SB Nation Arizona: All Posts by Brad Denny

Speak of the Devils Podcast: Josh Hubner In Studio

2013-05-21T19:00:09Z

Speak of the Devils is back in some new digs, and to commemorate the event, we bring in a very special guest.

Brad and Joe are joined in their new studios at Channel 3 by the one and only Josh Hubner. One of the nation's elite punters in 2012, Hubner brings his one-of-a-kind personality and candor to a wide range of topics, including the pre-draft process, the disappointment of going unsigned, and his battle to see an NFL field. The trio then take a look at the five big storylines to follow into fall camp.

Online Stream: LISTEN

iTunes: LISTEN

Stitcher Radio: LISTEN

ASU Football: 5 Things I'm Pretty Sure Will Happen This Season

2013-05-05T17:00:07Z

Carl Bradford will lead the Pac-12 in sacks

A popular debate among Sun Devil fans this offseason has been whether consensus All-American Will Sutton or Carl Bradford will lead the team in sacks. Last fall, the duo's 24.5 combined sacks (13 by Sutton) was the most among any two teammates in the FBS. With Sutton's surprising return, they are primed for a record-setting season.

For me, I think the answer to the initial question is a clear one. It's Bradford for two reasons.

First off, Sutton remains one of the nation's most disruptive defensive presences, and while the duo presents a "pick your poison" proposition, nearly every offensive coordinator ASU will face this fall has Sutton atop their threat list. Teams will be game-planning to limit Sutton, and while Sutton proved he's more than up to the task, this should allow Bradford a bit more room to run.

Secondly, Bradford seems to be the better pure pass rusher. This is no slight to Sutton, but Bradford's development since Todd Graham's arrival has been remarkable. At 6-foot-1 and 241 pounds, Bradford possesses the speed, quickness and agility to wreak havoc off the edge, and the raw physical power to bull rush his way into the backfield. Armed with a year in the defensive system and conditioning program, Bradford should top UCLA's Anthony Barr for the Pac-12 sack lead and challenge for the national crown.

Marion Grice will top 1,300 yards rushing

In the first year of Mike Norvell's offense, the Sun Devils rushed for 2,670 yards, their most since 1996. The resurgence was led by the triple-headed attack of Marion Grice (679 yards), Cameron Marshall (583) and DJ Foster (493), but while the backfield remains loaded, one man should assert himself as the go-to guy.

In 1975, Freddie Williams rushed for 1,427 yards, and since then, no Sun Devil has managed to reach the 1,300-yard mark. Over than span, a Sun Devil has topped 1,000 yards just nine times, with Ryan Torain's 1,229 yards in 2006 being the high-water mark. There should be a tenth occurrence in 2013.

Over the season's final three games and through spring practice, Grice asserted himself as the team's starting tailback, and his versatile skillset is a perfect fit into Norvell's run-first offense. Foster and the now healthy Deantre Lewis will see plenty of action, but it is Grice's legs that will power the Sun Devil offense this fall. In doing so, he should go where no Sun Devil back has been in a over a generation.

Chris Young will be a 2nd Team All-American

While Sutton and Bradford will get the lion's share of attention this season, senior Chris Young should be a devastating force as well.

In his first season at the FBS level after transferring from the juco ranks, Young was impressive in posting 82 tackles, 14 tackles-for-loss, two sacks and one interception. However, his production tailed off down the stretch, with just a half tackle-for-loss over the season's final five games.

With a year in the system, Young should build upon his debut success, but it could come at a different position. After playing at the team's linebacker/safety hybrid SPUR position in 2012, Young saw extensive time at Brandon Magee's former spot at WILL linebacker during spring. In either position, the 233-pound Young should continue putting up excellent numbers that should catch the attention of the rest of the nation.

The team will win nine games

After the surprising success of 2012, the expectations for Arizona State football are significant heading into the fall. Unlike most other times when the hype has been at this level, this time it appears to be warranted.

Fifteen starters return from last season's eight-win team

The key to the season will be the murderous four-game stretch after the season opener against Sacramento State (who themselves have defeated Pac-12 teams in each of the last two seasons). ASU then hosts Wisconsin before traveling to Stanford. They then return home to face USC before the marquee game of the year: a battle in Dallas against Notre Dame.

