Some production from Jake Smith would be a welcome addition to ASU's offense. Maybe short passes that allow him to leverage his speed. His hands on long passes have been disappointing.
For such a highly touted player, Smith has been next to worthless.
So far, yes. I just hope he realizes some of his potential and lives up at least partially to his accolades, at long last. His offer list, as one of the top five high school players coming out of Arizona, was amazing. Texas (where he initially went), USC (his second stop), Alabama, Georgia, Notre Dame, Oregon, Penn State, Michigan, Ohio State, and many others. The NCAA eligibility issues that he had to deal with when he transferred from USC to ASU probably didn't help.
Yeah, his accolades and the teams that were interested in him made him appear to be a big pickup for ASU, but unfortunately he's been a non-factor. (Even with very little other than Tyson for competition). I'll believe it when I see it.
At first, I disliked the NIL, still do mostly, but this is our new reality. This year could start the ball rolling on ASU football being a powerhouse going forward. Top players around the country might start coming here due to our success and the beautiful area to live and play in.It would be great to win next week and win the conference, of course... a huge feather to cap an amazing season.
Beyond that, I don't really have any expectations for the CFP. But they are playing with house money at that point, anyway, so anything more is all gravy and chocolate cake for dessert... to mix a bunch of metaphors.
As long as the boosters are willing to spend the millions needed to keep and attract top talent, Arizona State can be a major player
You are right but this can be said about almost any program at this point. The problem seems to be the boosters haven’t exactly been opening the vaults for the athletic department. So much ill will from previous AD regimes. And now, I believe, there is ill will towards NIL itself
This sucks. He was so good this season. I hope other guys can step up. He is a big loss IMO.
They are going to have to get over it if they want to continue at a high level.
arizonasports.com
For the life of me, I have no idea why we abandoned the greatest mascot for the trident. I really hope the new admin considers bringing back Sparky full time.
old school. love it.
I’m going to disagree a bit. I love the OG Sparky but I also think the pitchfork is a really cool helmet design as well. This is the kind of game where busting out OG is the perfect choice but athletes these days largely want variety. Catering to that it’s important when you cannot match the history and aura of the Michigans, Penn Sts and Alabamas etc.
