The Arizona State Sun Devils will hold their annual spring football game on Saturday, Apr. 13 at 2 p.m. ET. The event will be broadcast on the Pac-12 Networks, with fan festivities surrounding the game set to begin at 9 a.m. local time.
2013 Arizona State spring game TV schedule, roster battles and more
The Sun Devils have some openings at key positions. Who has a shot at making an impression?
USA TODAY Sports
The Sun Devils are preparing for their second season under head coach Todd Graham, and the defense is expected to be the star.
Returning defensive tackle Will Sutton is the headliner, but the battle at linebacker may be the most intriguing. One of those striving for a starting role is fifth-year senior Grandville Taylor. The former walk-on has spent his first four years in Tempe as a scout player and special teams specialist. This year, he has a chance to make an impact on defense, reports House of Sparky's Kerry Crowley:
“My main goal for the spring is just to elevate myself in the position to be a starter and to show these coaches that they can trust me on the field as a starter,” Taylor said. “Like I said, this is just one step in the right direction and I’m going to keep going from here.”
On the other side of the ball, there are a number of players ready to step into the spotlight. There is plenty of turnover in the receiving corps, and Richard Smith will provide some experience alongside a group of freshmen. Brad Denny of House of Sparky believes he may become ASU's top receiver:
While five new wide receivers will be looking to help rebuild a disappointing position, a young holdover from last year is primed to become the go-to target.
The speedy sophomore has been among the team’s best players this spring, showing off his explosiveness, sure hands and increasingly crisp route-running. While he played in the slot last season, Smith has been seeing more time on the outside this year.
Smith and Taylor will certainly be two players to keep an eye on as the Sun Devils take on the Sun Devils. Can they both make plays and solidify their positions before fall?
More from SB Nation:
See More:
