miscommunications Friday at practice, and that's where we'll begin the notebook.

Spring Practice Notebook: New Swagger Arrives

The defensive line had some difficulty making correct reads and calls during individual drills. Position coach Rob Rodriguez had to stop instructions, huddle his guys up and straighten them out before they finally figured it out. Sometimes all that's needed are a few words of wisdom.

During team drills, there was a miscommunication between defensive backs Kejuan Markham and Isaiah Johnson on which player they had. ASU lined up in man coverage and Johnson was caught off guard by a motioning offensive player, which shifted responsibilities for the defense. Markham wasn't happy and he made Johnson very aware.

New helmet alert! Arizona State's equipment team teased a special delivery to the facility Thursday, as new lids were provided for ASU's finest.

There were numerous recruits at Sun Devils practice Friday, as many of the local high-school players are on spring break and chose the day as a great opportunity to observe practice. Reminder: Players are allowed one official visit where the school finances the trip but can unofficially visit (on their own dime) as many times as they like.

Today was practice No. 2 where linebacker Eric Gentry was spotted with a club over his left hand. While the injury is unknown, Gentry has practiced fully with Arizona State.

The Sun Devils were without pads despite having the ability to practice with them on. A source previously told All Sun Devils to not expect Arizona State to utilize all of their padded practice days, and that has already come to fruition.

We've talked about the starting offensive line unit, but what about the second-team guys? From left to right, here's how ASU's offensive line shaped up: Emmitt Bohle, Armon Bethea, Ezra Dotson-Oyetade, Chris Martinez, Sione Veikoso.

Speaking of Bohle, he's received plenty of extra instruction during individual drills. Bohle is currently adjusting from Division II school Northern State and played nine-man high-school football prior.

Team period was again short, but linebacker Connor Soelle made the most notable play:

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Spring Practice Notebook: New Swagger Arrives

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