ASU football notebook: Nolan to miss at least 2 weeks

CAMP TONTOZONA - The prognosis for Troy Nolan remains at least two weeks on the sidelines due to a shoulder injury, but the Arizona State safety looks like he wants to return sooner.

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On Sunday, Nolan was dressed in shoulder pads, as his teammates were, and ran on the side during practice.

“Guys are counting on me, so I need to get back soon,” Nolan said.

The 6-foot-2, 204-pound junior, who emerged as a starter after a terrific spring, suffered his injury during practice on Tuesday. The sling he was given to wear was discarded by Thursday.

If Nolan returns on schedule, he will have about 10 days to prepare for the season-opening game against San Jose State on Sept. 1. He said he believes that it will not take long for him to get back up to speed.

“I’m a physical player and physical tackler, so it won’t be hard to get ready,” Nolan said. “I’ll be ready.”

Injuries have come at inopportune times for Nolan since transferring to ASU from College of the Canyons (Calif.) before spring practice in 2006. He suffered a knee injury in spring ball that necessitated his redshirting a season ago.

However, he said that he does not feel snakebit.

“Things happen for a reason,” Nolan said. “It’s unfortunate. I have to stay positive and keep my spirits up. I talk to my mom on the phone every day, and she helps keep me up.”

INJURY REPORT

Defensive ends Eric Tanner and Tranell Morant, both suffering from knee injuries, returned to the Valley on Sunday night to undergo MRI exams today.

“Just to be safe,” coach Dennis Erickson said. “That’s a problem sending them back and bringing them right back up here to camp, but you have to see where they are at.”

Cornerback Omar Bolden suffered a groin strain on Sunday.

Among those resting on Sunday were three players — linebacker Ryan McFoy, running back Dimitri Nance and safety Jeremy Payton — with ankle sprains, as well as tight end Brady Conrad (concussion), defensive end Wes Evans (foot) and receiver Rudy Burgess (calf).

ASU was slated to practice in full gear, but Erickson opted for shells (helmets and shoulder pads). “We needed it,” Erickson said. “We’re beat up right now.”

RUNNING MEN

For the first time in camp, ASU ran after practice — six 60-yard “gasser” sprints. At first, Erickson said that the running was needed for conditioning, but his answer to a follow-up query begged to be read between the lines.

“You have to do the things you are supposed to do,” Erickson said. “I’m not a guy that is going to have a lot of meetings or (rules), but if they are not doing things right, then we’re going to get it straight.”

EXTRA POINTS

Kicking update: Zach Richards made all five attempts on Sunday, including a 52-yarder. Thomas Weber made 4-for-5, missing from 42 yards.

ASU’s final two-a-day practices are today. The team’s last workout at Camp Tontozona is on Wednesday.