House Of Sparky

Ex-Memphis Head Coach Larry Porter Hired As ASU's Running Backs Coach

2012-02-10T19:50:11Z

The ever evolving Arizona State coaching staff secured another quality addition, as Larry Porter was named the team's running backs coach. The move was widely known for days, but finally became official today. Porter replaces Chris Thomsen, who left ASU six weeks after his hiring to take over the offensive line coaching duties at Texas Tech.

Most recently, Porter was the head coach at his alma mater Memphis the past two seasons. A former Tiger running back from 1990 to 1993, Porter struggled over his two seasons as a head coach, posting a 3-21 record.

While he made for a poor general, he's proven to be an outstanding lieutenant as a running backs coach and recruiter.

Prior to his return to Memphis, Porter had great success at LSU, helping the Tigers field a very effective ground game from 2005 to 2009. Porter served in the same capacity at Oklahoma State (2002 to 2004), where he produced a 1,000-yard rusher in each of his seasons, and at Arkansas State (1999 to 2001), where he also had a 1,000-yard back during his final two years. He began his coaching career in 1998 as Tennessee-Martin's running backs coach.

While he's a proven commodity in developing running backs, his value to a program is also just as impressive--and maybe more so--off the field than on it.

In addition to his coaching ability, he's an ace recruiter. At LSU, he also served as recruiting coordinator. In that role, he twice won Rivals.com's Recruiter of the Year award, in 2007 and 2009. With ties to the fertile regions of Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee, he will be a valuable asset to the Sun Devils. Porter, who only turns 40 in April, fits the new coaching staff mold of being young, energetic and ambitious.

With such a track record of success with the running back position, it's hard not to view him as an upgrade--at least in terms of position specific traits--over Thomsen.

Porter takes over a position that is perhaps the deepest and most talented on the Sun Devil roster. Returning starter Cameron Marshall topped 1,000 yards and tied a school record with 18 touchdowns. The 2012 recruiting class brought in four-star talent D.J. Foster who is an explosive play-maker, as well as the top-ranked junior college running back in Marion Grice, who is a bigger, more prototypical runner. Plus, ASU should get a healthy Deantre Lewis back after missing the 2011 season with a gunshot wound. In 2010, Lewis was a major threat in the running and passing games, posting 10 plays of over 20 yards from scrimmage.

Porter's hiring caps off a hectic week for the ASU coaching staff. Thomsen left for Texas Tech last Wednesday on National Signing Day. This past Tuesday, Ron West was hired from New Mexico to become the co-defensive coordinator.

Follow me on Twitter @BDenny29 for the latest on ASU football

Poll

Do you like the hire of Larry Porter?

XFINITY Presents: Vote Now On The Ultimate Sports Social Media Job Contest

2012-02-10T15:30:21Z

Have you ever watched one of those TV shows where from thousands of hopefuls, one star is born? Well, House of Sparky readers, here's your chance to play "starmaker" and help pick the new voice of sports in social media.

XFINITY is looking for the next renowned sports social media star through its Ultimate Sports Social Media Job contest. The winning candidate will serve as the new voice of XFINITY in the sports social media space and go behind-the-scenes at some of the biggest sporting events in 2012, sharing exclusive insights and updates with fans.

From February 9th-19th, you can review qualified entry videos and vote for the contestant you'd like to see advance to the finals of the XFINITY Ultimate Sports Social Media Job contest. The five entrants with the most votes will advance to the final round of the contest where they will cover one of five premier sporting events the weekend of March 8-11. Fans can head today to Facebook.com/XFINITY and click on the Ultimate Sports Social Media Job contest tab to vote for your favorite personality (once per day)!

Will you choose the brainiac with the encyclopedia of stats, the former jock who knows the game inside out, or the corporate type who gets the marketing side of the business? You decide. Vote today at Facebook.com/XFINITY.

ASU Vs. Utah: Sun Devils Hold On For 57-52 Win

2012-02-10T03:51:37Z

The Arizona St. Sun Devils didn't get a pretty win on Thursday night but did enough to hold off the Utah Utes for a 57-52 victory. Jordan Bachynski served as the anchor with 11 points and 12 rebounds. He also had four blocks and controlled the paint against Utah's big men.

