Whether on the practice field as a scout team player in 2006 or a fifth-year senior in 2009, ASU tight end Jovon Williams has seen a few things in his Sun Devil career.

Now, Williams said it’s time to make his presence as a leader — he wants change.

“My role is to make sure the tight ends are ready to play,” he said. “We’ve been real shaky at that position the last few years. I try to be vocal, I try to show it on the field [and] I try to show it in the film room — just getting guys ready to go. Obviously, it’s going to take everyone. “

Williams has never been a top-notch receiving tight end — he has only four catches for 44 yards in his career. ASU is hoping that 6-foot-5, 260-pound sophomore Dan Knapp can recover from a knee injury to give ASU a downfield threat.

Williams, though, said he wants to help increase the physicality of the offensive front. He knows this is his last chance to make an impact, and there’s no turning back.

ASU senior quarterback Danny Sullivan said he can sense Williams’ urgency.

“We've been working together saying: 'We've got one more year, this is it,’” the quarterback said. “We've got to take advantage. [Williams] has improved a lot. Knowing he's going to be the starter coming in, he's got confidence just like I did."

Indicated on a daily basis during ASU practices, is the increased intensity initiated by the ASU defense, and Williams thinks it’s making the offensive side of the ball tougher.

“It’s up to the offense to feed off [the defense’s] energy,” Williams said. “D-side [defense] does a great job of getting us ready to go. They fly around and play hard every play — and it shows. From an offensive standpoint, I see it and want to match it because I don’t want to be beat on every play.”

Injury Notes

Senior right tackle Tom Njunge did not practice Wednesday because of a torn muscle in his right bicep. ASU coach Dennis Erickson said he is expected to be back next Tuesday.

Erickson said sophomore Matt Hustad has been one of the most improved players on offense, and he would be comfortable with starting Hustad at right tackle.

Both Hustad and Njunge have been in a battle for the right tackle position this fall.

Reach the reporter at nick.ruland@asu.edu.