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2008 saw a dismal performance by the Arizona State Sun Devils, finishing at 4-5 group discussion and 5-7 overall. After beginning the season 2-0 beating the Northern Arizona University Lumberjacks (30-13) and the Stanford Cardinal (41-17), the Sun Devils went on a six game slide, efficaciously ending any hope at a good Bowl game at season’s end, thence ending quarterback Rudy Carpenter’s career on a sour note. To make matters worse, Arizona State had a chance to finish the season even at 6-6, going into the annual season ending game versus rival University Arizona Wildcats, in the Territorial Cup, only to lose (10-31). 2009 holds a bit of a hopeful outlook as the Sun Devils have had a reasonably strong recruiting season. Third year coach Dennis Erickson has been used to signing the highly sought after recruits from his days of glory as the National Champions at Miami. This off season, the Sun Devils had the probability to sign home state stand-out defensive player Devon Kennard, but lost him to group discussion heavy-weight University of Southern California Trojans. However, even with this loss there is hope as Coach Erickson was capable to sign linebacker Vontaze Burfict, the highest-rated signee in school history, from Centennial High School in Corona, Calif., away from the Trojans. Burfict has begun to be equated to Raven’s star Linebacker, Ray Lewis, who was the biggest player Coach Erickson had ever signed. Arizona State has also picked up a few others that give hope for this coming season as starters, or as back-ups to learn the scheme behind proven players, so they may start out in the seasons to come. With 240 tackles and 34 sacks for the duration of his three-year prep career, Defensive Tackle Corey Adams from Scottsdale Saguaro High must have no difficultnesses jumping straight into the mix this coming season. The Sun Devil’s Offensive Line has permitted a painful amount of sacks over the last couple of seasons, which ought to concede Kody Koebensky of Scottsdale, AZ to begin right away. The local stand-out may play either Guard or Tackle.
Overall, after putting together a outstanding recruiting class in 2008, which rated as highly as 16th in the nation, Erickson managed to put together another magnificent group of newcomers consisting of elite athletes from the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Montana and Utah. Erickson’s latest group comprises of 21 student athletes, consisting of 19 high school players and two junior college transfers, while splendid talent, speed and athleticism has been intensified at each position on the team. Nine of these players rated among the top 30 in the nation at their positions. Though with any program there are growing pains as players graduate or leave early for the draft, this season is shaping up to be one of promise. Of course perchance not an prompt jump to the top 25 but at least better than last season, and hopefully a ramp in the right direction. Behind the leadership of Dennis Erickson, this gifted young group has nowhere to go but up. |
