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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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TEMPE, AZ – OCTOBER 08: Running back Demario Richard #4 of the Arizona State Sun Devils rushes the football en route to scoring on a five yard touchdown against the UCLA Bruins during the second half of the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on October 8, 2016 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TEMPE, AZ – OCTOBER 08: Running back Demario Richard #4 of the Arizona State Sun Devils rushes the football en route to scoring on a five yard touchdown against the UCLA Bruins during the second half of the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on October 8, 2016 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Running Back

Starting running back: Demario Richard
Backup: Kalen Ballage/Eno Benjamin/Nick Ralston

The Sun Devils strongest offensive position is at running back. However, it is difficult to predict the depth chart because the team has a new offensive coordinator in Billy Napier. According to head coach Todd Graham, the team will run the same offense.

Richard seems a good bet to get the bulk of the carries. In 2015, Richard finished the season with 1,104 rushing yards. The team struggled offensively overall in 2016 and Richard’s numbers slipped to 593 rushing yards. The guess here is he will return to numbers approaching his 2015 season in 2017.

In 2016, the Sun Devils utilized Kalen Ballage to great effect. Ballage is an excellent pass catcher out of the backfield but also performs well in direct-snap short yardage opportunities, tallying seven rushing touchdowns in a win against Texas Tech. Ballage is the team’s change-of-pace back to spell Richard.

After the tandem of Richard and Ballage, there’s a strong chance Benjamin will emerge as the team’s third option. While the coaching staff favors experience and likes Ralston, Benjamin is a highly touted recruit, an early enrollee, and possesses great size. An educated guess says Ralston and Benjamin both get a number of carries throughout the season.

The coaching staff is aware that both Richard and Ballage are seniors and the team needs a future starter. Benjamin would appear to be a smart choice as the heir apparent to Richard, while Ralston would be a worthy change-of-pace replacement for Ballage. Ralston was no slouch last season, scoring three touchdowns, but Benjamin has a higher ceiling.

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