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Arizona State Football: Breaking down the Sun Devils’ 2017 QB battle

By Erich Hilkert

TUCSON, AZ - NOVEMBER 25: Quarterback Manny Wilkins #5 of the Arizona State Sun Devils throws a pass during the second quarter of the Territorial Cup college football game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on November 25, 2016 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TUCSON, AZ - NOVEMBER 25: Quarterback Manny Wilkins #5 of the Arizona State Sun Devils throws a pass during the second quarter of the Territorial Cup college football game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on November 25, 2016 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 01: Head Coach Todd Graham waits on the sidelines for officials to review a touchdown play during the second quarter against the USC Trojans at Los Angeles Coliseum on October 1, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 01: Head Coach Todd Graham waits on the sidelines for officials to review a touchdown play during the second quarter against the USC Trojans at Los Angeles Coliseum on October 1, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Predictions

The depth chart heading into the season appears to be Manny Wilkins on first team, Blake Barnett a more-than-capable backup, Dillon Sterling Cole as the third-string and Brady White still in non-contact until fully cleared medically.

More: Arizona State Football: 2017 season preview, predictions

Arizona State wanted to redshirt true freshman Dillon Sterling Cole last season but was unable to do so due to injuries. Graham has stated he would like to do so this season if possible. Sterling Cole simply looked overmatched in his limited starting time last season.

Brady White is a more palatable option. White is a sophomore who led the team to victory against UCLA but may not play this season because he is still recovering from two foot surgeries. White redshirted the 2015 season, although he may be granted a sixth season of eligibility if he were to sit out this season with a medical waiver.

In an ideal world, the Sun Devils would love to see Wilkins and Barnett take all the snaps in 2017 to give White plenty of time to fully recover and give Sterling Cole time to mentally adapt to the rigors of playing at the college level.

Bryce Perkins transferred to another program after sitting out last season with a neck injury sustained in fall camp in August 2016.

Next: College Football: Top 50 breakout candidates for 2017

If Arizona State is hit by the injury bug again, the options at quarterback could range the gamut. However, it is abundantly clear that at the onset of the season Manny Wilkins is the starter, but he will have a short leash. If he is injured or faces significant struggles, Blake Barnett will be close by to step in and try to take over the starting role.

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