The Red Wolves are coming off a 6-6 2008 season. The started off strong in the season opener with a big win over Texas A&M in the home of the 12th man, which is not an easy place to win. However, ASU struggled on the road the rest of the season going 2-5. Arkansas State will be Iowa's fifth opponent of the year and final non-conference match up when they travel to Iowa City on October 3.
Offense: Key Returning Players
A big contributor to the Red Wolves' offense is RB Reggie Arnold. He has rushed for over 1000 yards in each of the 3 previous season and looks to become only the 8th running back in history to make it all 4 years. Another key starter is QB Corey Leonard. As a junior, Leonard passed for 2347 yards and rushed for another 516. He also really improved his decision making throwing for 16 touchdowns and only 8 interceptions. Compare that too the 24 touchdown and 23 interception in his freshman and sophomore years. ASU also returns its leading receiver, Brandon Thompkins who had 32 receptions for 511 yards in 2008.
Offense: Key Losses
The two key losses for the offense are TE David Johnson and OL Matt Mandich. Johnson had 5 touchdowns and 356 yard receiving last year. Mandich started all four years and was All-Sun Belt 1st team as a junior and senior. A total of 5 starters are not returning.
Defense: Key Returning Players
The Red Wolves held opponents to 23.8 points per game last year and have 8 starters returning. They were led defensively up front by DE Alex Carrington. Carrington led the Sun Belt conference with 19 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks. Also returning is CB M.D. Jennings who was second on the team in tackles with 67 and led the team with 3 interceptions.
Defense: Key Losses
Arkansas State losses its leading tackler LB Ben Owens who had 87 tackles in 2008. Also gone is DE Brian Flagg and CB Dominique Williams.
Here is the ASU section of the Sun Belt's spring prospectus.