Pac-10 Position Breakdown: Running Back – Arizona State Sun Devils
Much like UCLA, the Arizona State running game was nothing to write home about in 2008. The Sun Devils finished 113th nationally, averaging a meager 2.9 yards per carry. Head coach Dennis Erickson made it clear that last year’s rushing results were unacceptable, and this off-season the ASU coaching staff altered the playbook in an attempt to boost production. On paper, this rushing unit is quite capable of having a big season, but it may take the improved effort of up to four tailbacks.
The incumbent at running back is senior Dimitri Nance. Nance led all ASU halfbacks in 2008 with 410 yards and three touchdowns. He split carries with Keegan Herring (graduated) last season in Tempe, and enters 2009 with 1,139 yards and 13 touchdowns for his career. At 5-10 218-pounds, Nance is always moving forward, and runs with a compact style. He is also a reliable pass-catcher, with 35 receptions for 247 yards in his career. The Euless, Texas native should be an asset in short yardage and goal line situations.
Although Nance can be a solid inside-runner, he lacks explosion and has never run for 100 yards in a game. Last season Nance ran into fumbling trouble in multiple games, and his playing time could be reduced this fall if the problem persists.
Dimitri Nance braces for impact
If you are looking for a potential superstar among the Sun Devil tailbacks, look no further than true sophomore Ryan Bass. Bass is one of the most decorated high-school runningbacks ever to sign with ASU. The 5-10 205-pound playmaker saw very limited action in 2008, rushing for 120 yards on only 26 carries.
This spring, Bass may have foreshadowed what is to come in the fall. He scored the only touchdown of ASU’s Maroon and Gold spring game; an impressive 35-yard scamper that gave the Tempe faithful a chance to see his speed and quickness. Bass attended football powerhouse Corona-Centennial High School (CA) where he rushed for a superhuman 7,096 yards with 117 touchdowns during his career. Rivals.com rated him as the number two all-purpose back in the class of 2008 and gave him 4-stars. He was also a Parade and Prep-Star All-American.
Bass could be a perfect fit for Dennis Erickson’s newly installed zone-read offense. He ran the same type of offense at Corona-Centennial, and it is designed to take advantage of his electrifying skills in space. Bass can score from anywhere on the field, and has enough bulk to carry the ball 25 times a game. He only lacks experience, and 2009 will be his chance to get plenty of it.
Senior Shaun DeWitty is ASU’s biggest tailback. At 6-2 210-pounds, DeWitty possesses a unique skill-set as both a ball carrier and receiver. He is by far the best blocking back on the team, but is also valuable on screen and draw plays.
Shaun Dewitty cuts upfield
DeWitty has 91 career carries for 402 yards (4.4 avg). He also has 18 career receptions for 184 yards and two TD’s. Last season, the Colorado Springs (CO) product ran for 270 yards on 62 attempts. DeWitty has some academic issues to get in order, but could be a valuable back for the Sun Devils next season.
The x-factor back for Arizona State is redshirt freshman James Morrison. At 5-11, 219-pounds, Morrison was a walk-on last year. Since arriving on campus, the Phoenix St. Mary’s High School (AZ) product has surprised everyone with his power running and lateral quickness. Some believe he can recreate the same physical, downhill running style that Ryan Torain brought to the Devils. Like Bass, Morrison lacks experience but has incredible upside. He has missed some time with a broken ankle, but should be ready for the season.
Other backs that could see time this season are senior Jarrell Woods, sophomore Avory Battle and true freshmen Jamal Miles and Cameron Marshall.
My Take
Arizona State may have to pass to set up the run this year. With the offensive line still a huge question mark, I think a few completed deep balls by QB Danny Sullivan may open up running lanes. If space does open up, this unit of tailbacks could be very good. Nance and DeWitty will start the year on top of the depth chart, but both need to be better than they were last year.
Bass has all the talent to be a star next year if Erickson takes advantage of his zone-read capabilities. I remember watching Bass at Corona-Centennial, and the guy can flat-out fly. If some of the other big-bodied backs can loosen the defense up, Bass may be the difference-maker for the entire ASU offense. I also think James Morrison could be the perfect compliment to Bass by the second half of the season. Morrison will have to prove himself in real game situations, but the coaches believe a lot in his ability.
Arizona State Sun Devils
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Dimitri Nance, Football, James Morrison, Running Back, Ryan Bass, Shaun DeWitty
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