Just got to the Coliseum and learned that ASU senior punter Trevor Hankins has been suspended for the game due to a violation of team rules.
Coach Dennis Erickson made the call to leave Hankins in Tempe, but no details were provided about the violation. Because of Hankins' absence, senior kicker Thomas Weber will punt tonight and sophomore backup QB Brock Osweiler will hold.
Weber has punted before, during has freshman and sophomore seasons, and has 106 career punts with an average of 40.5 yards per boot. He's struggled this season, going 10-of-16 on field goals.
It will be interesting to see how Weber fares considering he hasn't punted at all this season or last. Earlier this season, Hankins spoke to State Press reporter Andrew Gruman about Weber's punting abilities:
“He likes it,” Hankins said of Weber and punting. “He doesn’t want to punt, he tells me, but sometimes he doesn’t kick for a few weeks and he comes in and punts a 65-yarder to try and make me look bad. It is a little heart crushing. I’m glad he’s doing well and if he has to step in and do the job because I’m not doing my job, then so be it.”Hankins has been a bright spot for the Sun Devils this season and made a great impact in terms of field position. Last week against Washington State, senior cornerback LeQuan Lewis pinned two Hankins punts within five yards of the end zone.
