Arizona State Football: Can Sun Devils surprise Pac-12 in 2019?

By Dante Pryor | Aug 16, 2019

TUCSON, AZ - NOVEMBER 24: Offensive lineman Steven Miller #71 of the Arizona State Sun Devils drives a pitchfork into the turf as he celebrates with teammates following a 41-40 victory against the Arizona Wildcats during the college football game at Arizona Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /

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TUCSON, AZ – NOVEMBER 24: Quarterback Khalil Tate #14 of the Arizona Wildcats scrambles away from linebacker Merlin Robertson #8 of the Arizona State Sun Devils during the first half of the college football game at Arizona Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /

Defense returns plenty of talent in 2019

The Sun Devils fielded the youngest defense in the nation last season. They return eight starters to a squad that ran out of gas last season. They were very good the first half of last season, but gave up 31 points or more in four of their last six games.

The strength of this defense is their linebackers. All three of their linebackers are sophomores including Pac-12 defensive freshman of the year Merlin Robertson.

They are also athletic and talented in their secondary with returning defensive backs Aashari Crosswell and Chase Lucas at safety and cornerback, respectfully.

They are going to need some help up front with the departure of Renell Wren and the transfer of Jalen Bates, so look for some of their young talented linemen to step up.

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