A 3-2 record during that stretch would bode very well for the team's chances of winning the Pac-12 South as some fans expect.

The way I see it playing out, ASU will emerge from that stretch 4-1, with a loss at Stanford. The other losses on the schedule will be a slip up against Washington and a road loss to UCLA, giving ASU a chance at their first 10-win season since 2007.

The Sun Devils will keep the Cup

Over the last four years, Arizona and Arizona State have traded possession of the Territorial Cup back and forth each year. Interestingly enough, the winning team has done so on the road. That trend doesn't bode well for the Sun Devils, who host the Wildcats on November 30th.

Heading into the season, ASU stacks up to be the much better team, at least on paper. However, as this rivalry has so consistently proved, all records and logic can be thrown out the window.

But trends are meant to be broken, and so too is this away-field advantage.

The Sun Devils should have a shot at the Pac-12 South on the line heading into the match-up, and with the Todd Graham-led mental toughness (perfectly displayed during last season's comeback win in Tucson), they should be able to hold serve, retain the Cup, and springboard their way into the postseason.

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The Stage is Set for ASU Football's Takeover of Valley Sports

2013-04-29T16:00:07Z

One team is headed for the lottery.

Another may be headed out of town.

One team is hoping a good quarterback is optional.

Another is hoping grit trumps talent.

All the while, under the shadow of A Mountain, a group of young men are preparing for a run at the Roses.

Anyone who has spent any amount of time living in the greater Phoenix area quickly learns two things about the makeup of the Valley sports fan.

First, they hate all teams from Los Angeles. Secondly, and most importantly, the Valley is overwhelmingly a fairweather fanbase.

Win, and your stands are full. Lose, and they're off to the next shiny distraction.

Remember the city during the Suns' run to the Finals in 1993? You couldn't go anywhere in the city without seeing signs and written-on car windows professing love for the purple and orange. That momentum held for a few years as the team was a perennial contender, but by the beginning of the next decade, wins were scarce and so were the fans. The cycle continued when a Steve Nash-led renaissance turned U.S. Airways Center into the epicenter of Valley sports. A few years in the lottery since, and USAC is now a ghost town.

The Diamondbacks' World Series title brought them goodwill, fame, and sellouts. Now in the middle of a stretch of mediocre (but gritty!) seasons, they are struggling to reach the 60-percent capacity mark.

Last season's five wins by the Cardinals are now looking pretty good, as the team continues to think a quality quarterback is not essential (sorry, Carson). The Super Bowl continues to seem more and more a part of the distant past.

The Coyotes? Well, that saga is already been hashed, rehashed and re-rehashed enough as it is. So they're out, sadly.

The Valley is looking for a winner. The Valley needs a winner. Arizona State is primed to be that winner. There's just one question.

Will the new "Speaking Victory" era continue to sing the same sad song Sun Devil fans have heard any time expectations have been high?

The 21-3 halftime lead on USC. UNLV. Oregon. Third and 29. Oregon again.

Ouch, ouch, and more ouch (plus a bunch). The bigger the moment, the more painful the inevitable collapse.

Right now, the opportunity for ASU football is huge. Reverse their recent trend and win a state in the process. Perhaps they can finally plant the "Phoenix is Sun Devil Country" flag.

Strangely enough, there are many reasons to think that this can happen.

Todd Graham's revitalization of Sun Devil football caught everyone off guard in 2012. The most undisciplined and self-destructive team in college football became a relentless and focused group overnight. They shocked everyone in winning eight games and taking home a bowl game title. They return 15 starters, most crucially consensus All-American Will Sutton to anchor one of the nation's best defenses. For the first time in a half-decade, the team will have the same quarterback behind center in consecutive seasons. Defense will try and stop Marion Grice and D.J. Foster...and they'll likely fail.

In a few months, ASU should see themselves open up in most preseason Top 25 polls. They have a tough, but manageable, schedule that should see them battle UCLA for the Pac-12 South division title. For the first time in a recent memory, talk of the Sun Devils' third a Rose Bowl appearance is warranted.

