Arizona State football: Sparky's 2015 Offensive Preview

Quarterback: *Mike Bercovici, Bryce Perkins, Brady White, Manny Wilkins

For the first time in years, I don't feel like I have to actively root against our starting quarterback. That might sound blasphemous, but watching Taylor Kelly abuse the art of the spiral will do that to you. Berco strays away from the Norvell archetype at QB, swapping the dual threat nature for a arm cannon. Expect Sparky to cut down on the option and step up the vertical passing game.

Manny might be the fan favorite, but schematically true freshman Brady White would be a better fit as Berco's number two. Should the injury bug strike, Norvell wouldn't have to completely retool the offense with their similar skill sets. Should Brady get hit with the redshirt however, expect Wilkins to get the nod at number two.

Running Back: Kalen Ballage, Jacom Brimhall, De'Chavon Hayes, *Demario Richard

I can never decide whether I like Super Demario or Baby Beast Mode better. I guess call the Sun Devil's next feature back whatever you like. Richard will look to follow up a stellar Sun Bowl with an even better 2015, swimming in the wake of Foster's switch to receiver. Fans of the unoriginal 12th Man and truck stick should love watching this sophomore back go through defenders this season, rather than around.

With Ballage getting reps on the defensive end and playing a similar style to Richard, expect Hayes to get some serious run as Sparky's predominant change of pace back. Gump should be able to replace the speed lost in the backfield with Foster's move out wide. In case you haven't gotten your fill of awesome running back nicknames, spend your season rooting for walk-on Jacom "Muscle Hamster" Brimhall, who'll factor in as a solid special teams contributor and injury depth.

Tight End:  *Kody Kohl, Grant Martinez, Raymond Epps

Kody Kohl is leading the starting tight end race and it's not even close. Tight end coach Chip Long has ranted and raved about the junior all season, leaving the Sun Devil faithful hoping for a reincarnation of current rugby god (no idea if that's accurate) Chris Coyle. Also, CTG seems to love tight ends with same initials names. Who knew?

X Receiver: Terrell Chatman, Ellis Jefferson, *Devin Lucien

While the other receiving battles seem all but over, this one seems to be dragging behind and raging on. Sun Devil Nation seems to be rooting for Lucien to take the lead, which he seems to have done over the past couple weeks. The graduate transfer from UCLA has had a great relationship with Berco since sophomore year of high school and spoke highly of Deputy Norvell during his time at UCLA. Devin believes he can replace Jaelen on the backside and I'm more than inclined to believe him.

If Lucien is the sexy pick, Jefferson is the safe pick. This will be the 6'5" split end's third year at ASU and could sneak past Lucien with recent familiarity. Chatman would be the surprise pick. Wide reciever coach Alexander spoke highly of the true freshman saying he could start in 2015, but it does seem more likely that he gets a redshirt instead.

Y Receiver: *Gary Chambers, Eric Lauderdale

As the season grows closer, Gary Chambers seems to slowly pull further and further away from the pack. Chambers has patiently waited for 4 years now, finally starting sporadically for the Devils in 2014. Despite maybe less athletic talent, Chambers could be the ole' reliable Bercovici needs.

Slowly fading into the background is former JUCO transfer Eric Lauderdale. The uber athletic playmaker spent last season as a redshirt and seemingly hasn't been able to make a dent in the X or Y receiver race. Expect occasionalsnaps from the junior this season, with hopefully a break through in 2016.

Z Reciever: *D.J. Foster, Frederick Gammage, Tim White

The man, the myth, the legend; wherever DJ lines up on the field, you can rest easy knowing his impact will still be felt. The only active FBS player with over 2,000 rushing and 1,500 receiving yards, Foster has shook his injury prone label and donned possible All-American status. Now in his senior year, Foster faces his biggest challenge yet, moving out of the backfield to split out wide. Despite this, with an off-season of extra seasoning, Foster should be ready to soften the blow of Jaelen #TooStrong's departure.

When Foster slides back into his old stomping ground of the Devil backfield, expect scrappy Fred Gammage to fill the hole left behind. The former walk-on has found his way onto the field the past two seasons, whether on special teams or a clutch grab here and there.

Left Tackle: *Evan Goodman, Steve Miller

Jamil Douglas left gigantic shoes to be filled on Berco's blind side, however junior Evan Goodman seems ready to grab the reins. Should he falter, redshirt frosh Miller should be ready to field the call after a solid spring.

Left Guard: *Christian Westerman

One of the best guard prospects in college football, Westerman should have the left guard spot locked down for a third year, if injuries don't hold him down.

Center: *Nick Kelly

Add team captain to a long resume of honors including a second team all PAC-12 selection last season, the Sun Devil senior looks to continue his success in his final year in maroon and gold.

Right Guard: *Vi Teofilo

One does not simply lose their right guard spot, after starting 30 games in a row. If Vi's knee cooperates, he'll be starting come Texas Kickoff.

Right Tackle: Sam Jones, *Billy McGehee

With Sam Jones spelling Westerman in full team drills as Christian finishes his recovery, it's safe to assume Billy has taken a clear lead in the competition. If Sam starts in week one, it'll be at left guard, not right tackle.