Tuesday practice report: Offensive play calling changes ahead of Hawaii game

TEMPE, Ariz. – The Sun Devils were back on the Kajikawa Practice Fields after losing to Baylor in blowout fashion on Saturday. After the loss, head coach Kenny Dillingham was not sure why the team was not maximizing its potential.

The Sun Devils made a change at practice as offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo called plays instead of Dillingham. Dillingham called plays for five total games, going back to last season’s Sun Bowl.

To start practice, the third team offense went against the scout team defense. Later, the first team offense went against the scout team defense and the first team defense went against the scout team offense, as usual.

After the team finished up its positional drills, the team’s first team offense and first team defense faced off. The offense spread the ball out well, as no player had multiple catches or runs. 

Senior running back Kyson Brown and sixth-year running back Marquis Gillis both ran the ball once for minimal gain.

Brown, sophomore tight end AJ Ia, senior wide receiver Reed Harris, sophomore wide receiver Raiden Vines-Bright, fifth-year wide receiver Jalen Moss and sophomore wide receiver Corey Butler Jr. all caught balls, keeping the drive moving.

The offense took a pair of penalties on the drive, one being a Jarmaine Mitchell false start and a Cutter Boley intentional grounding. Fifth-year defensive lineman caused Boley to scramble and chuck the ball into the ground.

After the intentional grounding, the drive finished with a deep pass and touchdown to senior wide receiver Omarion Miller over the middle. Carson Smith’s extra point was good.

The practice finished with the second and first team offenses going against the scout team defense. The first team defense went against the scout team offense. The practice finished with walkthroughs of the first teams going against the scout teams.

Sixth-year kicker Carson Smith made two 31-yard field goals with just his long snapper and holder. Then he made five kicks ranging from 28-53 yards on full 11-on-11s. However, his first 53-yard attempt was blocked, but the defense was offside on the play, nullifying it.

Senior punter Nick McLarty averaged 44.7 yards per punt on 10 punts with a long of 55, done twice. One punt went out of bounds around the 25-yard line. Another was a touchback, and one ended at the five-yard line.

Junior punter Kanyon Floyd averaged 46 yards on three punts. Senior wide receivers Jaren Hamilton and Derek Eusebio caught the punts.