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DJ Calhoun stabilizes ASU football's banged up linebacking corps

The Sun Devils have been without two starters at the linebacker position for a majority of the season, but one remains a constant force

ASU Sun Devils linebacker DJ Calhoun (3) tackles WSU Cougars running back Jamal Morrow (25) during a game against WSU in Sun Devil Stadium, in Tempe, Arizona, on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016.
ASU Sun Devils linebacker DJ Calhoun (3) tackles WSU Cougars running back Jamal Morrow (25) during a game against WSU in Sun Devil Stadium, in Tempe, Arizona, on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016.

Injuries are a significant part of sports, but for the ASU football team, they've become the most significant part.

ASU has lost two quarterbacks for the remainder of the season in redshirt freshmen Brady White and Bryce Perkins, and redshirt sophomore Manny Wilkins is still day-to-day after injuring his shoulder in the first quarter Saturday.

While losses at the quarterback position have dominated the headlines, the injury bug has been even more devastating on the defensive side of the football.

Junior linebacker Christian Sam has not played since the first quarter of the season opener, redshirt sophomore safety Armand Perry didn't play against Washington State and was limited in practice Tuesday. Senior linebacker Salamo Fiso left the game Saturday against Washington State with an injury of his own.

A common mantra repeated by ASU's coaching staff is "next man up" and it has permeated to the players, such as junior linebacker DJ Calhoun.

"Like the coaches say, it's the next guy up, and I'm the next guy up," Calhoun said. "I've still got to be the communicator like I was last week. It's just a new game with different personnel, so we just have to keep on working with what we've got."

Those "next men," listed on the preseason depth chart as second and third-teamers, have played well in important roles, as acknowledged by junior defensive tackle Tashon Smallwood.

"Give credit to the guys behind the ones that are injured," Smallwood said. "They need to really be paying attention when they're not in and be focused on their assignments even when they're not playing."

The only projected starting linebacker to play in every game this season is Calhoun, who has made the most of his health.

"I'm not going to say I'm this perfect player or anything like that," Calhoun said. "I'm trying as best as I can."

Through eight games, Calhoun has done just that, leading the Sun Devils in tackles and is behind just junior linebacker Koron Crump in sacks and tackles for loss.

Calhoun said he's been in the film room for hours on end, of late, and credited that preparation on his ability to lead a now-inexperienced Sun Devil defense in the void of other experienced players hampered by ailments.

"You've got to be a leader," Calhoun said. "Watch film, everything like that. Get guys up to tempo at practice, show them their keys."

Related Links:

ASU football remains in the middle of the pack despite loss

Report Card: Grading ASU football's 37-32 loss to Washington State


Reach the reporter at mtonis@asu.edu or follow @Tonis_The_Tiger on Twitter.

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