ARIZONA STATE FOOTBALL

ASU coach Todd Graham expects Taylor Kelly back against Washington

Oct 20, 2014, 11:13 PM | Updated: 11:14 pm

Arizona State’s football team has been without its starting quarterback, Taylor Kelly, for three games because of a foot injury.

But according to head coach Todd Graham, the Sun Devils won’t have to wait much longer for Kelly’s return.

Graham said Monday he expects Kelly to start against Washington Saturday.

“I look for him to be able to hopefully progress and this’ll be the week that he’ll be back,” Graham said.

Mike Bercovici has filled in for Kelly, tossing 10 touchdown passes with just two interceptions at a 62 percent clip. The Sun Devils have gone 2-1 with Bercovici starting.

“We’ve got confidence in both those guys, and whatever we’ve got to do to win, that’s what we’re going to do,” Graham said.

Graham said Kelly went through practice and pregame warmups last week, but they agreed he wasn’t ready to play.

“I just watched him in pregame and I just didn’t think he was ready to play, and he didn’t either. He was very honest about that. He wanted to play, but he knew he wasn’t 100 percent and we don’t want to put him in jeopardy.”

Graham isn’t worried about Kelly’s mentality after being away for three games. He said his only concern was making sure he got his timing and rhythm back.

He praised Kelly’s attitude, calling him “the most selfless player that I’ve ever been around.”

“He’s a winner. If I was doing anything, I would hire him. Matter of fact, I encourage him every day, when he’s done playing football, I would love to try to get him to coach, because I’d hire him in a heartbeat.”

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Arizona State Football

Nebraska QB Jeff Sims...

Arizona Sports

Former Nebraska QB Jeff Sims announces commitment to join Arizona State

Former Georgia Tech and Nebraska quarterback Jeff Sims announced his commitment with the Arizona State Sun Devils.

1 day ago

Kenny Dillingham...

Arizona Sports

Arizona State football lands former Colorado and Houston RB Alton McCaskill

Former Colorado and Houston running back Alton McCaskill committed to the Arizona State Sun Devils, reports ESPN's Pete Thamel.

3 days ago

The NCAA logo is seen on the game ball during the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tourname...

Associated Press

Paying college athletes appears closer than ever: How could it work, what stands in way?

A settlement being discussed in an antitrust lawsuit could cost billions and pave the way for a compensation model for college athletes.

6 days ago

Mug shot of former Arizona State pass rusher and seven-time NFL Pro Bowler Terrell Suggs....

Arizona Sports

Former Arizona State star Terrell Suggs to stand trial on intimidation, disorderly conduct charges

Former Arizona State star Terrell Suggs was indicted by a grand jury on two charges and will face a trial on Sept. 19.

6 days ago

Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl logo...

Arizona Sports

Snoop Dogg’s ‘Gin & Juice’ brand takes over sponsorship of Arizona Bowl

The Arizona Bowl was searching for a sponsor replacement. It's the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl presented by Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop.

6 days ago

Quarterback Jaden Rashada #5 of the Arizona State Sun Devils during the NCAAF game at Mountain Amer...

Damon Allred

Where do incoming, outgoing ASU, Arizona football transfers rank?

The transfer portal has never been more active, so where does ESPN rank past and future ASU and Arizona players?

7 days ago

ASU coach Todd Graham expects Taylor Kelly back against Washington