Ten questions for ASU football team

Kyle Odegard, Tribune

August 4, 2009 - 12:50PM

ASU opens training camp for the 2009 season on Thursday with fewer expectations coming off a disappointing 5-7 season, but even more questions. Here are 10 key areas that should shape how the Sun Devils fare this year:

1. How will life be like post-Rudy?

While Rudy Carpenter had his ups and downs at Arizona State, his departure still leaves a big void. Danny Sullivan showed enough in spring football to head into camp as the No. 1 quarterback, but Samson Szakacsy is nipping at his heels. The most important position in football is ASU’s biggest question mark. If the Sun Devils find consistency there, it could mean the difference between a losing season and a bowl game.

2. Will the Sun Devils find an every-down back?

Dimitri Nance, James Morrison, Ryan Bass, Jarrell Woods and Shaun DeWitty return, but since the departure of Ryan Torain, ASU has not had a running back that wears down the defense. The team averaged just 89.1 yards per game on the ground last year, one of the worst marks nationally. True freshman Cameron Marshall could get a shot at playing early. The Sun Devils need someone to step up because a productive running game is key.

3. What impact will Dennis Erickson’s recruits have?

For the past two years, Erickson has been using a vast majority of Dirk Koetter’s players on the gridiron. His recruits are said to be more athletically gifted, and this year should be a mix of old and new. Erickson’s hand-picked players are still young, but his past two recruiting classes have been highly regarded. Will we see early returns?

4. How good is the defense?

Those around the program rave about the speed and athleticism of the defense. With an unproven offense, the margin for error will be small. If the Sun Devil defense can become a dominant unit, it takes the pressure off all the other aspects of the game. Dexter Davis, Mike Nixon, Lawrence Guy and Omar Bolden lead a talented group. Incoming players like Corey Adams, Dean DeLeone and, if he qualifies, Vontaze Burfict, will add to the core and should make this a deep and talented unit.

5. Will Vontaze Burfict qualify?

The middle linebacker from Corona, Calif. is Arizona State’s most heralded recruit in years. However, whether he actually makes it to campus sounds like it will come down to the wire. Burfict, who coach Dennis Erickson has compared to Ray Lewis, still must be cleared by the NCAA. If he does, Sun Devil fans won’t stop hearing about him for a long time.

6. Is Chris McGaha healthy?

In 2007, McGaha was one of the Pac-10’s best receivers, totaling 61 receptions for 830 yards, including several highlight-reel grabs. Last year, though, he was bothered by a toe injury and his production dropped. With a new quarterback, a mediocre offensive line and no standout tailback, the Sun Devils desperately need McGaha playing at a high level.

7. Will the offensive line mesh?

Arizona State has been one of the worst teams in the country at protecting the quarterback the past two seasons. Additionally, the running game only averaged 89 yards per game on the ground last year. With a new signal caller in the backfield, it’s crucial that he be protected. The unit is thin, and any significant injuries could spell doom.

8. Will Omar Bolden break out?

The secondary is talented, but it is the biggest question mark on defense. A key is Omar Bolden, who has the skills needed to be an elite cornerback but hasn’t put it all together yet. The more he can cover a wide receiver one-on-one, the better the entire secondary becomes. His progression to a shutdown corner could make the defense a menace.

9. With Dennis Erickson calling plays, will the offense look different?

A lot of criticism was heaped on offensive coordinator Rich Olson after some thought last year’s offense was too bland. Coach Dennis Erickson defended Olson but has decided to take over play-calling duties this year, while Olson will be in the press box giving suggestions. Erickson was one of the first coaches to run the spread offense and achieve success. Does he have more tricks up his sleeve?

10. Will the Sun Devils avoid a second consecutive losing season?

Four games will likely make or break Arizona State’s season. Home games against Oregon State and Arizona, and road contests at Stanford and UCLA should determine this year’s fate. Simply splitting those contests likely guarantees a winning season, but a losing record in those four games puts the Sun Devils in treacherous territory. And there’s always the worry of an upset. Last year’s loss to UNLV crippled the season. A similar surprise could make for some tense moments in Tempe.

ASU Fall Practice Schedule

(Practices held at Kajikawa Practice Facility and Sun Devil Stadium are open to the public)

August 6- 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. (Kajikawa Practice Facility)

August 7- 11:50 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Kajikawa Practice Facility)

August 8- 10:50 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Kajikawa Practice Facility)

August 9- 11:50 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Kajikawa Practice Facility)

August 10- 11:50 to 2 p.m. (Kajikawa Practice Facility)

August 11- 7:40 to 9:45 a.m. (Kajikawa Practice Facility)

4 to 6:15 p.m. (Indoor Practice Facility)

August 12- 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Kajikawa Practice Facility)

August 13- 7:40 to 9:45 a.m. (Kajikawa Practice Facility)

4 to 6:15 p.m. (Indoor Practice Facility)