What has impressed Arizona State defensive line coach Robert Rodriguez most about sophomore Michael Matus isn't the work he has done on the football field, it's the focus he also has away from it.
Matus, a 6-foot-2, 253-pounds from Katy, Texas, played little last year but has worked his way into the Sun Devils starting lineup at defensive end. It was a surprise with junior linebacker-turned-defensive end Tyler Johnson the one most had pegged for that starting spot.
Rodriguez, who came to ASU after coaching the same position for the Minnesota Vikings, is a stickler for detail, and he isn't always the easiest coach to impress.