LAS VEGAS — It isn't common for true freshmen to come in and establish themselves as leaders of a defense right from the start. But that has been case for the Arizona State Sun Devils defensive unit.
The Sun Devils (7-5) are in Las Vegas, preparing for Saturday's 1:30 p.m. showdown against No. 21 Fresno State (11-2) in the Las Vegas Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium.
ASU has had as many as six freshman on the field at the same time, the key players in that mix being linebackers Darien Butler and Merlin Robertson. Defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales acknowledges their contributions have been a pleasant surprise.