Speed can be a game-changer for any team, and redshirt sophomore wide receiver John Humphrey, a transfer from Oklahoma, may provide just that to the ASU football squad.
"I personally think that my speed is going to bring multiple opportunities to the table this year," Humphrey said. "My fastest 40-yard dash time was a 4.25, ran it three times."
To put that in context, the fastest 40-yard dash at the recent NFL Combine was 4.22 by Washington's John Ross. It was the fastest time ever recorded at the Combine.
With the Sun Devils working on an up-tempo offense at practice, Humphrey and his blazing speed could be a valuable asset.
"The big thing is explosive plays," ASU head coach Todd Graham said. "One bright spot offensively is John (Humphrey)."
Wide receivers John Humphrey and Ryan Jenkins at @FootballASU practice pic.twitter.com/mu4MOWu14X
— Mark Harris (@Harris_Mark7) March 20, 2017
Humphrey (5'11, 170 lbs.) is clearly turning heads at practice, which impressive since he's still getting used to playing in Tempe.
The redshirt sophomore transferred to ASU during last season after redshirting his freshman year at Oklahoma the previous year in 2015, and it appears he'll have more opportunities with the Sun Devils.
"The biggest thing was patience," Humphrey said. "It was kind of hard for me to practice all week and know I wouldn't play on a Friday or a Saturday game. I really had to just wait my turn."
Now, Humphrey is ready for his opportunity.
"I'm finally glad that it's here now," he said. "I'm ready to roll."
Once Humphrey arrived at ASU, he bonded with his teammates quickly.
"I love these guys," Humphrey said. "I wouldn't trade them for anyone, I'll ride with these guys until the end. I really love them."
Humphrey highlights a duo of transfers that will record their first snaps with the Sun Devils this fall. He is joined by redshirt sophomore Ryan Newsome, who transferred from Texas — both of whom could easily be valuable additions to the ASU offense.
The Sun Devils still have some time before their first game, giving more time for the wide receivers, including Humphrey, to build a connection with the quarterbacks.
"They'll have all summer with each other to gel," ASU wide receiver coach Rob Likens said. "And that's a huge part a lot of people don't talk about is the summer without the coaches, them going out onto the field and getting their timing down."
Practice Notes:
It seems like the quarterbacks and receivers are still getting used to each other in practice. Balls were often under thrown or misplaced in open drills. But it's still spring football, so some mistakes are bound to happen.
The Sun Devils have been trying some players at multiple positions. Redshirt freshman wide receiver Jeremy Smith both tried his hand on defense during practice. Graham also said redshirt sophomore linebacker Malik Lawal has practiced at four positions during spring so far.
Reach the reporter at mpharri7@asu.edu or follow @Harris_Mark7 on Twitter.
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