ASU football spring practice standouts

Spring is for development, for players to show they're ready to take the next step and become consistent contributors. Through spring practice, here are 10 Arizona State players who showed they are ready to do so:

1. D.J. Calhoun: He doesn't turn 18 until June, but the ultra-quick linebacker showed off a nose for the ball and exits the spring with the first team. Not bad for a freshman.

2. Damarious Randall: Think about this: Of ASU's nine departed defensive starters, six earned All-Pac-12 first- or second-team honors. The Sun Devils need players to elevate to such a level, and Randall, one of two returning defensive starters, showed he is capable at safety. He also stood out as a kick-off returner.

3. Nick Kelly: The former junior-college transfer looked more than capable of replacing two-year starter Kody Koebensky at center. Kelly also provides versatility up front.

4. Christian Westerman: The Auburn transfer — who sat out last season because of NCAA rules — established himself at left guard, and was a main reason the offensive line might have been the spring's brightest spot.

5. Ellis Jefferson: The 6-foot-4 receiver positioned himself for a starting job last fall, but a groin injury slowed his momentum, resulting in a red-shirt freshman season. This spring, Jefferson again showed off what he does best: making plays in traffic. Next hurdle: consistency.

6. Jordan Simone: At one point, Graham said ASU needs to find a way to get Simone, a non-scholarship transfer from Washington State, on the field. This could prove tricky on defense, but Simone no doubt will help on special teams. He shows no fear.

7. Frederick Gammage: A walk-on receiver, Gammage replaced Rick Smith (who transferred to Boise State) on the first team and made plays throughout the spring. Offensive coordinator Mike Norvell called him the unit's most improved player.

8. Grant Martinez: The redshirt-freshman tight end still needs to add muscle to help with his blocking, but he turned heads with his receiving skills.

9. Matt Haack: ASU's punting last season was an adventure. You never knew what to expect. Over the past month, Haack, a left-footed sophomore, looked comfortable and confident. As a result, he punted better.

10. Mo Latu:The junior nose tackle showed he could play a significant role on next season's defensive line, but it was only a first step. Latu, who entered the spring at 384 pounds, needs to lose about 50 more to be effective. He's halfway there.