TEMPE, Ariz. -- De'Chavon Hayes shakes his head while talking about the differences between Arizona and the place he grew up, Richmond, Va. The weather, the palm trees -- those are new to him. So is the number of food options, in the opinion of ASU's redshirt junior running back.
"They've got a lot more food places (in Tempe)," he said.
Just as Hayes can appreciate the variety of the cuisine in ASU country, the Sun Devils hope they can offer up a number of appetizing options at running back in 2015. Demario Richard is the bowling ball, Kalen Ballage the lanky athlete and incoming freshman Jaason Lewis, who is not yet on campus, the Mack truck. Then there's 'Gump', as Hayes is known. He got his nickname for obvious reasons.
He can run like Forrest.
"I'm more of a one-cut and go," Hayes said. "All speed."
Hayes, who will also be used as a punt and kickoff return man, chose ASU over Oklahoma and Kansas when he transferred from Lackawanna Community College in Pennsylvania. Like Lewis, who is from Virginia Beach, Va., Hayes' cross-country journey respresents the geographical reach Graham's staff has shown in its recruiting efforts.
Hayes sat out the 2014 season after transferring, but when spring ball opened Monday, he was already running with the first team, where D.J. Foster's departure to receiver opened opportunity for new contributors. There's more to Gump than his straight-line speed.
"Everybody wants to talk about Gump's speed," ASU quarterback Mike Bercovici said Monday, when the Sun Devils opened spring practices. "At his core, he's a great kid. He wants to learn, he's a great competitor. He's going against Demario and Kalen Ballage every rep. If anybody knows about how competition makes you better, I can tell you about that. So for him, being in a competition right now is the best thing for him."
Sitting out last season allowed Hayes to acclimate to the culture of the city and the program. He also used the time slicing up ASU's defense while on the scout team to refine his all-around game. He's looked up to Foster, who this spring is making his transition from starting running back to slot receiver.
Hayes said he's learning that position as well and could see himself as a receiver if Arizona State wants to move him there down the road.
"I feel like I'm a dual-threat guy," he said. "So I want to work on everything. I'm versatile, so I just wanted to work on (receiving)."
At running back for now, Hayes brings big-play potential to Bercovici's check-downs or the standard running game.
At Lackawanna, he rushed for 1,619 yards over two seasons and averaged 8.8 yards per carry. He left junior college with 15 rushing touchdowns before becoming a frustrating scout team player for ASU's defense to cover last season.
"Last year, it was just hard on me," Hayes said. "I just had to get stronger, get physically stronger and mentally focused. I just took that in, tried my best to learn the offensive plays and to try to fit in, do my job, so when this time comes, it's go time."
Go time it is.
--Devilbacker and 5-star recruit Davon Durant has been suspended indefinitely after being arrested on domestic assault allegations.
--Graham said the offense was national championship caliber on the first day of spring practice. Mike Bercovici looked sharp, and D.J. Foster's move to receiver led to a few explosive plays.
--The learning curve for the defense is greater with defensive coordinator Keith Patterson calling plays this year. "He is initiating the calls and taking over there," Graham said. "Little communication (issues) because we have ... different people communicating there."
--Of the players who finished 2014 injured or banged up, spur linebacker Laiu Moeakiola (leg) and defensive tackle Mo Latu (foot) wore green no-contact jerseys during practice on Monday. Safety Jordan Simone (shoulder) practiced in a gold limited-contact jersey, and center Nick Kelly (knee) participated as well.
--Graham complimented the performances of safties Chad Adams and James Johnson, plus backup linebacker Christian Sam.
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