Davon Durant wasn’t ASU football’s first JUCO misstep. He probably won’t be the last, either.
If you recall, four-star Dalvon Stuckey and teammate Darrius Caldwell reportedly didn’t enroll at ASU last year because of academics.
Durant has been suspended indefinitely after being arrested on three counts of misdemeanor disorderly conduct and one count of felony aggravated assault. He is scheduled for to be arraigned Wednesday morning and has an initial pre-trial conference on May 6.
Given the length of the legal process, you have to wonder how long it’ll drag out if it goes to trial.
Obviously, his continued suspension hurts the team. The Sun Devils lacked a consistent Devilbacker last season and Durant (a five-star recruit by Scout.com) could fill that role, though it often takes a player a year to get comfortable in a new system.
Despite Durant’s suspension and the two non-qualifiers from last season, ASU found success from junior colleges more often than not. And while the recent setbacks are concerning, Graham has been signing fewer and fewer JUCO players.
Combined in 2012 and 2013, 19 of Graham’s 49 recruits were from junior colleges, while in 2014 and 2015, only nine of 49 were. Two of those could make an impact next season — wide receiver Eric Lauderdale and defensive back Kweishi Brown.
One of the issues with junior colleges is that the player has less eligibility than an incoming freshman.
Here’s a look at some of Graham’s JUCO success stories:
- Jaelen Strong might be the best wide receiver in program history and is a likely first round draft selection. He caught 157 passes for 2,287 yards and 17 touchdowns in two seasons and, oh by way, did this to USC.
- It took defensive lineman Marcus Hardison, a while to get going, and he only had two seasons with ASU. But he finally broke out in his senior season, recording 10 sacks to lead the Sun Devils.
- Linebacker Chris Young was another two-year player for ASU, and he led the Sun Devils in tackles in 2013.
- Running back Marion Grice scored 39 touchdowns in two seasons.
- Safety Damarious Randall, though a bit of a gambler in the secondary, became a mainstay in the Sun Devils’ secondary after he transferred from two junior colleges, including one where he played baseball.
Reach the sports editor at jmjanss1@asu.edu or follow @jjanssen11 on Twitter.
Like State Press Sports on Facebook and follow @statepresssport on Twitter.
