ASU notes: Move to safety boosts McFoy's game

Ryan McFoy was worried he would never get this chance.

The senior safety started eight games at that position as a true freshman in 2006 and seemed in line for a productive four-year career at Arizona State.

But when Dennis Erickson took over as coach, he moved McFoy to linebacker, a position he had never played before and one he had trouble grasping. In 2007 and 2008, McFoy started just two games and combined for 33 tackles, one fewer than in his freshman season.

“It was so confusing for me as a linebacker,” McFoy said. “It was so new to me, the terminology, everything. It took me a while to catch on to it.”

With just one season of eligibility left heading into this season, McFoy hadn’t made the type of impact he expected when he arrived on campus.

But he was moved back to safety after the end of last season, and right away he knew it was where he belonged.

“In spring ball, I realized this was my natural position and that I could be one of the best at it,” McFoy said. “From there, I just took off.”

He battled in camp for a starting job and now seems entrenched at strong safety.

The senior has 14 tackles this season and is tied for the team lead in interceptions with three despite missing a game with an injured foot earlier this season.

McFoy intercepted two passes by Washington quarterback Jake Locker on Saturday, including one at ASU’s 1-yard line.

He said he’s gone back to playing the game instinctively, instead of overloading his brain figuring out the correct place to be on each play.

“At safety, it feels natural,” McFoy said. “Now, sometimes, I’m even helping the coaches out. It’s a big change.”

WEBER GETTING BETTER

ASU kicker Thomas Weber said his groin injury is improving, and the two field goals he missed on Saturday against Washington were mental problems, not physical.

“I got back there and saw how far it was, but everything was good,” he said. “But when I went to kick it, in my head I was like, 'Nope.’ Mentally, I just have to clear my head, say I’m good to go and just do it.” Weber has been steadily kicking field goals deeper and deeper in practice and should be ready for that aspect of the kicking game against Stanford.

Bobby Wenzig will likely control kickoff duties for the foreseeable future.

INJURY UPDATE

Cornerback Omar Bolden (knee) will not play against Stanford.

Wide receiver Kyle Williams (hamstring) did not practice on Tuesday. Wide receiver Kerry Taylor (hamstring) was very limited, but Erickson isn’t sure on the status of either for Saturday’s game.

Offensive linemen Garth Gerhart (toe) and Matt Hustad (knee) should be ready to go against the Cardinal, but Zach Schlink (knee) will likely be out.