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ASU Football notebook: Emotionally charged practice highlights day
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CAMP TONTOZONA - Considering the importance that coach Dennis Erickson places on emotion, it is somewhat surprising that Arizona State went through a week of camp before it finally spilled over.
ASU senior Zach Krula on solid footing
SOUNDSLIDES: The first Camp Tontozona under Dennis Erickson
However, on Thursday, it did, as receiver Nate Kimbrough and cornerback Justin Tryon got into a pushing match that erupted into a skirmish during the afternoon practice. The Sun Devils’ energy remained high for the rest of the workout, which Erickson did not mind a bit.
“I say all the time that this game is about coaching and technique, but it’s also about emotion, man,” Erickson said. “If you don’t play with emotion, you don’t have a snowball’s chance in hell. That’s the reason you see so many upsets in college football, emotion.”
During 11-on-11 work, the chatter between the offense and defense has been more intense than in recent seasons. Running back Keegan Herring, is easily the biggest talker.
“It helps the team, I know it does,” Herring said. “Emotion is something that drives everyone. If I can help get that thing going, everyone is going to feel good. We’re going to be an emotional team this year, I guarantee it.”
INJURY REPORT
Defensive tackle Saia Falahola will undergo surgery today in the Valley to repair a torn triceps muscle. How much time the redshirt freshman misses depends on the severity of the tear, Erickson said.
“It could be anywhere from five or six weeks to all season,” Erickson said.
Falahola, who moved to defense from offense during the spring, was hurt during a drill on Wednesday. He was part of a group of players — including Alex Asi, Jonahan English, John Hargis, Zach Niusulu and Paul Unga — battling for playing time behind projected starters Michael Marquardt and David Smith.
PERSONNEL UPDATES
It had been speculated since the start of camp, but Erickson affirmed it: True freshman wide receiver Kerry Taylor will not redshirt.
“He’s going to play this year, no doubt,” Erickson said. “He could start, you never know.”
Freshman walk-on Zach Richards has shown improved field-goal distance and accuracy in recent days and is pushing redshirt freshman Thomas Weber at kicker.
“That thing is not etched in granite,” Erickson said. “Whoever helps our team the most is going to kick.”
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