Junior safety Alden Darby speaks to reporters on Tuesday in his Pat Tillman camouflage jersey, an honor awarded by football coach Todd Graham. (Photo by Master Tesfatsion)ASU senior safety Alden Darby sported a brown camouflage jersey during Tuesday’s practice.
It wasn’t his choice, but rather a reward from coach Todd Graham. Darby didn’t have his typical No. 4 on his practice jersey. Instead, it was No. 42 and said “Tillman” on the back.
Graham has heavily emphasized his respect for Pat Tillman since his introductory press conference in December. He said the jersey is a very prestigious honor on the team for a player that excels in areas that represent Tillman’s character.
“He was not perfect,” Graham said of Tillman. “He was hard to coach. He was dynamic. He was like taming a wild horse. He was something special, and we celebrate that he’s got the uniqueness of each individual, but at the end of the day, nothing came in front of his family or his teammates.”
Darby found out about the honor last Wednesday during a team dinner. Graham notified the team about the jerseys, while announcing the team captains for the Oregon game.
Darby said he didn’t know until safeties coach Chris Ball spoiled the news and congratulated him on earning the jersey.
“To earn that jersey is really hard to do and Alden Darby earned it because every single day he’s brought it in the classroom, in the community, on the field and off the field,” Graham said. “I think he’s having an All-Pac-12 season. He’s just been phenomenal.”
Darby didn’t think he’d be the first person to get the award. He anticipated redshirt senior linebacker Brandon Magee to don the jersey, but the coaching staff told Darby he’s been consistent at practice.
“I feel honored having Pat Tillman’s number and his name on the back,” Darby said. “It just makes me feel proud of myself. I’m not satisfied because I always want to elevate a little higher than this.”
While camouflage is used to help objects become unnoticed, Darby is easy to spot on the practice field. The fashion expert said he’s coming around on the jersey design.
“I’m starting to get a little used to it,” Darby said. “At first I thought it was OK, but it’s not bad at all. I like how the maroon numbers matches the maroon pants.”
Hood ready to step up
Graham said he would know more on Thursday about junior defensive tackle Will Sutton’s status.
Graham said Sutton suffered a bone bruise against Oregon last Thursday and did not suffer any ligament damage.
“I think he’s progressing,” Graham said. “He suited up again today. We’re being more cautious than anything. We’re working hard to get him back. I think it’ll be soon, but we’ll see.”
Freshman defensive tackle Jaxon Hood is ready to step into his mentor's place if Sutton can’t go Saturday against UCLA.
“It’s more pressure (on me) because Sutton is the heart of our defense,” Hood said. “We’re going to miss him for a week. Sutton was my mentor and I think he’s been getting me prepared for a moment like this where I do have to pull more weight and do more than just my job. I have to perfect and carry other people’s weights.”
If in fact Sutton is out for a week, Hood feels it’s all starting to fall into place. He has been impressive on the defensive line in his first season. Hood gives plenty of credit to Sutton, who worked with him since fall camp to improve aspects of his game.
“Will is a playmaker and he knows all those little tricks because this isn’t his first time around the block,” Hood said. “He knows all those things that might not get coached or might not even supposed to do, but if you do it, you do your job right.”
Reach the reporter at mtesfats@asu.edu
