Junior defensive tackle Will Sutton has always been an explosive player.
Sutton said he could gain 20 pounds in a week and strictly play nose tackle or lose 15 pounds and play boundary defensive end. He’s played every position on the defensive line this week at Camp Tontozona.
Naturally a three-technique tackle in a four-man front, Sutton is now also the boundary defensive end when the Sun Devils line up in Randolph’s 3-3-5 defense.
With injuries to defensive lineman Corey Adams, Toa Tuitea, Mike Pennel and Jake Seffield, Sutton took reps at field defensive end and nose tackle in the 3-3-5 this week.
“It’s a lot of work knowing all the positions and knowing all the plays,” Sutton said.” …It’s fun to me knowing that I can play any position.”
Sutton’s flexibility allows Randolph to do more schematically out of the team’s hybrid defense.
“With that (versatility), he creates depth for me at every position,” Randolph said. “But I want to leave him at home at his natural position and let him play and get comfortable in that position.”
Sutton has progressed against the run in camp at boundary defensive end. Randolph wants Sutton to make tackles in the backfield, which has been a common occurrence at Camp Tontozona. He rocked senior running back James Morrison during Wednesday’s practice in the backfield in arguably the hardest hit in camp.
“He really made a great play in the backfield,” Randolph said of the 11-on-11 play. “We’re really excited about his progress. We talk about getting our best players better. If we can do that, than naturally everyone else will fall in and get better. And Will is working to be great.”
He topped that Thursday when he stopped quarterback Michael Eubank in the backfield on a 4th and 1 play. In Sutton fashion, he ran down the field yelling out of excitement.
“When you come in and sore, when Will starts chanting, it gets you excited,” Pennel said, who said Sutton is the vocal and physical leader up front. “It gets you ready for practice. He keeps us motivated with jokes.”
Senior linebacker Brandon Magee knew about Sutton’s skillfulness when they both attended Centennial High in Corona, Calif. and played baseball and football.
Yes, Sutton played baseball for four years. He was the team’s first baseman.
“He didn’t move much but he was on the team,” Magee said. “He hit some home runs. He’s an athlete man.”
The chemistry between both players has transitioned onto the field now where Magee and Sutton are lined up on the boundary side in the 3-3-5 scheme. Magee said Sutton always gets a push up front, making his job easier specifically on running plays.
“I like having Brandon behind me especially when we have our calls together,” Sutton said. “It makes it a lot more fun. And when plays are ran on our side, we know that we can trust each other to do our job."
No matter where he’s lined up, the opposing offensive line will know where number 90 will be. If not, the offensive will surely hear his celebratory yell in the backfield.
