ASU Football notebook: Walk-on kicker gains leg up

CAMP TONTOZONA - Has freshman walk-on Zach Richards moved ahead of Thomas Weber in Arizona State’s kicking competition?

See a slideshow of ASU's scrimmage.

ASU gets defensive in scrimmage

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In recent days, Richards has shown a powerful leg, and during Saturday’s intrasquad scrimmage, the Phoenix Thunderbird High School graduate hit three 47-yard field goals. He missed wide left on a 42-yard attempt.

“The job is as much up for grabs for me as it is for anyone else,” said Richards, who has been tutored by former University of Arizona and NFL kicker Max Zendejas. “It’s a competition. Whoever does the best will win the job.”

Weber, a redshirt freshman who is the Sun Devils’ only scholarship kicker, was 2-for-4 on Saturday, including a 47-yarder. But — as he has been prone to do — Weber uncorked a knuckleball to badly miss on a 42-yard try.

“It’s frustrating,” Weber said. “I’ve had some ugly-looking ones, but some of them have gone through. And that’s the thing you need to worry about first, making the kick.”

SCRIMMAGE STUFF

Young wide receivers Kyle Williams and Kerry Taylor provided ASU fans more reason to salivate.

Taylor, a true freshman, was the top offensive player on Saturday, with five receptions for 85 yards. Williams, a sophomore, had three catches for 31 yards — a 34-yard touchdown catch was negated by a penalty — and added a 40-yard punt return.

“Kyle stood out on offense, Kerry Taylor, too,” coach Dennis Erickson said. “Williams is going to be a threat in a lot of different areas. That punt return was just a glimpse of what he can do.”

Backup cornerback Littrele Jones had the hit of the scrimmage, lighting up receiver Rodney Glass. The blow drew oohs and aahs from the crowd and caused a cut on Glass’ chin that needed stitches to close.

INJURY REPORT

Defensive end Tranell Morant, who was injury-plagued last season, suffered a left medial collateral ligament sprain. Receiver Rudy Burgess strained a calf muscle and was on crutches afterward, and running back Dimitri Nance sprained an ankle.

“We expect to have all of those guys back in a few days,” Erickson said.

A number of players were held out of the scrimmage due to aches and pains, including linebacker Ryan McFoy, tight end Brady Conrad, wide receiver Brandon Smith and defensive end Wes Evans.