JONESBORO -- A big question mark for Arkansas State University heading into fall camp was the offensive line play. It's a unit that has experienced a lot of overhaul since last season.
Based on Monday's depth chart, from left to right, sophomore Jarrett Horst, redshirt sophomore Andre Harris Jr., redshirt junior Jacob Still, junior Ivory Scott and sophomore Ernesto Ramirez are expected to start.
Still started all 13 games last season, and Harris started 11 of the 13. Junior-college transfers Horst, Scott and Ramirez are all new faces.
Horst, 6-6, 305 pounds, transferred from Ellsworth Community College (Iowa); Scott, 6-4, 315, transferred from Pearl River Community College (Mississippi); and Ramirez, 6-3, 295, transferred from Cerritos College (California).
Offensive coordinator Keith Heckendorf said Monday he's been particularly impressed by Horst, who began fall camp No. 3 on the depth chart and has since solidified the starting job. He has big shoes to fill after Lanard Bonner, a 2018 first-team All-Sun Belt pick, departed.
"We knew the talent [Horst] had, but we said you got to earn it," Heckendorf said. "It didn't take him long to move up. Just the work ethic, what he brings in terms of the length and the athleticism to that position, has been a need. He's addressed that. Our team has embraced him.
"Proud of really that whole group up front. They have really made a commitment to what we've asked them to do. They have lost a lot of weight across the board, they've gotten in better shape, they're a lot more athletic, and they're playing physical right now."
Backup QB race
Behind redshirt junior starter Logan Bonner, there's been a tight competition for the backup quarterback role during fall camp.
Redshirt senior Carson Coats, a Jonesboro High School graduate, and redshirt freshman Layne Hatcher, a Pulaski Academy graduate and Alabama transfer, have split the second-team reps. True freshman Coltin Clack, a Texarkana native, also has been in the mix.
On ASU's first official depth chart, there was an "OR" listed between Coats and Hatcher in the backup spot, indicating the job competition remains close.
"They've both done a really nice job. To be honest with you, I got confidence in either Carson Coats going in the game or Layne Hatcher going in the game," Heckendorf said. "We've been splitting the [second-team] reps, trying to get them guys as many looks as we can. I think we're gonna need both of them at some point in this season."
Heckendorf said if the situation presented itself in a game today, Coats would be called upon before Hatcher.
At the tight end position, sophomore Reed Tyler -- who started five games in 2018 -- is listed as the Red Wolves' starter. Tyler has taken the bulk of the first-team reps throughout fall camp, so it comes as no real surprise.
But Tyler wasn't the tight end on the roster who garnered preseason accolades. That was redshirt junior Javonis Isaac, who started seven games last year and was a preseason first-team All-Sun Belt selection. Isaac is now listed as a backup with redshirt freshman TW Ayers.
Full RB room
Sophomore Marcel Murray, who was ASU's leading rusher last year, is clearly the team's No. 1 running back. But figuring out his backup was another concern for Heckendorf in camp. Not anymore.
"Coming out of camp, I feel like that may be one of our deeper positions on offense," Heckendorf said.
Behind Murray, the Red Wolves will rely on junior Ryan Graham, a transfer from Sierra College (California).
"He's a versatile player. He does a lot of things coming out of the backfield," Heckendorf said. "He just makes plays, and that's been great to see."
Behind Graham are redshirt junior DJ Chatman and true freshman Isaiah Azubuike.
"Obviously, Marcel is still our guy, and he'll be our workhorse," Heckendorf said, "but we've got some people in there that can give him a blow and feel really good about it."
Injury update
ASU interim head coach David Duggan said he's hopeful junior linebacker Tajhea Chambers (neck) will play in Saturday night's season opener against SMU. Chambers is expected to start practicing again this week and is still day-to-day. Senior wide receiver Dahu Green (knee) is also day-to-day.
Sports on 08/27/2019