ASU football notebook: Simpson shows potential

CAMP TONTOZONA - After a 2007 season of apprenticing as a redshirt, wide receiver T.J. Simpson was hoping to hit the ground running when Arizona State opened fall practice.

SLIDESHOW: ASU's scrimmage at Camp Tontozona

Read 'Blogging with the Devils'

The Peoria High product started out slow but — taking advantage of extra snaps thanks to injuries to four receivers — is starting to assert himself. He still has a lot of depth-chart climbing to do, but Simpson has begun to show dependable hands and deep-threat potential.

“I’m staying positive and trying to make the best of my chances,” Simpson said. “I’m a lot more comfortable out there. I’m not thinking a lot.”

During Saturday’s scrimmage at Camp Tontozona, the 6-foot, 186-pounder had four receptions for 49 yards.

“T.J. Simpson is a guy who is starting to make some plays,” coach Dennis Erickson said.

Simpson has the tools to be a deep threat. He was an accomplished sprinter in high school, winning four state titles.

“The coaches think I have deceptive speed and can get down field,” Simpson said. “That’s what I do. I run.”

DEPTH CHARTING

Terell Carr started at the first-team cornerback spot opposite Omar Bolden after Pierre Singfield received most of last week’s practice snaps.

Thomas Altieri, who recently returned from a concussion, was at first-team center, over Garth Gerhart.

The second-team defense featured four true freshmen: linebackers Shelly Lyons and Brandon Magee, cornerback Josh Jordan and safety Clint Floyd.

Erickson preferred not to evaluate the various positions still up for grabs until after he studied the tape of the scrimmage.

BREAK ON THROUGH

Two scrimmages this ASU camp, two team-leading rushing performances for James Morrison, a freshman walk-on who had 67 yards on 10 carries on Saturday. His longest run was 45 yards.

On another carry, the Phoenix St. Mary’s High product took a huge hit from linebacker Oliver Aaron but stayed on his feet until a swarm of defenders took him down — as impressive of a 3-yard loss as one will see.

“I bounced off the hit, and it seemed like the whole team was after me,” said Morrison, a 5-foot-11-inch, 220-pounder. “I’m gaining confidence that I can run with the first team and play at this level.”

However, with a crowded depth chart at running back, it is unlikely that Morrison will play in 2008.

“With (Shaun) DeWitty back, I don’t want to waste a redshirt,” Erickson said. “But James was a shining light out here. He’s big and tough, and we’re fortunate to have the guy.”

EXTRA POINTS

DeWitty (hamstring) and wide receivers Chris McGaha (toe), Michael Jones (concussion), Nate Kimbrough (eye) and Brandon Smith (hamstring) did not take part in the scrimmage.

Freshman running back Ryan Bass showed off his speed on a 44-yard run but did little with his other carries, finishing with 38 yards on six attempts. He continued showing slippery fingers, fumbling a pitch and muffing two punts.

Magee sacked quarterback Jack Elway — a called sack, as QBs were not allowed to be hit — on the last play on Saturday, and perhaps the final play run at Camp Tontozona by an ASU team.