Following the sudden departure of running backs coach Bo Graham, the ASU football team hopes to not let the change disrupt the momentum that has steadily been gaining through fall camp.
With the departure muddled in rumors throughout Monday night, including an ominous tweet from former ASU quarterback Rudy Carpenter, coach Todd Graham made the first public statement about the coach, saying he has a new job, but would not specify where.
"He's got a new opportunity and it's an exciting to him," Graham said.
In his place steps second-year coach Josh Martin, who worked exclusively with the offensive line in his first season with the team. Martin's family has a long history with the Graham dating back to his days coaching high school football in Texas.
Graham spoke very highly of Martin's work while at ASU and says that's why he's ready to assume his new role in the staff.
"Josh's dad and I go way back, we were competitors in Texas high school football," Graham said. "I love hiring people that believe in what we believe in and the good Lord has ways of opening the door for people and Josh is ready for that opportunity and is one of the finest young coaches we've had since I've been here."
Martin said a major reason he wanted to come to ASU was because of Graham's coaching philosophy.
"We believe in what coach Graham does about character, smart, discipline, tough, running a great program," Martin said. "I'm excited to be here... ready to roll."
With just days to prepare for the Sun Devils’ opening game against Texas A&M, Martin will have a lot of work to do to catch up and develop more of a rapport with the backfield, but he said the challenge won't be too big and he's excited to take it on.
"It won't be tough at all, it'll be fun," Martin said. "We'll be just fine. Next guy up, just like we tell our guys, if a guy gets hurt, we'll be just fine."
Related Links:
ASU football running backs coach Bo Graham resigns; Josh Martin appointed as replacement
Todd Graham: 'Players are best recruiters' for ASU football
Reach the reporter at mtonis@asu.edu or follow @Tonis_The_Tiger on Twitter.
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