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Arizona State has 7 running backs. Who will emerge vs Morgan State?
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- Arizona State has 7 running backs. Who will emerge vs Morgan State?
Arizona State running backs coach Shaun Aguano is used to having a 1,000-yard rusher in his stable. It's pretty much been the norm during his seven-year tenure in Tempe.
But now, with so much depth at the position, several guys are expected to share the load.
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Maybe nobody reaches 1,000, but multiple backs hit between 500 and 700. The ever-optimistic Aguano offers something better.
"I envision two 1,000-yard rushers," he said. "That's my dream."
Now that would be some accomplishment.
The curtain rises on a new season as the Sun Devils take on Morgan State (1-0) at 7 p.m. MST on Sept. 5 at Mountain America Stadium to start the fourth year of the Kenny Dillingham era.
Aguano, the only holdover from the previous coaching regime, acknowledges depth is a good problem. He has seven running backs, all of whom have shown they can be that lead back. But there is only one ball. How do you keep a room full of running backs engaged if they're not the guy?
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"From a psychological standpoint, it's going to be hard because they're so competitive," he said. "They're all good friends, and they work together. If we go to the two-back, it will help us out a lot, but whenever they go in and have the opportunity, they have to make sure they take advantage of it, or that opportunity might not come again.
"It's kind of plug and play, whoever can go, because all seven can go."
Arizona State quarterback Cutter Boley (8) runs passing drills during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State quarterback Cameron Dyer (13) runs passing drills during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State quarterback Jake Fette (2) throws during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State Sun Devils Mikey Keene (12) prepares to pass the ball during the team’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Arizona State running back David Avit (24) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State running back Kyson Brown (1) watches drills during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State running back Jason Brown Jr (22) runs during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Marquis Gillis (RB, right) runs a drill during football practice at ASU’s Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Aug. 11, 2026.
Cardae Mack (RB) runs a drill during football practice at ASU’s Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Aug. 11, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
Arizona State running back Grayson Rigdon (21) during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Demarius "Man Man" Robinson (RB) runs a drill during football practice at ASU’s Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Aug. 11, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
Chance Ables (WR, #82) catches a pass during practice at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe, Arizona, on Aug. 18, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
Arizona State wide receiver Cory Butler Jr. (84) catches a pass during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Derek Eusebio (83) during practice in Tempe on Sept. 10, 2025.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Jaren Hamilton (WR, #16) runs a drill during practice at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe, Arizona, on Aug. 18, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
Arizona State wide receiver Reed Harris (3) runs after a catch during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Harry Hassmann (89) against the Houston Cougars at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Oct. 25, 2025.
(Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
Arizona State tight end Jeremiah Johnson (84) during a practice in Tempe on Aug. 26, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Plas Johnson (WR, #80) catches a pass during practice at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe, Arizona, on Aug. 18, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
Omarion Miller (#4 WR) during ASU football practice at Kajikawa Practice fields in Tempe, Arizona, on March 19, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
Jalen Moss (WR, #18) catches a pass during practice at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe, Arizona, on Aug. 18, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
Uriah Neloms (WR, #81) catches a pass during practice at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe, Arizona, on Aug. 18, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
Michael "Butter" Tollefson (WR, #17) runs a drill during practice at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe, Arizona, on Aug. 18, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
Raiden Vines-Bright (WR, #7) runs a drill during practice at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe, Arizona, on Aug. 18, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
Arizona State tight end Khamari Anderson (15) makes a catch during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State tight end James Giggey (87) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State tight end AJ Ia (14) warms up during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State tight end Kristian Ingman (44) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Anthony Miller (TE) runs a drill during football practice at ASU’s Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Aug. 11, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
Landen Miree (left, TE) and Kristian Ingman (right, TE) run a drill during football practice at ASU’s Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Aug. 11, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
Arizona State offensive lineman Tana Alo-Tupuola (58) warms up during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Luke Baklenko (78) runs a drill during spring football practice at Kajikawa Practice fields in Tempe, Arizona, on April 9, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
Arizona State offensive lineman Desean Bryant Jr. (54) runs a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State offensive lineman Brent Helton (69) blocks during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State offensive lineman Wade Helton (64) during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State offensive linemen Matai Jefferson (77) and Niniva Nicholson (55) during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State offensive lineman Terrell Kim (73) snaps the ball during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State offensive lineman Jalen Klemm (70) works out with the team during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State offensive lineman Rob Lapuaho (53) runs drills with the offensive line during a practice in Tempe on Aug. 26, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State offensive lineman Siosaia "Leni" Lapuaho (74) runs drills with the offensive line during a practice in Tempe on Aug. 26, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State offensive lineman Jarmaine Mitchell (75) takes a breather during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State offensive lineman Manamo'ui Muti (52) warms up during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State offensive lineman Makua Pule (71) works out with the team during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State offensive lineman Xander Ruggeroli (79) works out with the team during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State offensive lineman Maki Stewart (59) works out with the team during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive lineman Doughless Teloma (72) runs a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State offensive lineman Cortavius Tisaby (56) runs drills with the offensive line during a practice in Tempe on Aug. 26, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State offensive lineman Marques Uini (50) blocks during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State offensive lineman Champ Westbrooks (76) leads a stretch during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive lineman Landen Anderson (84) calls for a ball during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive lineman CJ Fite (99) runs a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive lineman My'Keil Gardner (93) trains during football practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe on Aug 1, 2025.
