Jake Plummer, Adam Archuleta, Terrell Suggs and Shaun McDonald are a few of the Sun Devils who have turned memorable collegiate seasons into promising NFL careers.
Former ASU tailback Tom Pace doesn't appear on the same radar screen but has stated his case for attention.
In two years with the Arizona Rattlers, Pace has become a fan favorite. Fans were high on Pace, a wide receiver and linebacker, even before he stepped onto the field at America West Arena.
Pace led ASU in rushing in 2000 with 720 yards and eight touchdowns. His strong work ethic caught the attention of former Rattlers coach Danny White, who played quarterback at ASU from 1971-73 before a 13-year NFL career. The Rattlers signed Pace before the 2003 season.
"He made a believer out of me his first year here," Rattlers wide receiver Randy Gatewood said. "He's the total package. He's quick and he's smart, and that's what it takes to play at this level. He comes in and works hard, and a lot of guys he plays against take him for granted until he runs by them one time."
Pace caught 32 passes for 359 yards and eight touchdowns during his rookie season. More impressively, he recorded 21 tackles, two interceptions and two defensive touchdowns, despite never playing a down on defense at ASU.
Pace picked up right where he left off last season, quickly becoming an integral part of the Rattlers offense.
He put his 2003 stats to shame with 56 receptions for 666 yards and 16 touchdowns. He also returned a kickoff for a touchdown and threw for a touchdown.
Pace already is being compared to Rattlers veteran Hunkie Cooper, one of only two players in Arena Football League history to accumulate 20,000 all-purpose yards.
"Tom Pace brings a young Hunkie in," Cooper said. "He makes big plays with the football, and he makes plays without the football. He is a guy that's going to be around this city for a long time, and this game is going to be beckoning at his feet because he's constantly going to make big plays."
Reach the reporter at brian.knapp@asu.edu.
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