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Arizona State Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2017

By Erich Hilkert

SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 19: Quarterback Manny Wilkins #5 of the Arizona State Sun Devils rolls out to pass against the Washington Huskies on November 19, 2016 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. The Huskies defeated the Sun Devils 44-18. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 19: Quarterback Manny Wilkins #5 of the Arizona State Sun Devils rolls out to pass against the Washington Huskies on November 19, 2016 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. The Huskies defeated the Sun Devils 44-18. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /
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TUCSON, AZ – NOVEMBER 28: Linebacker Viliami Latu #41, defensive lineman Tashon Smallwood #90 and linebacker Antonio Longino #32 of the Arizona State Sun Devils celebrate after Demetrius Cherry (not pictured) scored on a fumble recovery in the first quarter during the Territorial Cup college football game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on November 28, 2014 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TUCSON, AZ – NOVEMBER 28: Linebacker Viliami Latu #41, defensive lineman Tashon Smallwood #90 and linebacker Antonio Longino #32 of the Arizona State Sun Devils celebrate after Demetrius Cherry (not pictured) scored on a fumble recovery in the first quarter during the Territorial Cup college football game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on November 28, 2014 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Defensive Line

Starting tackles: Tashon Smallwood, George Lea
Backups: Renell Wren, Jordan Hoyt

Smallwood was tied for third on the team in sacks with 2.5 in 2016. The team lost Viliami Latu, so Lea will step in as the starter. He made four starts last season and tallied three tackles for a loss.

The Sun Devils struggled statistically in 2016 but appear to have more depth heading into 2017. Wren is the top backup, but he earned one start last season and was tied for fourth on the team in tackles for a loss (4.5) primarily as a key reserve.

Senior Jordan Hoyt did not play last year due to NCAA transfer rules. However, he earned defensive scout team player of the year. So, the team lost a dependable starter but has more overall depth as a unit.

Starting ends: JoJo Wicker, Dougladson Subtyl
Backups: Alani Latu, Jalen Bates

JoJo Wicker earned second team All-Pac 12 honors for his 2016 season. Wicker was tied for the lead on the team with 11.5 tackles for a loss. He was named the defensive team captain prior to the start of fall camp.

Subtyl was a highly touted JUCO transfer, spurring other offers from Washington and other schools. He sat out last season but has prototypical size for a pass rushing defensive end.

Alani Latu brings versatility to play multiple positions both on the defensive line and at linebacker. He has a similar size to Subtyl and should work his way into the rotation at end and as a pass rushing linebacker.

Jalen Bates is a capable backup who played in three games as a reserve last season.

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