Saturday night, the ASU football team had its back against the wall to Cal Poly. Despite pulling out a win, the Sun Devils lost something arguably more important: depth.
During the game, ASU had multiple players go down with injuries. Four of those players — redshirt senior tackle Billy McGehee, sophomore defensive back Armand Perry, junior linebacker Viliami "Ami" Latu and redshirt junior running back De'Chavon "Gump" Hayes — did not return, leaving holes to fill.
With sophomore running back Kalen Ballage out with illness, the backfield, which was once considered the deepest position on the roster, is now severely depleted. The only two healthy players who have had a collegiate carry are sophomore Demario Richard and senior D.J. Foster, who was technically moved to receiver this offseason.
Deputy head coach and offensive coordinator Mike Norvell said while depth is an issue, it can be overcome.
"The next man's got to be ready," Norvell said. "Does it present challenges when guys go down? Most definitely, especially when it's multiple guys at one position. You've got to move things around and look at how you're dispersing the reps, making sure you're keeping guys fresh and still be able to play at a fast tempo. That's what coaching's about."
The first guy the Sun Devils looked at to take on a larger role in the backfield is Foster. Through two games, however, Foster has more carries than catches and said he's happy doing whatever it takes to win.
"I'm game for whatever they need me to do," Foster said. "It felt good being back in the backfield and getting some touches, but whatever they need me to do, I'm excited and more than welcome to do it."
ASU plays New Mexico on Friday night and it may be the perfect game for ASU to put Foster back in his old position, considering the opponent.
Last season, Foster had a career day against the Lobos, running for 216 yards on 19 carries, leading to a big 58-23 win in Albuquerque.
Related Links:
ASU football's offense still trying to figure out its identity
ASU football limited by nagging injuries in first two games
Reach the reporter at mtonis@asu.edu or follow @Tonis_The_Tiger on Twitter.
Like State Press Sports on Facebook and follow @statepresssport on Twitter.
