Following the loss of 80 percent of its starting offensive line, ASU football headed into the offseason with more questions than answers on how it would protect its quarterback and running backs. With less than a month until the season kicks off, the clock is ticking for coach Chris Thomsen to solidify his unit for opening day.
While redshirt seniors Evan Goodman (11 starts) and Stephon McCray (one start) and redshirt sophomore Sam Jones (three starts) have received extended playing time across the line, the right side of the offensive front has more questions than answers.
As fall camp has gone on, positions have fallen into place, but Thomsen said the battle is far from over.
“We’re still not settled on the group yet,” Thomsen said. “We probably need to be by the end of the week so we have two weeks to settle the group in stone.”
ASU’s final two projected starters have never started a game for the Sun Devils, as redshirt sophomore Quinn Bailey and redshirt freshman Zach Robertson have been getting a majority of the first team reps.
Bailey and Robertson did get reps next to each other on the second unit a year ago, so allowing a smoother transition to the starting spot for them.
"Last year I played a lot with Quinn," Robertson said. "I have a little experience with him, anyway, and we communicate well and we work as hard as we can, so I think me and Quinn are a great tandem."
Former center Nick Kelly joined the coaching staff after his graduation and Robertson said he’s been a huge help in getting him comfortable, especially with the guys working at his old position of center.
"He's helped a lot," Thomsen said. "Being able to take the centers and give them some more personal attention and being able to bring things to the table from playing in our system, he's been a big help to us."
But he's been an asset to other players as well, according to Robertson, who has utilized Kelly's knowledge to transition into the starting lineup.
“He’s like the relayer,” Robertson said. “If coaches Thomsen and (Sam) Bennett doing something, I know I can ask coach Kelly and he can help me because he’s been there and done that.”
Reach the reporter at mtonis@asu.edu or follow @Tonis_The_Tiger on Twitter.
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