(Cheryl Evans/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive lineman Julian Hugo (98) runs a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive lineman Blazen Lono-Wong (97) runs a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive lineman Jeffrey Manns (95) during practice on April 21, 2026, at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive lineman Manu Salesi (36) listens to coaches during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive lineman Rashad McKenzie (91) runs drills during a practice in Tempe on Aug. 26, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive lineman Daeshon Morgan (88) runs drills during a practice in Tempe on Aug. 26, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive lineman Roman Pitre (5) punches at the football during a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive lineman Joshua Shanklin (17) watches a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive lineman Zac Swanson (92) warms up during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive linemen Emar’rion Winston (4) and Sinei Tengei (96) listen to coaches during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive lineman Jalen Thompson (9) during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona state defensive linemen Blazen Lono-Wong (97) and Hyrum Vaeono (90) during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State Sun Devils Kirt Vakalahi (44) walks on the field during the team’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive lineman Ramar Williams (55) runs a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive lineman Clayton Smith (10) punches the ball out from teammate Albert Smith III (3) during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive lineman Albert Smith III (3) listens to coaches during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State linebacker Oscar Aguilar Jr. (34) runs a tackling drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State linebacker Tristan Bacon (45) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
Arizona State linebacker Ramere Davis (18) makes an interception in a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State linebacker Zyrus Fiaseu (30) makes an interception in a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State linebacker Lee "Puka" Fuimaono (48) makes an interception in a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State linebacker Martell Hughes (8) makes an interception in a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State linebacker Isaiah Iosefa (54, right) runs a tackling drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
Arizona State linebacker Owen Long (22) makes an interception in a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State linebackers Oscar Aguilar Jr. (34), Mason Marden (43) and Prayer Young-Blackgoat (13) run drills during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State Sun Devils Nigel Pringle (16) and Joseph Smith (15) play in the team’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive back Nasir Stephens (29) catches a ball during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive back Rodney Bimage Jr. (0) does a tackling drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive back Daquwan Dunn (19) covers teammate Caleb Chester (25) during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive back Davis Kinney (28) catches a ball during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive back Kyan McDonald (21) catches a ball during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive backs Maurice Williams (20), Zeth Thues (31), Davis Kinney (28) and Jessiah McGrew (23) during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive back Lyrik Rawls (2) makes an interception in a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive back Ashton Stamps (1) does a tackling drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive back Montana Warren (7) makes an interception in a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive back Jalen Williams (24) works on a punt drill during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State secondary coach David Gibbs talks with defensive back Ben Alefaio-Lilii (12) during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State safety Xavier Skowron (14) runs a drill during a practice in Tempe on Aug. 26, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State defensive back Adrian "Boogie" Wilson (6) looks over at the coaches during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona state kicker Carston Kieffer (26) practices onside kicks during a practice in Tempe on Aug. 26, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State Sun Devils Carson Smith (32) kicks the ball during the team’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
Kanyon Floyd (punter) during football practice at ASU’s Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Aug. 11, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
Nick McLarty (punter) during football practice at ASU’s Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Aug. 11, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
Arizona long snapper Grayson Curtis (43) throws the ball during a practice in Tempe on Aug. 26, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
Arizona State Sun Devils Tyler Wigglesworth (39) stands on the field during the team’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
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Arizona State quarterback Cutter Boley (8) runs passing drills during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State quarterback Cutter Boley (8) runs passing drills during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State quarterback Cameron Dyer (13) runs passing drills during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State quarterback Jake Fette (2) throws during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State Sun Devils Mikey Keene (12) prepares to pass the ball during the team’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
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Arizona State running back David Avit (24) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Arizona State running back Kyson Brown (1) watches drills during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State running back Jason Brown Jr (22) runs during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Marquis Gillis (RB, right) runs a drill during football practice at ASU’s Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Aug. 11, 2026.
