STARS OF 2008:

QB Rudy Carpenter -- Not only does the Sun Devil senior have the physical capabilities needed, but his fiery personality extends to the rest of his teammates. He is the nation's leader in consecutive starts and is on top, or nearly on top, of every school record. Yet, more is expected if ASU is to duplicate its success from a year ago.

S Troy Nolan -- The Sun Devils had an opportunistic defense that forced a lot of turnovers and gave their offense good field position. There was nobody better at making things happen than the senior safety, who had six interceptions. They were returned for 129 yards. The ability to anticipate the throws and make plays became expected.

TB Keegan Heering -- Sometimes it seems like the senior, who started as a freshman before being replaced by Ryan Torain, is overlooked. That is a big mistake, since all he does is get the job done. He rushed for 815 yards and averaged 5.3 yards per carry a year ago, with the knack for the long run.

PK Thomas Weber -- What more can the sophomore do? He has already won the Lou Groza Award and made 24 of 25 field-goal attempts.

TOP NEWCOMERS
DE Eugene Germany -- ASU has its starting ends returning, but the rotation will be superb with Germany supplying the speed off the corner that he provided for Michigan in 2005 before transferring to Mt. San Antonio College. Germany will get ample chance to play, and right away.

TB Ryan Bass -- ASU coach Dennis Erickson has made a living with the big, bully backs that can carry the ball 20 to 30 times per game. Bass fits the bill as he rushed last year for more than 2,600 yards and scored 47 touchdowns for Centennial High School in Corona, Calif.

CB Terell Carr -- The transfer from Pasadena (Calif.) City College is already enrolled and will be running with the first team before long, at least that is the thinking. Carr has the ball-hawking skills required and the experience to make the adjustment to the D-I level quickly.

OT Tom Njunge -- ASU is without both offensive tackles, and has the Pasadena College prospect already suited for one of those spots with his excellent speed, strength and push.

ROSTER REPORT

--Quarterback Rudy Carpenter has added 15 pounds to put him at 220 to help take more of the punishment he received while in the pocket a year ago. On the flip side of that, DT Jonathan English is down to 300, about a 30-pound loss.

--Jamarr Robinson has switched from linebacker to defensive end.

--TE Dane Guthrie is expected to be the odds-on favorite to win the starting job. Guthrie transferred to ASU as a tight end from Florida but played as a defensive end a year ago.

--Defensive end Eric Tanner will miss all spring following knee surgery.

Copyright (C) 2008 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.