ASU notebook: Offensive line answers call in scrimmage

During the first full scrimmage of Arizona State's fall camp on Tuesday, the biggest area of concern on the team - the offensive line - was a bright spot in the eyes of coach Dennis Erickson.

"The first offensive front played extremely well," Erickson said. "That's as well as we have pass protected (in camp)."

The offense scored twice - top two quarterbacks Rudy Carpenter and Danny Sullivan both threw a touchdown pass - during the scrimmage, which lasted about 90 plays. The QBs were sacked four times but generally had time to work, and there was only one false start.

One red flag: Four fumbled snaps, three involving Sullivan.

"The line has become a disciplined group," Erickson said. "They play hard and are aggressive. We're a long ways away, don't get me wrong. But those guys were a pleasure to watch (on Tuesday)."

In other developments:

Walk-on James Morrison, a 5-foot-11, 200-pounder from Phoenix St. Mary's, was the leading rusher, with 85 yards on 12 carries.

Freshman wide receiver Gerell Robinson from Chandler Hamilton had two catches, including one for a 14-yard touchdown from Carpenter, who was 6-for-13 for 43 yards and an interception.

Sullivan was 5-for-11 for 120 yards, including a 70-yard scoring pass to sophomore wideout T.J. Simpson.

On defense, safety Troy Nolan had an interception, linebacker Mike Nixon recovered a fumble and the unit combined for four sacks.

The scrimmage statistics are unofficial.

Early in the scrimmage, wide receiver Michael Jones became the third ASU player this week to suffer a concussion, along with center Thomas Altieri and receiver Kyle Williams, who were held out Tuesday.

Receivers Chris McGaha (toe) and Brandon Smith (hamstring) and running backs Keegan Herring (shoulder) and Shaun DeWitty (hamstring) also did not participate.

KIMBROUGH BACK

Wide receiver Nate Kimbrough said he will return to practice today after doctors informed him the eye injury he suffered while lifting weights last week will not require surgery. The senior will wear an orange (noncontact) jersey and a helmet shield.

"The guy next to me was doing fly lifts," said Kimbrough, referring to the exercise in which the lifter holds dumbbells and raises his arms side by side. "He hit me in the right eye, and I'm bleeding like crazy. That's what I get for trying to work hard. I don't think I'll go back to the weight room for a while."

The offending lifter was a teammate who Kimbrough chose to keep unnamed.

ROSTER CUT

A knee that is not healing after surgery last year has likely ended the career of defensive lineman Eric Tanner. The junior from Mesa Skyline High redshirted in 2007. Tanner saw second-team snaps at defensive end during recent practices but played with constant discomfort, Erickson said.

"I don't know if that knee will ever be 100 percent for him to play football," Erickson said. "He came out and tried, but it was too difficult for him. We hope he'll be able to stay here on an injury scholarship."