Ryan Bass was in the midst of unfamiliar company on Tuesday night.
After rushing for 56 yards on 10 carries during the ASU football team’s loss to Oregon on Saturday, the freshman running back was greeted by a barrage of reporters following practice.
Bass said he was just happy to finally get the opportunity to show what he could do on the field.
“It felt good,” Bass said. “I proved myself Saturday and coach [Dennis Erickson] felt the same way, so I should be playing a lot more this [coming] Saturday.”
Bass is playing through a lingering right hamstring injury he suffered against USC on Oct. 11, but Erickson said the freshman will be featured more in ASU’s offensive plans when the Sun Devils counter Oregon State on Saturday.
“We’re planning on giving him some more looks, no question about it,” Erickson said.
Bass has gained about 20 pounds since arriving in Tempe; the freshman said the added weight has improved his strength as a runner.
“I’ve been working out hard every day and just eating the right food,” Bass said.
Bass, who rushed for 2,608 yards during his senior season at Centennial High School in Corona, Calif., said adjusting to the pace of the college game has been the toughest adjustment.
“[The speed] felt a lot faster the first game [against NAU on Aug. 30],” he said. “I’m getting used to it now.”
Injuries pave way for others
Following a lopsided loss in a hard-hitting game on Saturday, it was no surprise the Sun Devils were short-handed on the practice field Tuesday due to injury.
Junior wide receiver Kyle Williams did not participate due to a concussion suffered against UO. His status is day-to-day.
An injury to the receiving corps may not hamper the squad too much.
Erickson said he is pleased with the improved play of junior Brandon Smith and redshirt freshman T.J. Simpson.
Smith saw action on Saturday for the first time since playing in the 2006 Hawaii Bowl. Against UO Saturday, he caught three passes for 20 yards.
Simpson caught his first career touchdown pass in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s game, a 4-yard reception from junior quarterback Danny Sullivan.
Redshirt freshman James Brooks sat out practice on Tuesday with a walking boot over his sprained ankle.
Erickson said Brooks is questionable for Saturday. Senior Paul ‘Unga practiced in Brooks’ place on the second-team defensive line.
Reach the reporter at nkosmide@asu.edu.
