Nearly every day of spring practice for the ASU football team, somebody new stands out.
Whether it's being in the right place for all the tackles, breaking off a big run, making spectacular catches or like junior cornerback Pierre Singfield did on Thursday, making three pass deflections to go along with an interception in the end zone, the new faces are making a name for themselves.
Singfield's pick came during 11-on-11 drills when he intercepted a pass from junior quarterback Danny Sullivan that was intended for senior tight end Wes Evans.
Singfield, a walk-on from Pima Community College in Tucson, has spent much of this week working with the No. 2 defense.
He said the coaches have been very fair in giving him a chance to prove he belongs on the team and added he is positive that if he continues to work hard, he will earn himself a fairly prominent role with the team.
"I'm a hard worker, so I believe anything is possible," Singfield said. "I've done everything I could since I've been here — try to get the most reps, go in and watch film and do all of that. I'm feeling like I can cover any one of those guys."
But one of those guys he will have to guard is a fellow walk-on, sophomore wide receiver Tony Simmons, who also has stood out during the first 11 practices of spring.
Singfield said he and Simmons "have a little battle going" for the title of best walk-on.
"He's fast and quick and has some real good things that he brings to the table," Singfield said of Simmons. "We're kind of in the same spot, so it's pretty cool going against him."
Still, any discussion as to who has been the best walk-on this spring has to include junior defensive tackle David Bertrand, who transferred from UA.
Because of injuries, Bertrand started in last Saturday's scrimmage and has continued to take reps with the No. 1 defense.
According to the most recent depth chart, which was updated on Tuesday, Bertrand is listed as a backup at his position.
The U makes a visit
Miami coach Randy Shannon and members of his offensive staff were on hand at ASU's practices Wednesday and Thursday to get a look at how Sun Devil coach Dennis Erickson and his staff run the ASU program.
"They wanted to come down and visit, exchange ideas, so they're here," Erickson said. "It's always a process of learning. You can't sit still or else you get your rear end beat."
Shannon was a graduate assistant under Erickson at Miami in 1991, and Erickson said he knows Shannon "very well."
"I'm excited about them hiring him; I think it was a great hire for them," Erickson said. "He knows that area and knows the people down in that area as well as anybody."
Shannon and his staff will return to Miami on Friday, Erickson said.
Injury update
Many Sun Devils have been nicked up this spring, though with nothing too serious.
Senior defensive tackle David Smith is still out with a concussion but should be ready to take the field Saturday when ASU holds its second scrimmage at Sun Devil Stadium.
Senior tight end Dane Guthrie and redshirt freshman safety Jonathan Clark both missed Thursday's practice with shoulder injuries.
Senior defensive end Luis Vasquez was not participating in any contact drills Thursday because of a sprained ankle.
Junior college transfer Tom Njunge, a left tackle, has been practicing with a minor ankle sprain.
"If you want to play, you better survive," Erickson said.
Reach the reporter at: samuel.good@asu.edu.
