TEMPE, Ariz. -- Last season, Cameron Smith was just trying to figure out Arizona State's offense and what he should be doing on a given play. One year can make a big difference.
Now a sophomore, Smith has become a weapon in ASU's high-powered offense as he grows more comfortable and gains confidence.
"This year is more about the detail," Smith said Thursday. "Last year was more about knowing what I'm doing on a certain play. Now it's reading the defense, trying to figure out how I can create more space, for example."
In ASU's win over New Mexico last week, Smith made his first career touchdown catch, a 41-yarder from Taylor Kelly in the third quarter. That's the kind of threat ASU envisioned in Smith: A one-play difference maker.
Smith showed that potential in limited action last season. Of his eight receptions, three were for more than 20 yards -- including a 30-yarder against Stanford in his first collegiate game.
"My first game was against Stanford, and it was all fast for me, but it was good experience to get out there," Smith said.
ASU vs. COLORADO
When: Saturday, 7 p.m.
Where: Folsom Field, Boulder, Colo.
TV: ESPNU (Anish Shroff, Kelly Stouffer)
This year, Smith already has five receptions. While speed is still his calling card, he's trying to become a more versatile threat.
"I want to be more well-rounded of course, but (speed) is mostly genetics, so thank God for that," Smith said. "So I try to work on the other things -- how quick I am off the line, the physicality of beating a press and things like that."
ASU has also used Smith as a running back on speed sweeps twice. Both gained more than 10 yards. As Smith's confidence and comfort level continues to grow, he should get even more chances.
Todd Graham shared his thoughts Thursday on the play of ASU's special teams, one of the off-season's big points of emphasis.
-- Kickoff return: "I'd like to get to return a kickoff. We haven't returned one yet. So I don't know much about that." (Pac-12 ranking: n/a)
-- Kickoff cover: "We kicked one or two out of bounds and then we kicked one line drive and I don't think anybody knew who had the ball. Other than that I think we've done a pretty good job covering kicks." (Pac-12 ranking: 2)
-- Punt return: "I think our punt return's been solid. We've just had punters kick the ball really high, so we haven't been able to get returns." (Pac-12 ranking: 11)
-- Punt cover: "We've held people up, we've blocked a punt. So I feel like we've done pretty good there." (Pac-12 ranking: 10)
-- Punting: "Our punt, guys have done a good on the unit, but we've just got to punt the football. That's probably the weakest thing we've done to this point, and we've had our best week of punting." (Pac-12 ranking: 10)
The only unit Graham didn't address: Field-goal kicking. Sophomore Zane Gonzalez is 2 for 3 on field goal attempts this season and 11 for 13 on point-after attempts.
ASU hasn't gotten much out of its Devil-backers through two games. Redshirt sophomore Edmond Boateng has started each game after moving there late in fall camp, while redshirt junior Antonio Longino has played about the same amount.
Longino has tallied eight tackles, including half a tackle for loss. Boateng has just one tackle. Senior Marcus Washington has played sparingly. This week of practice didn't produce a clear leader among the trio.
"I think Edmond and Antonio both will play (against Colorado)," Graham said. "Marcus needs to play a little bit more in certain situations. I think Antonio's probably doing a little better (than Boateng)."
Longino practiced with the first team this week, so he could get his first start of the season. Graham also wants to get tight end De'Marieya Nelson more action at Devil-backer. He didn't play there as much last week because New Mexico ran the ball often on third down.
-- Graham said ASU has "settled into" sophomore Viliami Latu and freshman Tashon Smallwood at the 3-technique defensive tackle spot. It sounds as if Smallwood will continue to start, but the pair could split first team reps.
-- Graham said redshirt junior Demetrius Cherry had a good week of practice at nose tackle and should see more action there this week behind junior Jaxon Hood.
-- Graham on Colorado receiver Nelson Spruce: "He's really good. He's a great route runner, he's their go-to guy, great double-cut guy, guy that can really hurt you. He's very physical, and he can go get the ball. He's the No. 1 guy you have to stop.
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