ASU's Starting Spots: Intense Battles Brewing Before Opener

With the September 5th season opener against Morgan State rapidly approaching, Arizona State is deep in the throes of crucial position battles across multiple key areas of the team. The absence of several returning starters has amplified competition during spring practices and fall camp.

The running back competition features veteran Kyson Brown against transfer Marquis Gillis and freshman Cardae Mack, with coaches emphasizing situational performance and riding the "hot hand."

At placekicker, senior Carston Kieffer and sixth-year senior Carson Smith are vying for the role previously held by a graduated player, with Smith demonstrating longer range in practice.

The punter position is a close contest between incumbent Kanyon Floyd and imposing Ohio State transfer Nick McLarty, a position group that underperformed nationally last season.

Offensive tackle is perhaps the most critical battle, with Oklahoma transfer Luke Baklenko and Jalen Klemm currently at the top spots, supported by a deep second unit, highlighting the integral nature of this position to the offense's success.

Starter Khamari Anderson is still recovering from a broken leg, creating a temporary opening at tight end where James Giggey and A.J. Ia are seeing reps, and even an edge rusher was moved to the position to spur competition.

Finally, several wide receivers, including Jaren Hamilton and Raiden Vines-Bright, are competing for the kick return specialist role.