PAYSON, AZ-The Devils’ work here is done.
The Arizona State football team wrapped up their four-day stay at Camp Tontozona with a lengthy two and-a-half-hour practice Saturday.
The announced 5,200 fans who made their way to the cool pines just east of Payson were expecting the annual Camp T. scrimmage but slick field conditions after Friday afternoon showers and the increased risk of injury with their season opener less than two weeks away altered plans.
Regardless, head coach Todd Graham was happy the Sun Devils ended their trip up the mountain on a high note.
“I thought it was really good work,” Graham told the assembled media after as the early afternoon dark clouds rolled in. “It went back and forth. Lots of good signs. Obviously, we’ve got a good football team. Coming out of here it’s been the best Camp T. Camp that we’ve had.”
Graham said the Devils weren’t perfect in their finale committing far too many penalties and a few key assignment errors which is to be expected replacing a number of key players, particularly on defense.
Deputy head coach/offensive coordinator Mike Norvell believes the key now is to continue to improve in all areas as a unit before their first game against Weber State.
“We’re playing at a good speed, I think we can play faster,” he explained. “Just that [perfect] execution play in and play out.”
One player who stood out Saturday was true freshman running back Demario Richard who is looking to take some of the load off incumbent D.J. Foster. Senior quarterback Taylor Kelly looked good in limited reps, as did true freshman Manny Wilkins who flashed his athleticism on broken plays and threw a 10-yard touchdown to junior wideout Gary Chambers from Ironwood High School in Glendale.
ASU is off Sunday and will resume practice in Tempe on Monday.
