DL depth pays early dividends for ASU

JONESBORO -- Nobody had to say the quiet part out loud last week when Kivon Bennett was listed as a defensive end on Arkansas State's initial depth chart.

Coach Butch Jones mentioned the need for more guys playing "winning football," but the message the Red Wolves sent was evident: ASU is still figuring things out on its defensive line.

"The formula for winning never changes -- it starts up front," Jones said. "You can never have enough competitive depth and you have to be able to rotate fresh and able bodies in there. And no matter who's in there, the play can never drop off."

Rotation was arguably the most critical issue last season. Bennett and Joe Ozougwu played more than 90% of ASU's…