The Arizona State football team got to publicly show off the work they have put in this spring on Saturday in the spring game.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Here are some players that stood out during yesterday’s game:
RB Cameron Skattebo – MVP
Skattebo took the backfield next to last year’s starting quarterback Trenton Bourguet and impressed greatly for Team Maroon. Skattebo racked up big runs all game and scored what ended up being the game-winning touchdown. At 5-foot-10 and 222 pounds, he showed off his strength and speed, breaking tackles and bursting through seams almost every drive.
@camskattebo5 touchdown… plus a BACKFLIP?!? Holy smokes 🤣🤣🤣@DevilsDigest pic.twitter.com/17JWqErwm4
— Nick Borgia (@Nick_Borgia) April 15, 2023
Skattebo comes to the Sun Devils after transferring from FCS program Sacramento State. In his sophomore season last year for the Hornets, he rushed for 1373 yards and seven touchdowns after scoring six touchdowns his freshman year. Skattebo figures to have a big role in the ASU backfield this upcoming season.
TE Jalin Conyers
Conyers looked like a man amongst boys on Saturday, making great catches and shedding tackles throughout the afternoon. The junior had the play of the game, hauling in a 60-yard touchdown after splitting two defenders.
What’s better the TD or the celebration? 🧐@ASUFootball x #Pac12FB pic.twitter.com/oAKe8hXf4e
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) April 15, 2023
Late last season, the 6-foot-4 and 250 pound Conyers broke out for the Sun Devils, amassing 108 yards and three touchdowns against Colorado and 76 yards and a touchdown in the final game aginst Arizona. In total, he racked up 38 receptions, 422 yards and five touchdowns. He looks to dominate for the Sun Devil offense once again this coming fall. Conyers has also started a media career this offseason, co-hosting the The High Point podcast for PHNX Sports.
DL B.J. Green – Defensive MVP
Defensively, B.J. Green looked similar to how Conyers played offensively. He was no match for any offensive lineman. On only the second snap of the game, he deflected a pass. Green recorded two big sacks for Team Maroon and applied pressure in the backfield all afternoon.
BJ Green sack on third and 11 followed by a 53-yard FG by Longhetto with several yards to spare. @bjgreenII @DarioLonghetto pic.twitter.com/vEoTRIV69e
— Chris Karpman (@ChrisKarpman) April 15, 2023
Two seasons ago, Green led ASU in sacks as a true freshman with five. Now a junior, Green is looking to bounce back off of a disappointing 2022 season, where he only recorded 13 tackles and 2.5 sacks. He has had a stellar spring, so he very well could be in line to beat his freshman season-high in sacks.
WR Elijhah Badger
Badger also stepped onto the scene of being a key player for the Sun Devils last season and proved he was the best wideout on the team. On Saturday, Badger, an electric playmaker, did everything for Team Maroon, making contested catches and running past defenders, and he even ended up throwing an interception late in the game on a trick play. His best play of the game was a touchdown on a fade route.
What a catch from Elijhah Badger for the first TD of the day! 🔥@ASUFootball x #Pac12FB pic.twitter.com/oY1E0KpKpn
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) April 15, 2023
Badger is expected to be the most lethal threat in what should be a pass-heavy offense under Dillingham. The junior had 70 receptions, 866 yards and seven touchdowns last season. Badger and Idaho State transfer Xavier Guillory have been the top wide receivers on this team so far. Guillory also had a great spring game.
QB Trenton Bourguet
Bourguet threw two touchdowns on Saturday and was the best quarterback out of both teams Saturday, as ASU continues its QB battle between Bourguet, Drew Pyne and Jaden Rashada. He was poised in the pocket and looked comfortable in Dillingham’s new offense. He also appeared confident as a leader for his team, taking control of the flow of the game many times.
Bourguet threw for 1490 yards, 11 touchdowns and six interceptions in six games played last season. It will be interesting to see if Pyne or Rashada can challenge him for the starting job this fall.
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Brendan Mau is a college sports insider and general assignment reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on twitter via @Brendan_Mau