Echo From The Buttes answers your mailbag questions ahead of Week 1

We opened our mailbox and received some very key questions not just for football, but for Sun Devil Athletics as a whole. While we weren't able to answer everything submitted, we invite everyone to continue to submit questions every week throughout the year. Without further ado, let's dive into your questions.

"Where do you think ASU will place its trust on offense the most; its running backs or Cutter Boley's arm?" - Brendan from Carlsbad

There is always an adjustment period with a quarterback coming in to a new system. At the outset, trust would be better placed in the depth of the running back room rather than expecting Boley to come out slinging from Day 1. There is no question of his ability to make every throw; the question becomes should he make every throw. Expect offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo to draw up higher percentage short passing plays while leaning more heavily on established leaders in Kyson Brown and Marquis Gillis, as well as strong depth from Cardae Mack, Jason Brown, and Demarius "Man Man" Robinson.

"Given the departure of several of the past season's offensive playmakers, who do you think will have a breakout season this year, or who is someone you think is worth keeping an eye on?" - Tyler from Gilbert

I'm keeping my eye on returning Jaren Hamilton to establish himself in the crowded wide receivers room. Any wide receiver not named Jordyn Tyson had a difficult time getting their target share throughout the 2025 season. With as much top-end talent as the Sun Devils are bringing to this season, there isn't a need for the offense to flow through one guy at the top. Hamilton showed a flash of breakout potential in the upset win over Texas Tech last October, racking up 101 yards on 3 catches. He will also feature as the primary kick returner on special teams. With some adjustments to his route running abilities, he stands a solid chance at creating another head of the already imposing monster that exists.

"Any outlook on the ASU soccer squad and what we might expect this season?" - Greg in Chandler

ASU soccer has hit the ground running in the 2026 campaign, standing at a 4-0-2 record with two non-conference games remaining before the Big 12 opener at home against Utah on September 18th. Some early standouts on Graham Winkworth's squad include senior midfielder Miki Hayashi, sophomore forward Bela Puccinelli, and senior defender Natalie Drotzmann. Emmie Ennis and Mya Angus earned Big 12 Defensive Player and Freshman of the Week respectively for the period ending September 2nd. Angus was the second Sun Devil to be so honored in back-to-back weeks after Jenna Whinney earned Freshman of the Week the week prior. The Sun Devils were predicted to finish 9th in the Big 12 preseason media poll, and will face a tough road stretch early in conference play with three straight road matches against Kansas (September 24th), Kansas State (September 27th), and Texas Tech (October 2nd).

Didn't see your question answered? Don't worry, we will be back with our mailbag every Monday, with answers to come at the end of the week.