TEMPE, Ariz. -- Coaching at Pittsburgh last season, Arizona State coach Todd Graham played eight true freshmen. He might not use quite as many in his first season at ASU, but there will be at least a few newcomers playing right away.
Specifically, Graham has indicated that running back D.J. Foster, defensive lineman Jaxon Hood and offensive lineman Evan Goodman could be impact freshman this season.
Foster, who came to ASU from Saguaro High School in Scottsdale, was the prized recruit of Graham's first class and chose the Sun Devils over a number of other bigtime options.
"I'm 100 percent happy and confident in my choice," Foster said. "When I met Coach Graham and his staff I definitely felt the passion, the focus, his plan on changing this program. I believed in it, and I still believe in it now."
Foster most notably passed over an offer from Southern California, which enters the season regarded as a national championship contender. Had he chosen USC, though, Foster would have likely been buried on the depth chart. At ASU, he's competing for time with Deantre Lewis and Marion Grice, with only 1,000-yard rusher Cameron Marshall firmly ahead of him.
At last week's media day, Graham called Foster a "home run hitter." The offense will be more run-oriented than recent years, which should provide ample opportunity for multiple backs.
"Obviously, five years from now we'll wish we were redshirting (Foster), but we've got to do what we've got to do to win games," Graham said. "He's definitely a guy that can help us win games."
Foster has seen significant action in team drills through the team's first nine practices as a running back and slot receiver. That versatility could create extra opportunities for Foster amid the crowded backfield.
"I'm just trying to work as hard as I can to show them I can play right now as a freshman," Foster said. "I'm my own enemy right now. So as hard as I work, the more opportunity, the more chances I'll get on the field."
Graham has been particularly impressed by Foster's toughness and believes he has the mentality to contribute right away.
"You've got to be really, really special, and I think you've got to be smart," Graham said. "Probably the key is your maturity, and D.J. is really mentally mature. I think he's ready."
Hood has impressed Graham just as much. The 6-foot-1, 290-pound lineman out of Hamilton High School in Chandler came to ASU a bit under the radar after a late recruiting process. He saw limited interest early on as some schools were concerned about his height, but he received offers from ASU and Arizona in January and went into National Signing Day uncommitted.
"I thank God every day that I waited (to commit)," Hood said. "There's not another place in the country I'd rather be than right here."
Graham said this week Hood will not redshirt this season. Instead he'll likely slot in on the second defensive line, where he has been seeing time in team drills.
While Hood trimmed down significantly in ASU's summer workout program, it's been his work ethic that has impressed coaches the most, even though it is exactly what they expected.
"To me he hasn't really been a surprise because I know his work ethic, his attitude, his temperament -- I know what he's about," defensive coordinator Paul Randolph said. "You would think that he's an upperclassman the way he works and the way he displays mental maturity."
Graham said Thursday that Hood has attended every meeting and practice even after the death of a personal mentor this week.
"No matter how tough it gets, Jaxon is pounding away," Graham said. "I can't say enough about him. I think he is just awesome."
Randolph said Hood still needs to improve his technique and get a feel for the defense. He has been primarily positioned at defensive tackle while working to improve his explosiveness.
On Thursday, Graham described Hood and Foster "as good of freshman football players as you can find." Goodman's status is a little murkier. Graham has had high praise at times for the offensive lineman from Lakeland, Fla., but at others, he's sounded uncertain if the 6-foot-4, 290-pound Goodman is ready to play now.
Coaches seemed convinced from the start of his physical attributes but were withholding judgment on his mental readiness. They're starting to come around.
"Evan Goodman has exceeded our expectations and has really started to pick things up fast," Graham said. "The sky's the limit for him. He's really a physical talent. It's all just about him learning."
Goodman, whose brother Devin is a redshirt freshman offensive lineman, committed to ASU before Dennis Erickson was fired and ultimately stuck with the commitment. He said it was one of his goals to play as a true freshman
"I think I've got a good chance," Goodman said. "I've just got to keep on working. And if it doesn't happen, there's always next year."
Beyond Foster, Hood and Goodman, Graham has mentioned linebackers Salamo Fiso, Matthew Rowe and Carlos Mendoza and receiver Richard Smith as true freshman who could work them way into action this season.
-- Goodman said Thursday he has torn ligaments in his right thumb, explaining the cast he has worn on his right hand early in camp. He expects to have the cast off in about three weeks, before ASU's first game, and said it shouldn't hinder his participation in practices.
-- Senior defensive tackle Corey Adams has missed three straight practices with a back issue and indicated Wednesday he wasn't sure if he would be ready for the team's first games on Aug. 30. Graham said Thursday that he expects the issue to clear up in a week or two. Adams had back surgery as a freshman.