The state's sports landscape is barren at the moment. Losing seasons, bad trades, relocation drama, and some outright awful ownership have the Valley's fans looking for a glimmer of hope.

Are the Sun Devils the winners the Valley deserves, and the ones the Valley needs right now?

We'll find out come September whether the Sun Devils are heroes, or if they end up keeping the Valley in a dark night of losing.

Follow @BDenny29 Follow @HouseOfSparky

2013 NFL Draft: No Arizona State Players Taken For First Time Since 1963

2013-04-27T23:30:43Z

It's taken half a century, but it happened again: an NFL Draft has concluded without an Arizona State Sun Devil being selected.

Although it was widely expected that no ASU player would be in contention for a spot before Saturday—when rounds four through seven were held—it still comes as a bit of a surprise that not a single player was chosen.

Three Sun Devils were invited to February's Scouting Combine and thought to be in the draft mix.

Linebacker Brandon Magee was viewed as the Sun Devil likely to be taken first. Recent projections had him going as high as the 5th round due to his speed, athleticism and pass coverage ability. Safety Keelan Johnson has a very intriguing skillset, and could fit into a number of defensive systems. Punter Josh Hubner is one of the very best players available at his position, but teams most often abstain from drafting punters.

It was a bad draft year for the entire state, as the Arizona Wildcats did not see quarterback Matt Scott taken. This is the first time a Wildcat was not taken since 2005, and the first time both schools were shutout since 1963.

These Sun Devils will now be able to sign with the team of their choosing, sometimes viewed as a preferable course into the NFL than being a 7th round selection.

In the next 48 hours, look for these players to sign deals that will get them into camp for a chance to earn a roster spot:

LB Brandon Magee

S Keelan Johnson

P Josh Hubner

RB Cameron Marshall

CB Deveron Carr

WR Rashad Ross

WR Jamal Miles

OT Brice Schwab

2013 NFL Draft Profile: WR Jamal Miles

2013-04-26T18:00:02Z

Arizona State's Jamal Miles put on quite the show as a junior in 2011.

Whether it was on the ground, through the air, or on special teams, he made play after play for the Sun Devils, thereby raising expectations for his senior year.

Unfortunately, he never was able to get on track in Mike Norvell's offense, and Miles was a non-factor for much of the year. Nevertheless, he has some intriguing tools that surely have caught the notice of many front offices in the NFL.

Height: 5-foot-9

Weight: 188 pounds

College Career: Played in seven games as a true freshman, totaling 71 yards of total offense and averaging 19.7 yards on his 31 kick returns. Caught 25 passes 203 yards and four touchdowns in 2010, and added 63 yards and two touchdowns rushing. Also returned one of his three kickoffs 99 yards for a touchdown, and averaged 8.6 yards on his 29 punt returns. Broke out as versatile threat in 2011, with 60 receptions for 361 yards and six touchdowns receiving, 237 yards rushing, two kickoff return touchdowns, one punt return touchdown, and even threw a touchdown pass. As a senior in 2012, had 37 receptions for 373 yards, and saw his return averages fall sharply: 21.8 on kickoffs and 8.8 on punts. Nevertheless, he did become ASU's all-time leader in kickoff return yardage.

Strengths: Miles is a speedy and shifty player with the ball in his hands. He has good speed, having run a 4.4 in the 40 at ASU's Pro Day, and is able to make people miss in the open field. Miles is able to accelerate quickly, which has helped his success on punt returning. An effective receiver out of the backfield, Miles has good vision to see holes developing. He also is a versatile player, and can be used creatively on offense to get him the ball in space. Perhaps his most immediate value will come with his ability to be an impact player as both a punt and kickoff returner.

Weaknesses: As a wide receiver, Miles struggled with two major facets of the position in 2012. He often had issues with drops, and his route running still needs a lot of work. He will need to increase his physicality and willingness to go over the middle at the NFL level. Miles also had some issues with discipline, as he was suspended for the 2011 Maaco Bowl and the 2012 season opener. Teams will need to monitor his mental focus.

Outlook: Miles' speed, agility, and versatility should become attractive to some teams, who could shift him around at wide receiver, running back and as a return specialist. He will need to dedicate himself to improving his game, but he could find his way onto a practice squad with a strong camp showing.

