Before the 2007 season, Ryan Torain expressed no hesitancy to publicly talk about his career after Arizona State, saying, “I’m so excited about what lies ahead. I’m ready to go and see what happens.”

ASU's Pollak elated to be selected by Colts

The bring-it-on quote typified Torain, a running back who approaches nothing gingerly. On Sunday, “go time” officially arrived. He was selected by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round of the NFL draft.

Torain was one of four Sun Devils drafted on Sunday and five drafted overall.

“I am so excited,” said Torain, whom the Broncos took with the 139th overall selection — right behind ASU linebacker Robert James, who went to the Atlanta Falcons with the previous pick. “They are a great running team, a great place to play, a great coach, great players and a great team. I can’t wait.”

Cornerback Justin Tryon was the first Sun Devil taken on Sunday, going to the Washington Redskins in the fourth round (124th overall). Joining Torain in Denver is ASU teammate Josh Barrett, a strong safety selected in the seventh round (220th overall).

Torain’s pro prospects have gotten much attention in the aftermath of a season-ending foot injury that the 6-foot-1, 222-pounder suffered in October. Torain said that he is already back at 100 percent.

He rushed for 1,229 yards and seven touchdowns in 2006 and had 553 yards and five scores on 110 carries before his injury last season.

The 5-9, 190-pound Tryon, a two-year starter at ASU, had three interceptions, including one for a touchdown, last season. He also provides the Redskins with kick-return skills.

“I feel like the strength of my game is in my cover skills, one on one,” Tryon said. “But at the same time, I still have a lot of technique to work on.”

James, who for the last two seasons was considered ASU’s most athletic linebacker, had 106 tackles (62 solo), 2½ sacks, three pass breakups and four interceptions last season. The NFL ascension is especially gratifying for the 5-11, 219-pounder, whose career was threatened by concussion-related migraine headaches during and after the ’06 season.

The 6-2, 223-pound Barrett, who had 174 tackles and six interceptions in his career, was projected as high as the second round in some mock drafts.

He was one of the Sun Devils’ most athletic players, but was dogged by injuries and was benched for a time last season. Barrett suffered a knee injury against Southern California on Thanksgiving and missed the final two games.

Arizona had three players chosen on Sunday and four overall.

Linebacker Spencer Larsen (6-2, 243), a Gilbert Highland product, went to Denver in the sixth round (183rd overall). He started 37 games for the Wildcats, playing inside and outside linebacker and compiling 312 tackles.

“I feel I bring a maturity and a passion for the game,” said Larsen, 24, whose college career was interrupted by a two-year Mormon mission.

Larsen said the Broncos told him that in addition to linebacker, he could get a look at fullback.

Cornerback Wilrey Fontenot (5-9, 171) was chosen by Atlanta in the seventh round (212th overall). The four-year starter had seven career interceptions.

Defensive end Lionel Dotson (6-4, 296) was chosen by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round (245th overall). He battled injuries for much of his college career, but emerged last season with 6½ sacks.

San Diego State receiver Chaz Schilens (6-4, 225), another Highland graduate, went to the Raiders in the seventh round (226th overall). He had 35 receptions for 679 yards and three touchdowns last season.