Redshirt senior defensive back Damarious Randall runs an interception back for a touchdown in a home game against Notre Dame on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014. ASU won against Notre Dame 55-31. (Photo by Alexis Macklin)The day after the senior banquet brought up questions and remarks about the future of star ASU football players.
Head coach Todd Graham was adamant that he would encourage the players to do whatever is best for them personally.
“I’m very hopeful that whatever’s the best thing for our players, that’s what happens,” he said.
Later in the press conference he added, “We’re not recruiting them to stay or go; we’re telling them that I’m going to do exactly what I would do if they were my son.”
One of the biggest questions surrounds redshirt senior defensive back Damarious Randall. He applied for an extra year of eligibility at ASU at the beginning of the season. He has expressed confidence that he will receive it, but whether or not he does, there’s still the question of declaring for the draft.
“After the appeal comes back I’m going to weigh some options, then I'm going to make my decision after the bowl game," Randall said.
He submitted his slip for the NFL Draft Advisory Board last week and said his projection will come in soon. This is only part of his decision, and he already thinks coming back for one more season will help his stock. He said he dropped about four would-be interceptions this year, three of which could have been returned for touchdowns.
Graham said the results from the advisory board would directly pertain to the decisions made.
“You put in your papers, the NFL will come back and tell you where you’re going to be drafted, project you, and it’s been extremely accurate,” he said. “If you get a draft grade comes back and says you’re going to be a top first round pick, we’re going to have a going away party for you.”
Redshirt junior wide receiver Jaelen Strong drops a pass from redshirt junior quarterback Mike Bercovici in a game against USC on Oct. 4, 2014. ASU won against USC 38-34. (Photo by Alexis Macklin)He thinks redshirt junior wide receiver Jaelen Strong could be one of those first rounds picks. If so, Strong will have to decide whether to take that risk or play another year at ASU.
Strong has kept rather quiet about his decision-making process outside of saying the choice will come after the Sun Bowl on Dec. 27.
What he hasn’t been quiet about is his frustration with outside people trying to give him advice and get involved in his situation.
“They don’t see things from the inside out,” he said on Friday. “They’re on the outside looking in.”
This comes less than a week after tweeting, “Please stop telling me what you think I should do when it’s for YOUR best interest,” and not long before that, “Some of you voice your opinions like you get paid to do so… but really have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Graham shared this frustration.
“Everybody just kind of does that and I think that influences the kids,” he said. “It’s really such an important thing for guys, especially guys that are still working on their degree. That’s a pet peeve of mine.”
Practice notes
Freshman running back Demario Richard briefly came off the field during a blocking drill to get his wrist wrapped. He said he jammed it and it hasn’t affected his play.
This was reflected late in practice during a drill within the five-yard line. He scored three touchdowns on all three runs he received.
Randall was in a limited-contact golden jersey but participated fully in practice.
Reach the reporter at logan.newman@asu.edu or follow him on Twitter @Logan_Newsman
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