Derek Shaw was supposed to be the future of the ASU football program.
The general feeling when he came to Tempe was that Shaw would be taking over the quarterback position after Sam Keller graduated, and he would be the signal-caller for three seasons.
But Shaw had some trouble early, throwing multiple interceptions at the Camp Tontozona preseason scrimmage last year. And then Rudy Carpenter shined, smoothly guiding the Sun Devils to a bowl game victory after Keller was lost for the season.
So when Shaw decided to leave the program earlier this week, it shouldn't have come as a big surprise. He has the potential to be a very good college quarterback, but there simply wasn't enough football to go around.
There shouldn't be much trepidation in the program, however. Carpenter will be here for three more seasons, and, with the way ASU throws the ball, finding another recruit to take over after that will be easy.
Another advantage to the transfer is Carpenter's peace of mind. After this season, he will be the clear-cut No. 1 quarterback for the foreseeable future, and that will let him relax and play to his capabilities.
Losing a player of Shaw's caliber is never good. But let's be honest, offense has never been ASU's problem in the Dirk Koetter era. If it were a top-tier linebacker that left, then Sun Devil faithful would have reason to worry.
Reach the reporter at kyle.odegard@asu.edu.