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Cardae Mack (RB) runs a drill during football practice at ASU’s Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Aug. 11, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
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Arizona State running back Grayson Rigdon (21) during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Demarius "Man Man" Robinson (RB) runs a drill during football practice at ASU’s Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Aug. 11, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
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Chance Ables (WR, #82) catches a pass during practice at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe, Arizona, on Aug. 18, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
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Arizona State wide receiver Cory Butler Jr. (84) catches a pass during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Derek Eusebio (83) during practice in Tempe on Sept. 10, 2025.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Jaren Hamilton (WR, #16) runs a drill during practice at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe, Arizona, on Aug. 18, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
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Arizona State wide receiver Reed Harris (3) runs after a catch during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Harry Hassmann (89) against the Houston Cougars at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Oct. 25, 2025.
(Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
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Arizona State tight end Jeremiah Johnson (84) during a practice in Tempe on Aug. 26, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Plas Johnson (WR, #80) catches a pass during practice at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe, Arizona, on Aug. 18, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
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Omarion Miller (#4 WR) during ASU football practice at Kajikawa Practice fields in Tempe, Arizona, on March 19, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
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Jalen Moss (WR, #18) catches a pass during practice at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe, Arizona, on Aug. 18, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
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Uriah Neloms (WR, #81) catches a pass during practice at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe, Arizona, on Aug. 18, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
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Michael "Butter" Tollefson (WR, #17) runs a drill during practice at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe, Arizona, on Aug. 18, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
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Raiden Vines-Bright (WR, #7) runs a drill during practice at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe, Arizona, on Aug. 18, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
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Arizona State tight end Khamari Anderson (15) makes a catch during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State tight end James Giggey (87) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Arizona State tight end AJ Ia (14) warms up during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State tight end Kristian Ingman (44) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Anthony Miller (TE) runs a drill during football practice at ASU’s Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Aug. 11, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
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Landen Miree (left, TE) and Kristian Ingman (right, TE) run a drill during football practice at ASU’s Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Aug. 11, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
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Arizona State offensive lineman Tana Alo-Tupuola (58) warms up during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Luke Baklenko (78) runs a drill during spring football practice at Kajikawa Practice fields in Tempe, Arizona, on April 9, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
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Arizona State offensive lineman Desean Bryant Jr. (54) runs a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State offensive lineman Brent Helton (69) blocks during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State offensive lineman Wade Helton (64) during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State offensive linemen Matai Jefferson (77) and Niniva Nicholson (55) during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State offensive lineman Terrell Kim (73) snaps the ball during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State offensive lineman Jalen Klemm (70) works out with the team during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State offensive lineman Rob Lapuaho (53) runs drills with the offensive line during a practice in Tempe on Aug. 26, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State offensive lineman Siosaia "Leni" Lapuaho (74) runs drills with the offensive line during a practice in Tempe on Aug. 26, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State offensive lineman Jarmaine Mitchell (75) takes a breather during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State offensive lineman Manamo'ui Muti (52) warms up during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State offensive lineman Makua Pule (71) works out with the team during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State offensive lineman Xander Ruggeroli (79) works out with the team during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State offensive lineman Maki Stewart (59) works out with the team during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State defensive lineman Doughless Teloma (72) runs a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State offensive lineman Cortavius Tisaby (56) runs drills with the offensive line during a practice in Tempe on Aug. 26, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State offensive lineman Marques Uini (50) blocks during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State offensive lineman Champ Westbrooks (76) leads a stretch during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State defensive lineman Landen Anderson (84) calls for a ball during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State defensive lineman CJ Fite (99) runs a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State defensive lineman My'Keil Gardner (93) trains during football practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe on Aug 1, 2025.