Round Projection: 7th-undrafted

Bold Prediction: Priority free agent, signed by New England Patriots

2013 NFL Draft Profile: WR Rashad Ross

2013-04-26T16:00:08Z

Speed is always in style in the NFL, and that should give Arizona State wide receiver Rashad Ross optimism about his pro prospects.

Ross ended his up-and-down senior year with a bang, scoring three touchdowns against Navy in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl. With visits to New England, New Orleans, Jacksonville among other, he will now look to prove he's more than a one-trick pony, even if it's a longshot he'll be drafted on Saturday.

Height: 5-foot-11 1/2

Weight: 175 pounds

College Career: Came to ASU after playing at Butte College. Caught 18 passes for 254 yards as a junior, but finished the season strong with his first 100-yard game against Cal and a 98-yard kickoff return touchdown against Boise State. Ross started all 13 games in 2012, finishing second on the team in receiving yards (610) and receiving touchdowns (six), and leading the team in yards-per-catch with 16.5.

Strengths: Speed, speed and speed. Right now, Ross has one weapon, and that is his excellent speed, having clocked in at 4.34 second in the 40 at ASU's Pro Day. He is able to run a nice vertical route. Ross also brings value as a return specialist, able to make one cut and turn on the jets.

Weaknesses: Like so many collegiate speedsters, Ross needs a lot of work on his route running outside of the verticals. He was prone to costly drops (see last year's Arizona game), and may never be viewed as sure-handed. He's also not particularly agile and won't make defenders miss in the open field. Struggles to beat press coverage, and without a free run for his speed, has difficulty getting open.

Outlook: Ross has a lot of work to do in order to contribute as a wide receiver at the NFL level, but his speed is a tool that can't be taught. That trait should get him into a camp, where he can compete for a job as a kickoff return specialist while developing as a wide receiver.

Round Projection: 7th - undrafted

Bold Prediction: Priority free agent signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars

2013 NFL Draft Profile: P Josh Hubner

2013-04-25T19:00:08Z

Punters are people too, dammit.

Their impact on a game is often substantial, and the value of a punter who can flip the field position battle into a team's favor in one four-and-a-half-second span is not lost on coaches and knowledgeable fans.

Unfortunately, it's not just fantasy football and casual fans who have largely ignored their worth. It's a rare sight to see a punter's name get called during the NFL Draft, as just 10 have gone over the past five years.

This year, Arizona State's Josh Hubner looks to be one of the few to receive the "drafted" honor, and after a record-setting senior year, he has the goods to do just that. Whether an NFL team pulls the trigger will be known on Saturday.

Height: 6-foot-4

Weight: 232 pounds

College Career: Hubner came to ASU after playing at Scottsdale Community College. He averaged 41.3 yards-per-punt in 2011, pinning 24 of his 62 kicks inside the 20-yard line. Hubner took a major leap forward as a senior, as he become one of the nation's best punters. He set an ASU record with a 47.1 yards-per-punt average, and pinned 20 of his 52 kicks inside the red zone. Hubner blasted 22 punts over 50 yards while forcing forced 17 fair catches. He was also named one of 10 semifinalists for the 2012 Ray Guy Award.

Strengths: Hubner is the complete package as a punter. His powerful right leg is capable of blasting kicks deep, and he had a 73-yard kick this season against UCLA. When needed can loft the ball up high for hang time, as evidenced by his high-percentage of fair catches forced. Using his Australian-style kicking, he has shown a great ability to pin the ball near the goal line and avoid touchbacks.

Weaknesses: There are no glaring weaknesses in Hubner's game, as he is able to do each phase of a punter's game very well. Hubner will need to work diligently to continue to refine his game at the next level, with punters being a disposal commodity in the NFL.

Outlook: Hubner has all the makings of a player with a 10-plus year NFL career ahead of him, and has the greatest chance of developing into a Pro Bowl player among this year's Sun Devil class. While most punters either have the pinpoint precision or the booming leg, Hubner has the ability to do both and fit his kicks into any situation. Most importantly, he also has the drive to continuously get better. He will be on an NFL roster next year, and the nature of his position is the only thing that is preventing him from being a sure fire draftee.

