Cornerback Omar Bolden taking it day-to-day from The State Press on Vimeo.
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Omar Bolden wants to be clear — there is no set timetable for his return to the ASU football team.The senior cornerback suffered an ACL tear during spring practice, which has forced him to miss all of the 2011 season to this point. Speculation surfaced earlier this week that Bolden was planning on returning near a set date in the coming weeks.
He, however, has not determined when or even if he will be able to suit up for the No. 25 Sun Devils (3-1).
“It’s still day to day with me,” Bolden said. “There’s no timetable set. I’m just working hard. If I have the opportunity to play here at ASU that would be wonderful, and if I don’t, then I don’t.”
Bolden said that his Twitter account and text message inbox blew up with notifications and ponderings that he would make a comeback.
“It was kind of hectic,” Bolden said. “It kind of added a little pressure that I didn’t need. I would appreciate if we just let it simmer down and just be respectful of the position I’m in and know that I do love ASU and if I had the opportunity to play I will.”
Garoutte learning as season presses on
Redshirt freshman kicker Alex Garoutte has already learned a lot on the job just four games into his first season as ASU’s starting kicker. He’s learned that every kick matters and the importance of moving on from one kick to the next.
“I’ve been figuring out a rhythm,” Garoutte said. “Just trying to figure out the swing of things because it is new to me. So I’ve been getting used to a good routine for game days, how much to kick before, how much to kick during, and to know how to be ready for each kick.”
Garoutte was especially sharp with his kicks throughout Thursday’s practice. He credits his strong kicking to what he’s learned and worked on so far this season.
“I’m really just trying to tell myself that each kick is important,” Garoutte said. “I’ve been trying to focus on one kick at a time not treating it as eight kicks in a day.”
So far this season, Garoutte is three of five in field goal attempts, including his longest make of 49 yards. He’s also split the uprights on 17 of 18 PAT’s.
Garoutte looks to continue the success he had in Thursday’s practice into Saturday’s game against Oregon State.
“I’ve always felt good,” Garoutte said. “I was fortunate today. The snaps were great. (Redshirt senior) Cameron Kastl is the man and (junior punter) Josh Hubner always holds the ball great. Everything just went well today so I’m excited for Saturday.”
Sun Devils respond with strong Thursday practice
ASU’s performance throughout Wednesday afternoon’s practice was forgettable at best.
Things were just not rolling for the team coming off an uplifting win over Southern California. But things changed on Thursday as ASU quickly turned things around one day later.
With their second conference game of the season just two days away, the Sun Devils turned in a solid practice.
“It was a great day,” junior quarterback Brock Osweiler said. “It was probably our best Thursday practice that we’ve had all season. Yesterday wasn’t very good, but it’s good to see that the guys bounced back, came into today focused and had a great day.”
Reach the reporter at greg.dillard@asu.e