(Cheryl Evans/The Republic)
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Arizona State defensive lineman Julian Hugo (98) runs a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
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Arizona State defensive lineman Blazen Lono-Wong (97) runs a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
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Arizona State defensive lineman Jeffrey Manns (95) during practice on April 21, 2026, at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe.
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Arizona State defensive lineman Manu Salesi (36) listens to coaches during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
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Arizona State defensive lineman Rashad McKenzie (91) runs drills during a practice in Tempe on Aug. 26, 2026.
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Arizona State defensive lineman Daeshon Morgan (88) runs drills during a practice in Tempe on Aug. 26, 2026.
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Arizona State defensive lineman Roman Pitre (5) punches at the football during a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
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Arizona State defensive lineman Joshua Shanklin (17) watches a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
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Arizona State defensive lineman Zac Swanson (92) warms up during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State defensive linemen Emar’rion Winston (4) and Sinei Tengei (96) listen to coaches during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
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Arizona State defensive lineman Jalen Thompson (9) during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
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Arizona state defensive linemen Blazen Lono-Wong (97) and Hyrum Vaeono (90) during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State Sun Devils Kirt Vakalahi (44) walks on the field during the team’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
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Arizona State defensive lineman Ramar Williams (55) runs a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
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Arizona State defensive lineman Clayton Smith (10) punches the ball out from teammate Albert Smith III (3) during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
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Arizona State defensive lineman Albert Smith III (3) listens to coaches during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
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Arizona State linebacker Oscar Aguilar Jr. (34) runs a tackling drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
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Arizona State linebacker Tristan Bacon (45) during practice on March 24, 2026, at Kajikawa Practice Fields in Tempe.
(Rob Schumacher/The Republic)
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Arizona State linebacker Ramere Davis (18) makes an interception in a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
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Arizona State linebacker Zyrus Fiaseu (30) makes an interception in a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
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Arizona State linebacker Lee "Puka" Fuimaono (48) makes an interception in a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
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Arizona State linebacker Martell Hughes (8) makes an interception in a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
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Arizona State linebacker Isaiah Iosefa (54, right) runs a tackling drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
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Arizona State linebacker Owen Long (22) makes an interception in a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State linebackers Oscar Aguilar Jr. (34), Mason Marden (43) and Prayer Young-Blackgoat (13) run drills during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State Sun Devils Nigel Pringle (16) and Joseph Smith (15) play in the team’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
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Arizona State defensive back Nasir Stephens (29) catches a ball during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State defensive back Rodney Bimage Jr. (0) does a tackling drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State defensive back Daquwan Dunn (19) covers teammate Caleb Chester (25) during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
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Arizona State defensive back Davis Kinney (28) catches a ball during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State defensive back Kyan McDonald (21) catches a ball during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State defensive backs Maurice Williams (20), Zeth Thues (31), Davis Kinney (28) and Jessiah McGrew (23) during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State defensive back Lyrik Rawls (2) makes an interception in a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State defensive back Ashton Stamps (1) does a tackling drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
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Arizona State defensive back Montana Warren (7) makes an interception in a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State defensive back Jalen Williams (24) works on a punt drill during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe on April 14, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State secondary coach David Gibbs talks with defensive back Ben Alefaio-Lilii (12) during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
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Arizona State safety Xavier Skowron (14) runs a drill during a practice in Tempe on Aug. 26, 2026.
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Arizona State defensive back Adrian "Boogie" Wilson (6) looks over at the coaches during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.
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Arizona state kicker Carston Kieffer (26) practices onside kicks during a practice in Tempe on Aug. 26, 2026.
