If you ask ASU defensive coordinator Paul Randolph how the defense started Saturday’s spring game, slow might be an understatement.
“It sure did in the spring game, no doubt,” Randolph said.
Consistency has been an issue for the defense this spring as the players get acclimated to the complexities of the defensive scheme and coach Todd Graham’s quick-tempo practices. The defense allowed three touchdowns within the first six series, two of which were scored on plays longer than 40 yards.
While the defense kept it simple and didn’t incorporate blitz packages Saturday, Randolph isn’t using that as an excuse for the start. The offensive line experienced trouble at times during practice against the blitz, but Randolph hopes he doesn’t have to send pressure. He wants his guys up front to be able to create pressure to give the defense a good combination of playing out of the base defense as well as mixing in blitz packages.
The defense picked up one sack through the first six series.
“It was more on the D-line to get a pass rush, and we’ve got to do our part,” junior defensive tackle Will Sutton said. “I felt like we should’ve got a better pass rush.”
Most of the defensive players are also on special teams, which allowed a 97-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to senior wide receiver Jamal Miles after a 46-yard touchdown catch from senior wide receiver Rashad Ross. Fatigue played a factor as defenders hustled back and forth from kickoffs to defense in triple-digit heat.
“We’ve got to condition our minds to not let the heat or special teams affect us,” junior safety Alden Darby said.
Randolph gives credit to offensive coordinator Mike Norvell for the offense’s fast start, but was proud of his defense’s ability to battle back and finish strong.
The defense collected four sacks in the last three series, which all ended on three-and-out punts. The defense allowed just two touchdowns and a field goal in six overtime series. The defense picked up one of its two interceptions during the overtime period as well.
The defensive players credit the turnaround to their defensive coordinator. Randolph gathered the defense following the third quarter and told the defense to play the way it’s been coached all spring.
“We’ve got a couple scrimmages where we’ve done that, and we’ve had a couple scrimmages where we started fast and ended slow,” Randolph said. “Of course, we care about how we finish because we preach that, but we also have to start faster and be more ready to have a better start to begin with.”
The defense was able to finish strong without redshirt senior linebacker Brandon Magee. He was kept out as a precaution, but he liked what he saw from the sidelines at the end of the game. Magee said the players began to communicate more after Randolph gathered the team.
“We came up with some big time stops and that shows the character that we have on this defense,” Magee said. “When I get back out there, I’ll just flow with them, teach them a few things here and there, and that’s about it.”
Reach the reporter at mtesfats@asu.edu
Follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook. Click here to subscribe to the daily State Press email newsletter.
