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ASU football notes: Erickson making more line changes
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ASU coach Dennis Erickson
Ralph Freso, Tribune
Once again, Arizona State is tinkering with its offensive line. And this time, the changes might be taken into a game.
The Sun Devils on Tuesday practiced with three changes to the first-team unit, prompted by its performance in a contest at Oregon State on Saturday. The Sun Devils allowed five sacks, were whistled for five false starts and had shotgun-snap anxiety.
True freshman Zach Schlink was at left tackle, replacing Shawn Lauvao, who moved to right tackle. At center, Thomas Altieri and Garth Gerhart shared first-team snaps. Tom Njunge, who had three false starts on Saturday, has been demoted, at least for now.
“We have to find the best combination,” coach Dennis Erickson said. “We have had a lot of them. We’re trying to look at this thing and see how it goes. Njunge could still start at tackle. We’ll stay with it for a day or two, so Shawn can stay out (at tackle) full time.”
Lauvao at right tackle was one of the tweaks ASU made in practice during the bye week before the Oregon game on Oct. 25.
INJURY REPORT
Receiver Kyle Williams, who missed last week with a concussion, has passed his baseline test and is available for Saturday’s game at Washington.
Nate Kimbrough, who filled the punt-return role for Williams at Oregon State, is expected to continue getting opportunities there. He is also backing up receiver Michael Jones.
“Nate has a lot of enthusiasm,” Erickson said. “He is a program guy, and he is making plays when he has a chance. We have to get him in there, whether it’s as a receiver or punt returner.”
STELLAR SHAUN
Not surprisingly, running back Shaun DeWitty was in demand from reporters Tuesday following a career-high 110 yards rushing on Saturday.
It was the second career start for DeWitty, a junior whose career has been plagued by injuries.
“Playing football is so challenging to begin with, and we have had running back by committee,” DeWitty said. “I just kept up the fight, never gave up, and the positive things started happening in a game.”
DeWitty — who said he learned that he would start a week ago today, when running backs coach Jamie Christian informed him — redshirted last season to build strength.
“Yeah, I’m glad I did that,” DeWitty said. “I have another year to come back and play some more.”
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