How Arizona State football could shape up in 2015

Although Arizona State fell short of its goals this season, the Sun Devils should be in position to pursue them again next season. The Sun Devils return 16 combined starters on offense and defense, enough to challenge in the Pac-12 South.

A position-by-position look (players' class standing listed for next season):

Quarterback: How many times does a program lose a three-year starter and possibly upgrade the next season? It's too soon to know if that will be the case, but senior-to-be Mike Bercovici is hardly your typical back-up. In three starts last season, he beat two ranked teams. His next task will be playing well — and taking care of the ball — over an entire season. This is his team, which gives redshirt freshman Manny Wilkins and incoming freshmen Brady White (a four-star high school prospect) and Chandler High's Bryce Perkins time to learn.

Running back: D.J. Foster's move to receiver gives sophomore Demario Richard a chance to blossom as ASU's lead back. Richard has an edge to him that suits his hard-nosed running style. Sophomore Kalen Ballage and junior De'Chavon Hayes give offensive coordinator Mike Norvell multiple options. During bowl practices, ASU used the speedy Hayes, a junior-college transfer who red-shirted last season, both in the backfield and at receiver, similar to how the Sun Devils have used Foster.

Receivers: ASU loses All-Pac-12 selection Jaelen Strong, a play-maker who cannot be replaced. Sophomore Ellis Jefferson should get first crack at Strong's position. He's sure-handed and sturdy, but lacks Strong's big-play ability. Coaches think Cameron Smith has all-conference potential, but the junior needs to take a significant step to reach it. Foster has played in the slot the past two seasons, but his move here is expected to be permanent. Senior Gary Chambers and junior Frederick Gammage are experienced, and Eric Lauderdale, a former junior-college standout, might be in better position to contribute after red-shirting last season. At tight end/H-back, ASU needs someone to emerge to help junior Kody Kohl.

Offensive line: This is a question mark. The Sun Devils, who often struggled in short-yardage situations, lost both tackles in Jamil Douglas (an All-Pac-12 choice) and Tyler Sulka (a two-year starter). Junior center Nick Kelly, senior right guard Vi Teofilo and senior left guard Christian Westerman all return. Juniors Evan Goodman and Stephon McCray appear to be next in line, but there could be some juggling here. Redshirt freshman guard Sam Jones showed promise during bowl practices, and ASU also has four linemen committed to its 2015 class.

Defensive line: This wasn't a strength last season, but ASU might not be in as bad of shape as people think — as long as its young talent develops. The Sun Devils lose defensive end and top pass rusher Marcus Hardison, and at this point, fans probably shouldn't count on senior Jaxon Hood, who left the Sun Devils twice last season to deal with personal issues. ASU has experience inside (junior Viliami Latu) and outside (senior Demetrius Cherry), but its youth is what provides promise. Defensive tackles Tashon Smallwood and Emanuel Dayries played last season as true freshmen. Coaches also are excited about red-shirt freshmen Renell Wren and Connor Humphreys. Finding a Devil-backer is key. Keep an eye on redshirt freshman Ismael Murphy-Richardson, who had great bowl practices at the hybrid position.

Linebackers: ASU should be better here. Everyone returns, including strong-side backer Salamo Fiso, approaching his third year of starting. Junior spur linebacker Viliami "Laiu" Moeakiola was the defense's most valuable player last season when he was healthy, and physical senior Antonio Longino gained valuable experience on the weak side. Junior-college transfer Davon Durant — a five-star recruit according to some scouting services — already has signed and will join the Sun Devils for spring practice. A key: Developing depth at spur. This was a problem last season when Moeakiola got hurt. At various times, D.J. Calhoun, Christian Sam and Marcus Ball all got chances, but the drop-off from Moeakiola was steep. In the future, red-shirt freshman Jalen Harvey, signed as a receiver out of high school, could be an option.

Defensive backs: ASU loses leading tackler Damarious Randall at free safety, but overall, it's in decent shape. In his first season of starting, senior Jordan Simone was one of last season's top surprises. Coach Todd Graham considers him an All-Pac-12 talent. Sophomore James Johnson is confident and capable and could replace Randall. Speedy sophomore Chad Adams earned Graham's praise as a true freshman and redshirt freshman Dasmond Tautalatasi had strong bowl practices. Ball also could factor in if ASU moves him back to safety. Both starters at corner — seniors Lloyd Carrington and Kweishi Brown — return, as does sophomore nickel back Armand Perry.

Contact Doug Haller at doug.haller@arizonarepublic.com or at 602-444-4949. Follow him at Twitter.com/DougHaller.