ASU running back competition for starting job going 'down to the wire'

You'll never convince the players of this, but perhaps it doesn't matter this season which of three candidates for Arizona State running back starts or gets the most carries.

Since two are true freshmen and the other a junior college transfer, all could be around in 2021, when ASU expects to be back playing a full season, and beyond given the extra year of eligibility offered to players this fall because of the coronavirus pandemic.

"It's like a bonus year for them to prove themselves," ASU running backs coach Shawn Aguano said. "It gives them a chance to get better in the Pac-12 and mature a little bit slower."

That's true for not only DeaMonte Trayanum and Daniyel Ngata, in their first year…