After graduating four offensive lineman and not returning any upperclassmen, there was some concern about that position around Tempe. But the Sun Devils are in much better shape than they could have anticipated,

Not only did Arizona State land two grad transfers, but word came down Tuesday that Cade Cote has been granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA.

Cote, a 6-foot-3, 290-pound product out of Williams Field High School, has had a number of injuries which resulted in him playing in just nine games in the previous five years. A school spokesman said the NCAA first ruled against ASU, but the school appealed and won.

Cote has been at ASU's spring practices but not been participating as he waited for word on his case. He will be back on the field when the Sun Devils return from spring break next week.

Cote was set to start at center last season but sustained a broken foot four days before the season opener against Kent State. That injury and the absence of senior Zach Robertson, who missed the entire season for personal reasons, resulted in a lot of shuffling up front.

Coach Herm Edwards and line coach Dave Christensen ended up going with two true freshmen there in LaDarius Henderson and Dohnovan West. While the two performed admirably, there were some growing pains.

Cote did return late in the season but by then the Sun Devils had settled on a lineup and preferred to go with the younger players moving forward. He played in three games in a backup role.

True freshman Ben Scott has seen a lot of playing time with the first unit through the first seven spring practices.

Cote should contend for the starting spot at center or at worst would provide much-needed depth. He could give ASU three seniors starters, the others being Kellen Diesch and Henry Hattis, graduate transfers from Texas A&M and Stanford respectively.

Reach the reporter at Michelle.Gardner@Gannett.com or 602 444-4783. Follow her on Twitter @MGardnerSports.

Subscribe to azcentral.com today.