ASU

ASU football preview: Five exclamation points for 2015

Doug Haller

azcentral sports

In just over a month, Arizona State will hit the football practice field.

Over the next five weeks, we'll roll out everything you need to know to help get you ready for the start of preseason camp.

Today: Five exclamation points.

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Momentum

Don't underestimate its importance. ASU last season produced its second 10-win season in a row, something that hasn't happened in more than four decades.

With four players selected in the first four rounds, the Sun Devils are coming off their best NFL draft in years.

Recruiting continues to improve, and Sun Devil Stadium is in the midst of a $256 million facelift. That's a lot for fans to feel good about. At long last, the sleeping giant – real or imagined – is starting to stir.

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Linebackers

This shapes up as the best group Todd Graham has had during his four years in Tempe. All three starters return, giving his attacking scheme stability.

Junior Salamo Fiso is seasoned, approaching his third season of starting on the strong-side, while senior Antonio Longino provides a hard-hitting presence on the weak-side. The glue, however, is junior spur linebacker Viliami "Laiu" Moeakiola. ASU last season was at its best when Moeakiola was at his best. When he battled injuries, the defense suffered.

The best part for the Sun Devils: Sophomores Christian Sam and D.J. Calhoun, as well as junior Carlos Mendoza, give them depth. All three will push the starters.

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Explosive playmakers

D.J. Foster – a second-team All-Pac-12 running back last season – will line up more at receiver, but don't be fooled. Offensive coordinator Mike Norvell still will do whatever possible to get the ball into the senior's hands.

Losing junior receiver Cameron Smith to a season-ending knee injury is a blow, but ASU can compensate with a versatile backfield. Sophomores Demario Richard and Kalen Ballage are powerful runners with ability to break tackles, while junior De'Chavon Hayes has top-flight speed.

Norvell is a creative play-caller, and this group will give him options.

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Mike Bercovici

The senior quarterback started three games last season, all coming in relief of injured starter Taylor Kelly. He performed well, leading the Sun Devils to wins over USC and Stanford, but this season he should be better.

For the first time, Bercovici has had an entire spring and summer to prepare for No. 1. He's run the first-team offense. He's worked with the first-team receivers. He's waited a long time for this moment. It's finally here.

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Schedule

To reach the College Football Playoff, a team needs more than talent. It also needs the right schedule. ASU has one.

The Sun Devils – expected to be a preseason Top 25 team – open Sept. 5 against Texas A&M in Houston, a game that will attract national attention. ASU also plays USC and Oregon – both playoff contenders – at Sun Devil Stadium.

Overall, the Sun Devils play seven home games. It's a playoff-caliber schedule. All ASU has to do is win.

A CLOSER LOOK:Breaking down ASU football's 2015 schedule

Next week: Five areas of concern.