Redshirt sophomore quarterback Taylor Kelly roams out of the pocket to look for an open receiver during the Sun Devils’ 45-43 loss to UCLA last Saturday. (Photo by Vince Dwyer)There are always players staying after practice to get extra work or conditioning.
Redshirt sophomore quarterback Taylor Kelly and junior tight end Chris Coyle worked on their timing Tuesday.
Kelly said it’s the second straight week he’s stayed after practice to work with Coyle.
“We’re just trying to get a few routes and timing,” Kelly said. “We’ve got a couple routes for him and we’re just trying to work on the timing and get it going.”
Coyle said there’s a specific route this week where the three-back has a few options depending on how he’s covered.
“I read the linebacker and how he’s playing our offense, and I make my break off him,” Coyle said. “That’s one of the biggest things — is timing on that play.”
The two have been in sync all season. Coyle leads the team with 38 receptions for 473 yards. It always seems as if Coyle is on the receiving end of a clutch catch. Kelly said he has great confidence in Coyle to get open and make a play.
“He’s helped out a lot making it easier on me,” Kelly said. “Just a drop a little pass on him, that’s five yards and making a big play. It gets our momentum going on the offense. Guys look up to him, and he’s a great asset to our team.”
Coyle said Kelly has done a good job in his first season at quarterback.
He said their timing has been so well this season because of their personalities.
“We’re both calm and composed,” Coyle said. “I think that’s the biggest thing that’s helped Kelly this year is his composure and being able to get out and continue the play. We’re both really big competitors. He’s not going to give up on a play and go down. He’s always going for those extra yardage, and I’m always trying to find that open area. We’re never going to stop on a play until it’s actually over.”
Randolph praises Pennel
Defensive coordinator Paul Randolph thought junior defensive tackle Mike Pennel played well in his return Saturday against UCLA.
Pennel was suspended for the second time after the California game for not meeting team standards. He was reinstated last week after he sat out for three weeks.
Randolph was most impressed by the way Pennel practiced in his return, as he helped a depleted defensive line that was without junior defensive tackle Will Sutton.
“It’s the same recipe,” Randolph said. “If you practice hard, practice focused, practice with a purpose then you’ll only play well. And Mike played well for the number of snaps he got.”
Martin ready to go
Junior linebacker Steffon Martin said he will play Saturday against Oregon State, even after Martin left ASU’s game against UCLA with an elbow injury in the third quarter.
Martin wore a brace around his elbow during Tuesday’s practice. He also wore a green non-contact jersey.
“I wanted to come back, but I just couldn’t raise my arm, so they wouldn’t let me come back in,” Martin said. “When you can’t raise your arm, you can get messed up pretty bad.”
Reach the reporter at mtesfats@asu.edu
