A record-breaking 6,100 loyal Sun Devil fans attended Saturday’s maroon and gold practice in Sun Devil Football’s fourth year returning to Camp Tontozona under head coach Todd Graham. Camp T marks the start of the football season and provides five days of focus on the Sun Devil brotherhood and embodies this year’s motto of, “Embrace The Grind.” As Coach Graham separates his team from electronics, he seeks to separate them from the distractions of everyday life. Camp T team activities include annual hikes up “Mount Kush,” nightly campfires and the team favorite wiffle ball game.
As deputy head coach Mike Norvell says every year, Camp T is, “the greatest tradition in college football.” The week culminated with a maroon and gold practice on Saturday, August 15, where fans around Arizona made the journey to the Tonto National Forrest to catch a first glimpse of this year’s squad. Arriving as early as 6am, thousands of onlookers donned their maroon and gold, claiming spots from the sideline to the mountaintops. While still hot, Camp T provided a mild respite from 117-degree temperature back in Tempe, AZ. ASU President Dr. Michael Crow and Athletics Director Ray Anderson were often spotted making the rounds through the crowd.
A unique aspect of Camp T is that fans get to watch Sun Devil vs Sun Devil and cheer for every play. Each first down, defensive stop, touchdown and interception was met with applause and frequent “A-S-U” chants from the crowd. After practice concludes, every member of the team and coaching staff walks around the field to greet and thank each fan with a high five or handshake.
Kids and fans of all ages gather on the field to meet their favorite Sun Devils, ask for autographs and pose for pictures. Three hours of practicing in the heat doesn’t diminish the appreciation all the guys have for each fan. While kids ask for the autographs and photos, it is often the players who answer back with a heart-felt “Thank you for coming out to see us!” and often shake hands and thank the parents. While their focus is undoubtedly excelling on the field, it is clear that the team places great emphasis on thanking each and every supporter. Showing his true colors as a leader, quarterback Mike Bercovici stays on the field until the last fan has left.
While current student-athletes and coaches talked to fans, a Sun Devil legend looked on. Former Head Coach Frank Kush launched Sun Devil Football’s tradition at Tontozona over fifty years ago and returned as he has for the last four years. A large crowd gathered around Coach Kush to ask for autographs and photos of their own while sharing their Sun Devil memories with their favorite coach. As the crowd dwindled, senior offensive linemen Nick Kelly and Vi Teofilio ceremoniously carried Coach Kush off the field with several teammates following. Yet again Camp T blends Sun Devil past, present and future.
Only 21 days until Sun Devil football kicks off their season in Houston and the excitement continues to build.
Maroon and Gold Practice Stats
Passing
Mike Bercovici – 10-for-17, 151 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT, Long 53
*Threw seven straight completions following tip-ball interception
Bryce Perkins – 5-for-14, 55 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT, Long 21
Brady White – 5-for-12, 98 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT, Long 49
Manny Wilkins – 3-for-8, 10 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT, Long 12
*Had 45-yard touchdown pass called back on penalty
Rushing
Demario Richard – 4 rushes, 37 yards, Long 23
Kalen Ballage – 10 rushes, 74 yards, 2 TD, Long 19
Jacom Brimhall – 6 rushes, 68 yards, 1 TD, Long 58 (TD)
Gump Hayes – 3 rushes, 39 yards, 1 TD, Long 25
Nick Ralston – 13 rushes, 29 yards, Long 7
Jason Lewis – 9 rushes, 89 yards, 1 TD, Long 62 (TD)
Mike Bercovici – 5 rushes, - 19 yards, Long 2
Bryce Perkins – 5 rushes, 3 yards, Long 11
Manny Wilkins – 6 rushes, 53 yards, 1 fumble lost, Long 23
Brady White – 5 rushes, -24 yards
Jalen Harvey – 1 rush, -5 yards
Receiving
D.J. Foster – 2 catches, 15 yards, Long 10
Devin Lucien – 2 catches, 19 yards, Long 11
Ellis Jefferson – 2 catches, 73 yards, Long 49
Tim White – 2 catches, 59 yards, Long 53
Jalen Harvey – 2 catches, 33 yards, Long 21
Eric Lauderdale – 2 catches, 21 yards, Long 13
Kody Kohl – 1 catch, 20 yards
Kalen Ballage – 2 catches, 14 yards, Long 12
Raymond Epps – 1 catch, 12 yards
*Had 45-yard TD called back on penalty
Jacom Brimhall – 2 catches, 4 yards, Long 4
Tommy Hudson – 1 catch, 10 yards
Nick Ralston – 4 catches, 29 yards, Long 30
Defensive Notables (TFLs include sacks)
Christian Sam – 2 TFL, 1 sack, 1 PBU, 1 FF
*Also had a goal line stop at 1-yard line
Demetrius Cherry – 1 sack, 2 PBU
Marcus Ball – 1 INT (Ball tipped by Cherry), 1 TFL
Ronald Lewis – 1 Fumble Recovery, 1 PBU
JoJo Wicker – 2 TFL, 1 sack
Jay Jay Wilson – 1 TFL
James Johnson – 1 TFL
DJ Calhoun – 1 TFL, 1 PBU
Laiu Moeakiola – 1 PBU
Antonion Longino – 1 sack
Solomon Means – 1 PBU
Tramel Topps – 1 sack
Edmond Boateng – 1 sack
Kareen Orr – 1 INT
Jalen Bates – 2 sacks, 1 PBU
Khaylan Thomas – 1 INT, TD (Ball tipped by Bates), 1 sack
Connor Humphreys – 1 sack
Chad Adams – 1 PBU
Jason Franklin – 1 TFL
Special Teams
Zane Gonzalez
54-yard field goal negated by defensive penalty
Kicked a 58-yarder in “TV Timeouts” during practice
Two kickoffs kicked out of the back of the end zone
Matt Haack
10 punts, 472 yards, 47.2 average, Long 62, 5 of 50 or more yards, 3 inside 20, 1 touchback