Despite roster turnover along the offensive line, the ASU football team believes it is in a good place with the experience it has at the position.
Redshirt seniors Vi Teofilo and and Christian Westerman return with senior Nick Kelly to form one of the more tenured interior units in college football.
"With three guys returning, we just already have great communication and know how each other play," Kelly said. "And we can move at a faster tempo because we understand the playing style of each other."
As for the new additions, redshirt junior Evan Goodman and redshirt senior William McGehee both played in double-digit games in 2014 and know the offense to jump right in to the rotation.
Assistant head coach and offensive line coach Chris Thomsen said the tackles are mixing in well with the returning starters.
"They're progressing well and gelling together," Thomsen said. "We're mixing some other guys in there as well, but I think that group's coming together well."
The offense has shown a commitment to running the ball more this season with a stellar corps in the backfield, something that has been building over the past couple recruiting cycles. Between sophomores Kalen Ballage and Demario Richard, as well as redshirt junior De'Chavon "Gump" Hayes, the Sun Devils have capable, versatile backs that the line can generate room for.
After a 2014 season in which ASU was sometimes over-reliant on the passing game, a return to the ground means a new feeling for the boys up front and that's something Kelly look forward to.
"It's just a mentality," Kelly said. "You have to be aggressive, you've got to want that yard, you've got to want to be that physical offensive line. You want to kill the guy in front of you and make sure that you know who is the dominant one after every play."
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Reach the reporter at mtonis@asu.edu or follow @Tonis_The_Tiger on Twitter.
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