The first half bore witness to only 41 offensive points, with the Sun Devils taking a 23-18 lead into halftime. ASU's advantage could have been much larger (at one point ASU had a 15-0 run to move ahead) but the Utes fought back and kept the game within striking distance at the end of the half.

The second half featured much of the same storyline as ASU pushed ahead only to watch Utah catch up. Led by 15 points from Carrick Felix and 12 points by Trent Lockett, the Sun Devils managed to maintain just enough of an edge to come out victorious.

Lockett played in his first game since spraining his right ankle, and his presence definitely made an impact. In addition to the points, Lockett chipped in with six rebounds and two assists. He should only get better as he adjusts back to the speed of the game.

The win snaps a two-game losing streak, and it gives ASU some momentum with the Colorado Buffaloes slated to play at Wells Fargo Arena on Saturday. If Bachynski can continue to be assertive, the Sun Devils may have a shot to pull off the upset.

ASU Vs. Utah GameThread: Sun Devils Eye Vengeance With Utes In Town

2012-02-10T01:09:40Z

The ASU basketball team will hope to play a little better this around tonight against the Utah Utes. In the first meeting of these two squads, back on Jan. 21st, the Sun Devils got blown out to the tune of an embarrassing 64-43 road loss. The Sun Devils get a chance to redeem that performance once things tip off at 6:30 MT tonight.

You can find a live stream of the game at FoxSportsArizona.com. Make sure to watch the game and share your thoughts on this GameThread throughout the contest.

Support The Pat Tillman Legacy Plate Bill And Help Our Veterans

2012-02-09T23:39:44Z

Already in the hearts and minds of Sun Devils worldwide, one of the most revered figures in Arizona State history may soon find his way onto your license plate for a very good cause.

In December, State Representative Michelle Ugenti of District 8 sponsored House Bill 2042. With the title of "Fallen Hero Special Plates" and informally known as the Pat Tillman Legacy bill, the legislation would institute a commutative license plate available to Arizona drivers that would serve to honor the legacy of Tillman and others who have paid the ultimate sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.

If passed, HB 2042 would create a special Pat Tillman license plate that celebrates the life of the former ASU legend, Arizona Cardinal and U.S. Army Ranger who was tragically killed by friendly fire on April 22, 2004. For an additional $25 on top of their annual registration fees to the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division, drivers would receive the plate, currently under design by the Pat Tillman Foundation.

Of the $25, $17 would go to the Pat Tillman Foundation to help fund the Tillman Miltary Scholars program, which provides educational opportunities for active service members and veterans, as well as their families.

On Thursday, the bill passed a vote in the Arizona House of Representatives Transportation Committee, and now moves on to a vote by the full 60-member House. That vote is tentatively schedule for sometime next week.

The bill reportedly contains an emergency clause, meaning that should two-thirds of the House and Senate approve the bill along with the Governor's signature, it would go into effect before the next Pat's Run event, which will be held this year on April 21 [Register for Pat's Run here].

Regardless of any political leanings, this is a great cause for all Arizonans to pay tribute to a true hero and ASU legend while helping current service men and women.

Whether you are a fan, alum, or student of Arizona State, or just someone who recognizes the debt we owe the men and women in service of this country, we at House of Sparky strongly encourage you to contact your local House representative today and inform them of your support for HB 2042...and America.

Follow me on Twitter at @BDenny29 for the latest on ASU football

Poll

If available, would you get a Pat Tillman license plate?

Speak Of The Devils Podcast: Alonzo Agwuenu Interview And Coaching Staff News

2012-02-09T16:00:45Z

It may be the offseason, but Speak of the Devils is still going strong with the most in-depth ASU coverage you'll find.

In our 25th episode, we analyze the very busy coaching carousel for the Sun Devils, as Todd Graham's staff finally appears set. We then introduce a new segment to showcase non-football sporting excellence ast ASU, and then buy and sell in the Sun Devil Stock Report before our main event.

Joining the show is one of the newest Sun Devils, wide receiver Alonzo Agwuenu. The 6'4" playmaker details his journey to ASU, what to expect from his tremendous on-field talent and why he loves having lofty expectations.

