SPRING OBJECTIVES
Finding the right guys up front. Arizona State surrendered 55 sacks a year ago and return only guards Paul Fanaika and Shawn Lauvao from the starting unit. Jon Hargis, switched from defensive tackle, could be asked to be quarterback Rudy Carpenter's blindside protector. Garth Gerhart and Thomas Altieri will be pushing for the starting center nod with simplified protections being the key this spring.

Inserting more receivers is not only the idea, but a necessity. The Sun Devils return the brunt of their wideout corps, and that gives ASU more flexibility and explosiveness on the outside. The goal is to have ample four-receiver sets by the start of spring, and maybe five by the time camp wraps up.

Establishing a tough, run-oriented mindset has always been important to coach Dennis Erickson. Despite backs Keegan Heering and Jarrell Woods recovering from ankle surgeries, they will be on the field to see if one can emerge as an every-down back the team missed after a foot injury to Ryan Torain midway through the 2007 campaign.

BUILDING BLOCKS
Quarterback Rudy Carpenter is the heart and soul not only of the offense, but the team. Some say he talks too much, but he backs up his actions with a competitive fire second to none. His enthusiasm is contagious.

Receivers Michael Jones and Chris McGaha were virtual unknowns a year ago. They stepped up and got the job done, combining for 107 catches and nearly 1,600 yards. McGaha was the club leader with 61 receptions, but caught only one touchdown Jones found the end zone 10 times. The goal is to have more quick drops, which puts the ball in their hands more.

Defensive ends Luis Vasquez and Dexter Davis were a force getting to the outside, with 15 sacks combined and 25 tackles for losses. Their production is needed to be even better with a tougher schedule and more teams focusing on ASU this season after a stellar 2007 season.

SCHEDULE SITUATION
ASU gained much-needed confidence and momentum by taking care of an easy non-conference slate to open the 2007 season, playing its first three at home. The task is a more difficult in the early going this time with the Pac-10 opener against Stanford coming in Week Two and a huge gut-check against Sugar Bowl champ Georgia Sept. 20. The Sun Devils will get battle-tested earlier.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"Rudy [Carpenter] will be better getting rid of it, and we'll have better protectors at running back. We're not as bad as people might think." -- ASU coach Dennis Erickson told the Arizona Republic in regards to the offensive line, and giving up 55 sacks last year.

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