Arizona State at UCLA – NFL Draft Prospect Recap
By Jeremy Baird
Nov 23, 2013; Pasadena, CA, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils defensive tackle Will Sutton (90) celebrates the UCLA Bruins missing a second quarter field goal attempt at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
The Sun Devils ripped the Pac-12 South Division Title from the defending champs, UCLA, by sacking Brett Hundley nine times. While there was plenty of offense and scoring in this game, it came between spurts of chaos created by both defenses. Arizona State was the more consistent team, and pulled out to a 35-13 lead at halftime. They were able to control the game by running the ball with running back Marion Grice and quarterback Taylor Kelly. By the time UCLA got going in the 2nd half, it was too late. They became one dimensional, and ASU’s defense was able to pin their ears back and get after Hundley.
UCLA Offense
Quarterback #17 Brett Hundley (6’3” 227lb SO) was pressured all day by the Arizona State front seven. The constant pressure led to erratic play from the talented young quarterback. He showed moments of excellence when setting his feet and throwing with confidence- he throws a great ball. But when a quarterback is sacked nine times, he clearly can’t do that very often. Hundley’s worst play was an intercepted screen pass where he didn’t see linebacker Carl Bradford. The talent is there with Hundley, but he can’t overcome working behind a sub par offensive line. Current Projection STEADY: 2015 1st Round
Left Guard/Tackle #56 Xavier Su’A-Filo (6’3” 304lb JR) was the only bright spot in the Bruin’s offensive line. He held up his end, in spite of playing out of position. It is clear that he’s better suited at guard, but still played well at tackle. He doesn’t let his man go once he locks on to him. Current Projection UP: 3rd Round
Arizona State Defense
Defensive Tackle #90 Will Sutton (6’1” 290lb SR) might have played his best game of 2013 against the Bruins. Even though he was double teamed regularly, he still got penetration. Sutton’s best asset is his second effort. He might get held up at first, but then gives a second move that frees him up. He was the focus of UCLA’s interior offensive line, which allow linebacker Chris Young to come in behind him and register three sacks. Current Projection UP: 2nd Round
Outside Linebacker #52 Carl Bradford (6’1” 233lb JR) continued to impress as a pass rusher pressuring Hundley multiple times, sacking him once. Bradford also had the play of the game, intercepting a Hundley screen pass and taking it to the house for six points. He’s a line of scrimmage player who should continue to get better. Current Projection UP: 4th Round
Arizona State Offense
Running Back #1 Marion Grice (6’0” 200lb SR) had himself a hell of a game with 268 all-purpose yards (95 rush, 72 rec, 101 ret). He showed great vision and patience by letting his blockers open holes, and following that up by bursting through them. He’s a tough runner, and that showed, as he didn’t have a single rush for negative yards. He’s not a game breaker but just a solid, predictable back that could do quite well in the NFL. Current Projection UP: 4th Round
Wide Receiver #21 Jaelen Strong (6’4” 205lb SO) lived up to his name by going up a ripping a pass from a defender late in the 1st quarter. He always seemed to get open when Taylor Kelly needed to throw it to him. He often times lines up in the slot, giving him more freedom to head either over the middle or to the sideline. He’s not a great downfield threat, but it is an excellent option as a possession receiver. Current Projection UP: 2015 1st Round
UCLA Defense
Defensive End #99 Cassius Marsh (6’4” 266lb SR) was on and off against ASU. He got pressure on Kelly a couple of times, but didn’t affect the run game enough. He got pushed around, and allowed ASU’s offensive line to open running lanes for Grice. He didn’t seem to have the backside pursuit that he’s shown in past games. Current Projection DOWN: 6th Round
Outside Linebacker #11 Anthony Barr (6’4” 248lb JR) had an average game (for him) with 7 tackles, 2.5 TFL (1 sack), and a fumble recovery on a botched punt. The bar has been set so incredibly high for him, that it’s almost impossible for meet expectations. He was solid all around, but didn’t have the spectacular play that changed the game. He pressured Kelly, was good in pass coverage, and always in the mix. He did nothing to hurt his draft stock. At this point he’s still the best at his position, and the thought of him getting better is scary. Current Projection: Top 5 Pick