It's no secret that coach Todd Graham has been hopped up on optimism lately, and Thursday's practice was no different.

"That was the best day we've had on offense and defense in all the time I've been here," Graham said. "Today was a great, great day."

While a few different things added to his excitement, nothing made him more eager than the addition of sophomore defensive back DeAndre Scott in the scout team backfield. This was the first time Scott ever took a snap at running back, and he received rave reviews.

"Oh my gosh," says Graham. "He found a home. He is just fearless running the football."

Herbstreit's Playoff Picks

In case you missed it earlier this morning, ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit picked Arizona State as one of his four College Football Playoff teams this season. As you can imagine, Graham was thrilled.

"Well, I've always been a fan of Herb's." Graham said. "And I'm an even bigger fan of him now. It tells you that people have respect for what you have done and where you're at."

For what it's worth, Herbstreit selected Florida State, Alabama, Michigan State, and UCLA to make last year's playoff.

Gump's Progress

After redshirting last season, running back/return specialist De'Chavon "Gump" Hayes has drawn a lot of attention in fall camp this year. Graham has been happy thus far with his progress in both facets of the game, but notes that some strides still have to be made.

"Overall, I've been very pleased," said Graham. "Obviously, him having a year to transition (from junior college) helped immensely. The biggest thing is just concentration and playing at a high level every day."

The focus issues seem to stem from ball security, both in terms of hanging onto the ball while on offense and catching it on kick and punt returns.

"We don't need distractions to the point where we drop the football," Graham says. "I told him any time he does not get his hand on the ball in returns, it is his own fault."

Notes