As we head into the offseason, here are three questions facing Arizona State:
1. Who will become the offensive playmakers?
Most of this offseason for Arizona State is going to be focused on who will be stepping into the many open roles left on both sides of the ball by graduating seniors, so it should come as no surprise that all three questions are based around that. Most importantly, the Sun Devils need to find someone to replace quarterback Mike Bercovici. This will really be Todd Graham’s first true quarterback competition during his tenure and this offseason the job will be competed for by Bryce Perkins, Brady White and Manny Wilkins. None of the candidates have ever seen field time with the Sun Devils, so their work this offseason leading into spring camp will be huge in positioning themselves for getting the most reps with the starters. Arizona State will also need to replace two of its top three receivers from the 2015 season -- Devin Lucien and D.J. Foster. Wide receiver Tim White will return next season, but this offseason he’ll be balancing his football focus with track as he attempts to qualify for the 2016 Olympics in the long jump.
2. Can the Sun Devils handle this kind of turnover on the offensive line?
The only returning starter on the line will be left tackle Evan Goodman. Versatile lineman Stephon McCray is expected to step into one of the four open positions as is Sam Jones, but past those two this will be a very young, very inexperienced group. Offensive line coach Chris Thomsen will have his work cut out for him as he not only molds younger players but also attempts to find some kind of chemistry between a smaller group of them.
3. What players can take over in the secondary?
Graham’s defense is known for getting in the backfield and causing chaos for opposing quarterbacks. That was no different this season as the Sun Devils led the conference and finished second nationally with 46 sacks. The problem was that when the Sun Devils were throwing the kitchen sink at those quarterbacks, those quarterbacks were throwing the ball for huge gains against the Arizona State defense. No FBS team gave up more pass plays of 20-plus yards in 2015 than the Sun Devils, and now Arizona State needs to replace three starters in its secondary. The Sun Devils lose corners Lloyd Carrington and Kweishi Brown as well as safety Solomon Means. As on the offensive line, there are a few players who are expected to step into these starting roles, but there’s going to be a big drop off in experience and maturity. This offseason will be key in building both of those (and a secondary) for the Sun Devils.