Position battles take shape

 by Alex Espinoza
 published on Wednesday, April 9, 2008

ASU football coach Dennis Erickson is lucky to have plenty of quality linebackers at his disposal next year. The problem — if you want to call it that — is trying to find the right combination of starters at the second tier of defense.

Erickson's starting trio at practice on Tuesday included juniors Mike Nixon at the weak side, Gerald Munns in the middle and Travis Goethel on the strong side. Munns has been performing particularly well in recent practices and became one of three players who has practiced as the No. 1 middle linebacker, along with Nixon and senior Morris Wooten.

"[Munns] is probably making as many plays as anybody," Erickson said. "Every time there's a collision, he seems to be involved in it."

Erickson has also given redshirt freshman Oliver Aaron some time with the starting unit. In all, Erickson has at least five legitimate options for the position, not to mention the influx of transfers and freshmen that will come in next fall.

"We're just trying to find out who our linebackers are going to be," Erickson said. "We've got a lot of depth there."

Another position he's looking to situate is the left tackle on the offensive line.

It will be hard to do worse than last year's O-line did — ASU gave up the third most sacks in the NCAA last year — but finding the right quintet to protect senior quarterback Rudy Carpenter will be essential.

Former defensive lineman Jon Hargis and junior college transfer Tom Njunge are vying to replace left tackle Brandon Rodd this fall. Hargis got the start in Saturday's scrimmage at Sun Devil Stadium, but Njunge was with the first stringers in Tuesday's practice.

Njunge is listed at 6 feet, 5 inches tall and 280 pounds, a good 20 pounds less than his line mates.

"Njunge's getting better," Erickson said. "He's been a pleasant surprise, he's getting better all the time."

Erickson had so-so reviews of the team's first practice since Saturday's scrimmage.
At first mention, he said, "I didn't think we practiced very well today," citing a lack of energy and intensity on both sides of the ball.

Who's No. 23?

Tony Simmons has been making a name for himself the past couple of days.

Not familiar with the walk-on wide receiver transfer from University of San Diego? You're not alone.

"I didn't even know he was here, until he was here," Erickson said. "All of the sudden he showed up."

"We don't know much about him. Obviously he's got physical skills, he's just got to learn the offense."

Simmons was the leading receiver in the scrimmage, gaining 41 yards on three catches.

It will be hard for anyone to crack ASU's deep crop of wide receivers any time in the next few years but showing up on Erickson's radar is the best thing possible for walk-ons.

Secondary Taking Shape

Erickson also said that senior Rodney Cox has firm possession of the starting strong safety spot, and that he's been impressed with senior safety Jarrell Holman. Holman was the fifth defensive back featured in Erickson's nickel package Tuesday.

Senior safety Troy Nolan and sophomore cornerback Omar Bolden are penciled in as starters in their respective positions.

Juniors Terrell Carr and Travis Smith are battling for the starting cornerback position opposite Bolden.

Reach the reporter at: alex.espinoza@asu.edu.