Click here to stream or listen via iTunes

Arizona State Men's Basketball Preview vs. Utah

2012-02-09T11:44:24Z

Losing at Utah hurts. Coming in to that matchup the Sun Devils had the advantages despite losing Trent Lockett and Keala King. They have more proven players and took care of more of their business than the Utes, non-conference or conference-wise. Unfortunately, the Devils started out slow and never caught up, giving Utah its second win in the Pac 12. In this rematch, the venue will be the comfy confines of Wells Fargo Arena, and we hopefully might have Trent back as well. A quick summary of the Utes after the jump.

I've already made a preview about Utah earlier, so here's a short version:

Save for some stats, the Utes are horrible on both ends of the floor. They are a slow tempo team that takes a lot of 3s and don't turn the ball over. However, they don't make a lot of shots, nor do they get to the line and make freebies either. Defensively, the Utes are at the bottom of almost every statistical category. Opponents shoot well from the floor, get to the line often, don't turn the ball over... in short, they play well on that end of the floor.

There's not many new wrinkles the last time I wrote a preview. Jason Washburn is the double digit inside threat. Chris Hines and Cedric Martin are the perimeter shooters. Dijon Farr is the slasher and Kareem Storey is the freshman point guard who replaced the dismissed Josh Watkins. Storey is an OK distributor but struggles with turnovers (what freshman point guard doesn't?). that's the main unit, and players like Anthony Odunsi and Javon Dawson.

Just same observations from the loss at Utah and other stuff.

- Where did everyone go? Carrick Felix, Cain and Bachynski showed up that time, and everyone has just simply vanished. Even if Lockett is back, our margin of error is really small. Everybody has to chip in and play.

- We made Washburn, Storey, Hines and Martin look better than they really are. They shot 50% from the field; we can't expect to win if we're giving up shots like that.

- I've been watching some ASU game footage, and I think I found the source of our turnovers: Lazy, easy to pick off passes, and extra pressure from the opponent. Can we be a lot harder with their passes?

- Can we see Carrick Felix be a factor without having to stroke the 3?

- If Lockett does come back, what will he look like? On an extended note, is he going to be the PG again? If so, we'll shoot the ball a lot better but increase our TO numbers.

- Is Herb Sendek getting enough sleep?

We'll find out the answers once tip off begins. GOOOO Devils!

Poll

How confident are you about a win against Utah at home?

Report: Ron West Hired As ASU Co-Defensive Coordinator

2012-02-08T03:34:25Z

The final defensive coaching vacancy on Todd Graham's staff has seemingly been filled, as the Albuquerque Journal reports that New Mexico defensive coordinator Ron West has accepted an offer to become Arizona State's co-defensive coordinator. This will be West's second stint as a co-defensive coordinator under Graham.

West was only a Lobo for less than a month, having joined new coach Bob Davie's staff in late of January.

Prior to his fortnight in Albuquerque, West served for two seasons as the linebackers coach at Illinois. He helped turn around an average defense into one of the nation's top units this past year, as the Illini ranked 7th in total defense and 3rd against the pass. With ASU moving to a more aggressive and attacking defensive style, Sun Devil fans will be pleased to know that Illinois ranked No. 6 in the nation in sacks (3.15 per game) and 4th in tackles for loss (7.92 per game).

In 2009, West was Graham's co-defensive coordinator at Tulsa. Prior to that, he spent 10 years at his alma mater Clemson, where he played offensive line during the 1977 and 1978 seasons. Returning to Clemson, he was the offensive line coach from 1998 to 2002 before moving over to coach the linebackers for the final five seasons of his tenure.

He began his coaching career with stops at West Alabama, North Texas and Texas Tech as a position coach before becoming Louisiana-Lafayette's defensive coordinator for seven years. West then coached offensive lines at Baylor for four seasons and Tulane before his time at Clemson.

At ASU, he will serve as co-defensive coordinator alongside Paul Randolph.

West's hiring would have completed Graham's staff, but last week running backs coach Chris Thomsen left Tempe to take over the offensive line coaching duties at Texas Tech.

Follow me on Twitter @BDenny29 for the latest on ASU football