Senior linebacker Brandon Magee carries the ball downfield for a touchdown after intercepting a pass during the Sun Devils’ 63-6 win over NAU last Thursday. (Photo by Sam Rosenbaum)One of ASU coach Todd Graham’s top 11 players on defense will finally make his first career start Saturday.
Graham said redshirt junior Anthony Jones will start at “Sam” linebacker against Illinois. Junior linebacker Steffon Martin will likely start at the “Devil” linebacker spot, mixing in with redshirt sophomore Carl Bradford.
“We’re trying to develop some depth there where we have three guys to play two positions,” Graham said. “But Anthony is just at a point where he is such a good athlete. His biggest things have been the mental development and learning how we do things.”
Jones wouldn’t disagree about his mental development. He said he has a more positive mindset.
“I feel like I’m ‘me’ now,” Jones said. “I’m just ready to compete and do whatever it takes to keep the job.”
The Chandler native said he was inconsistent mentally and had negative days at times. Now, he feels more energetic on the field.
“I feel like I’m at a level field now and I’m ready to compete and I’m ready to work,” Jones said.
He was limited in fall camp, mainly due to a shoulder injury he suffered during a scrimmage. The Hamilton High School product was on the second team last Saturday and recorded two tackles in the 63-6 blowout victory over NAU. He hopes to stay assignment sound and avoid penalties during his first collegiate start.
“In the past, if you had a penalty, you’re still on the field,” Jones said. “But now if you have a penalty, you’ll sit out a few plays, if not a series, if not the rest of the game. It depends on how serious the penalty is but coach Graham doesn’t play about you committing a penalty.”
Graham said during Monday’s press conference he feels the “Spur” linebacker spot is his best position. Junior linebacker Chris Young starts at the position and Graham wants to keep Young there.
So Graham attempted the right spot for Anthony in the starting lineup, including at safety.
Jones practiced at the “bandit” position Sunday, which Graham thought he did pretty well.
“It felt natural,” Jones said of the safety position. “I love it. I feel like I can do it at the next level so that’s something I’d love to do if I can in the future.”
Graham said he wants to keep at linebacker, but told Jones he’s the backup spur, back bandit and competing to start at the “Sam” linebacker spot on Sunday.
Jones doesn’t exactly know if he’ll actually play at bandit, but he’s ready if his number is called.
“It’s football so I love it,” Jones said of his multiple positions. “So I’ll just get in here and watch extra film and do what whatever it takes to get it down.
Magee dinged up
Redshirt senior linebacker Brandon Magee did not practice Thursday. Graham said he had “a little ding” during Wednesday’s practice and was held out as a precaution. Magee did not speak to the media after practice.
Reach the reporter at mtesfats@asu.edu