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Arizona State Sun Devils Carson Smith (32) kicks the ball during the team’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
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Kanyon Floyd (punter) during football practice at ASU’s Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Aug. 11, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
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Nick McLarty (punter) during football practice at ASU’s Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Aug. 11, 2026.
(Mark Henle/The Republic)
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Arizona long snapper Grayson Curtis (43) throws the ball during a practice in Tempe on Aug. 26, 2026.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic)
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Arizona State Sun Devils Tyler Wigglesworth (39) stands on the field during the team’s annual scrimmage at Camp Tontozona in Payson on Aug. 15, 2026.
(Diannie Chavez/The Republic)
The 2025 leading rusher Raleek Brown and Kanye Udoh are both transferred. That makes Kyson Brown, who was sidelined for eight games with an ankle injury last season, the veteran in the room. He is one of seven players on the roster entering their fourth year in the program.
"I feel old," Brown said. "I've been here, been around the block for a while. It's just good to know we're building something special here."
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Aguano said Brown is undoubtedly the leader of the group.
"They look to him every time they make a mistake because he knows the answer, and he'll help them from that standpoint," Aguano said. "He hardly makes any wrong decisions, so they look for that part of it, but they're still pushing him for the athletic part of it."
Then there is junior Jason Brown (no relation), who ran for 134 yards in the Sun Bowl — one of the few opportunities he was given in the last two years.
Rounding out the unit are two sophomores who didn't see much game action in 2025, Grayson Rigdon and Demarius "Man Man" Robinson; two transfers in Marquis Gillis (Delaware State) and David Avit (Villanova); and a promising true freshman in Cardae Mack.
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It's simply a numbers problem.
Whoever gets what playing time could come down to small details that don't necessarily have anything to do with running the ball. That means less-heralded tasks such as blocking.
Aguano said Kyson Brown is probably the best blocker of his backs, just because he has had the most experience doing it against FBS competition.
"Blocking is a huge part of it," he said. "Protecting the quarterback is the No. 1 thing, so we play a huge part in that, being able to understand defensive structures, so that's a huge part of the trust part of who's going to play."
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"It all comes down to who makes the least mistakes. Who is trusted the most. And they all understand that. So they're competing for that. That's why you see on the sidelines, one makes a mistake, they kind of lose it because they know if they make a mistake, they're not going to be in there."
The other benefit of having depth at the position is the ability to have fresh backs in the game at all times.
The Sun Devils also have running backs of different styles and skill sets. All adhere to the iron sharpens iron mentality.
"You need multiple backs in order to produce in college because you've got to have a lot of guys that can work with you," Mack said. "And if everybody is working hard, pushing each other, everybody's going to be better."
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There are different personalities in the room too. Aguano said that Kyson Brown and Gillis, who ran for 1,182 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025, are more the alpha dogs. Rigdon and Jason Brown bring the humor, which often comes at the expense of Mack, the youngster in the group.
You have to go back to 2016 to find the last time the Sun Devils relied on a running back by committee. That was the year Demario Richard ran for 593 yards, and Kalen Ballage added 536, with quarterback Manny Wilkins contributing as well.
"I like all seven. That's the hard part," Aguano said. "We'll see what happens when the lights come on.
"I'm hard on them. Sometimes too hard, but they understand where I come from, the feelings I have for them, and I take care of them, but they understand it's a professional decision. It's never personal. It's always professional. I tell them I love them every day. They understand that, but when it comes to it, it's who is the best player on the field."
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Kyson Brown sees the big picture.
"I think a lot of the guys we brought in, they add different aspects to the game, and hopefully they can come in and contribute," he said. "We all have a piece to play in this offense."
The season opener against Morgan State should be a chance to see what they can contribute.
ASU leading rushers by year
2025 — Raleek Brown 1,141
2024 — Cam Skattebo 1,711
2023 — Cam Skattebo 783
2022 — Xazavion Valladay 1,192
2021 — Rachaad White 1,006
2020 — Rachaad White 420 (4 games)
2019 — Eno Benjamin 1,083
2018 — Eno Benjamin 1,642
2017 — Demario Richard 1,027
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona State has 7 running backs. Who will emerge vs Morgan State?
