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Will Sutton was named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2012. Now he has to decide whether to stay at ASU or forego his senior season and enter the NFL Draft. (File Photo)
ASU's junior defensive tackle Will Sutton had an All-American season to remember in 2012.

The Pac-12's Defense Player of the Year led the conference with 20 tackles for loss, ranked third with 10.5 sacks and led the Sun Devils to the top of the Pac-12 in pass defense and pass efficiency defense.

With a year of eligibility still remaining, a return to Tempe could be very beneficial for both the reigning Morris Trophy recipient (given to the conference's top lineman) and ASU in 2013. However after a stellar junior campaign, the lure of the NFL is certainly pulling at Sutton, meaning the Sun Devils' game against Navy in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl on December 29 could very likely be his last in maroon and gold.

"I don't know yet," Sutton told Arizona Sports 620's Doug and Wolf Friday on his upcoming decision. "I've got until the 15th of January, so we will know before then."

While Sutton won't commit one way or the other at this point in terms of coming back to ASU or entering the draft, the highly-touted defensive lineman said he would certainly go through the process of contacting the league's advisory committee to gage what his pro prospects are.

In addition to the committee's advice, Sutton said he's also listening to others in his close-knit circle.

"It's a lot," said Sutton on the number of people he's listening to about his future. "Probably about 10 people."

While ESPN analyst Mel Kiper is not a member of Sutton's circle of trust, based on his evaluation, the junior has an easy decision to make: stay in school.

listen Listen: Will Sutton - ASU All-American DT
Sun Devil All-American Will Sutton talked about the Sun Devils preparing for Navy in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl and also spoke about the possibility of leaving early for the NFL Draft.

Sutton did not make Kiper's 2013 NFL Draft Big Board and was only ranked as the No. 4 defensive tackle among juniors.

History is on Sutton's side, however. Five of the last seven ASU players to be taken in the first round have come on the defensive side of the football.

4 Comments   |   Join the conversation »
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  • Abuse
    DevilsBeatScats wrote...
    This is one Devil kat I would like....
    to see stay. GO DEVILS, WHOEVA PLAY DA SCATS & SEC!
  • Abuse
    SurpriseMe wrote...
    must stay
    please stay. ASU needs you to stay the fans need you. In fact i bet it would help recruiting if Sutton stays. it shows commitment to ASU Football and building a legacy
  • Abuse
    tutimes wrote...
    If Will Sutton stays...
    ASU will have the best defense in the Pac 12 by far, and will have a serious chance to come out of the South to compete for the Rose Bowl. One more year of experience will also help his draft stock.
  • Abuse
    CroDawg wrote...
    It would be great if he stayed
    but I will respect and support whatever decision made. He's a great player and I hope he will be a first round draft pick in the 2014 draft.
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