Round Projection: 7th - undrafted

Bold Prediction: Detroit Lions, 7th round, 245th overall

Poll

Will Josh Hubner get drafted?

Yes

28 votes

No

14 votes

42 votes | Poll has closed

2013 NFL Draft: How Many Sun Devils Will Get Drafted?

2013-04-25T18:00:10Z

In a few hours, the 2013 NFL Draft will begin in New York City. While no Arizona State players will likely go in the first few rounds, there are several Sun Devils who could be in play to populate some of the 254 picks that will be made.

With the uncertainty surrounding this year's draft, the House of Sparky staff makes their picks as to how many former players will hear their name called from the podium.

Brad Denny: After just two Sun Devils heard their names last year (Brock Osweiler and Omar Bolden), I think we'll see an uptick this year, albeit late. Brandon Magee seems to have the most momentum heading into the draft, and while his size will keep him from going over the first two days, I see him going somewhere in Round 5. A pair of secondary players should then follow in the later rounds. Keelan Johnson's great measurables should get him a spot, and as just about every team could use more depth at cornerback, Deveron Carr should parlay his great Pro Day and tangibles into a 7th round selection. Finally, there have been an average of two punters drafted over the last five years, and if the NFL doesn't think that Josh Hubner is among the best two at the position this year, something is amiss. Ironically, he may be the Sun Devil most likely to make a Pro Bowl in his career, but given the nature of his position, he may not get drafted. Nevertheless, he'll be booting footballs on Sundays for years to come.

Cory Williams: I think four Sun Devils will get drafted this year. Brandon Magee, Josh Hubner, Keelan Johnson and Rashad Ross. Magee is a bit undersized but he is tenacious and has great instincts. Hubner has a huge leg and will likely be the second punter off the board. Johnson surprises people with a great nose for the football, and Ross has far too much speed to not hear his name called. It's safe to say Cameron Marshall is also a contender, and we'll see him suit up on Sundays — I just don't know if he will get drafted.

Kerry Crowley: I believe that three Sun Devils are destined to hear their names called at some point during the draft with Brandon Magee headlining the group. Arizona State players have proven to be quite productive at the professional level and Magee was the heart and soul of last year's defense. Josh Hubner will definitely go, and he should be drafted by a team in desperate need of a big leg and immediate production. Of all the possible late round selections coming out of Arizona State, I see Keelan Johnson as having the best chance at getting drafted. Though Rashad Ross and Cameron Marshall have pro potential, I think Johnson is the best bet of the three to be scooped up during the draft. However, of this group, I think Marshall will have the best career. Marshall is a grinder and he'll pick up tough yards for any team willing to give him touches. If he's not picked up in the draft, he should expect phone calls from multiple teams ready to offer him a chance at earning a roster spot.

Ryan Bafaloukos: I only see one Sun Devils getting drafted. Brandon Magee is the only lock to be drafted as it is almost guaranteed he goes on day three. There are a few teams in this draft that need ILB (Giants, Falcons, Ravens among them) and Magee has great work ethic and will fit a team nicely in the NFL. Even though I think Josh Huber has an NFL leg I do not see him getting drafted. I think a team will more likely pick him up as a priority free agent, which is a better case for him. If he does not get drafted he has a choice of where he wants to go and he can decide where the best fit for him is. I see Huber landing on an NFL roster, just not being drafted. I see Keelan Johnson, and Cameron Marshall both being picked up as priority free agents as well.

Cody Ulm: I'm going to have to side with Ryan on this one. The only Sun Devil I see as a surefire draft pick is Magee. He'll probably go in the sixth round or later too where he'll be a great value pick for a team looking for some ILB depth. Hubner definitely deserves to be drafted but teams know it isn't difficult to grab talented kicking specialists on the UDFA market so they'll likely wait. I do have a gut feeling that someone will take a late flier on Cameron Marshall a la Ryan Torain but a lot of that will depend how quickly the other running backs fly off. For my money, Marshall has the build and well-rounded ability to carve out a role in a committee backfield so it's just going to be a matter of how much stock the scouts put into his 2011 game film.