ASU's Chambers holds off competition at receiver

Gary Chambers' next catch for Arizona State will be his first.

That's not the resume a wide receiver wants going into his fourth season, including a redshirt year at the front end. Yet Chambers, in the view of offensive coordinator Mike Norvell, now is prepared "to help this football team win games."

Chambers is holding off his competition and listed as a first-team slot receiver going into Thursday's season opener against visiting Weber State. He believes his time has arrived and isn't outwardly frustrated about the extended wait.

"As long as it was going to take is as long as it was going to take," Chambers said somewhat philosophically. "I feel a lot more confident in the offense, and all my teammates are confident in me. Me not having a catch isn't the main focus. It's more us winning as a team."

It's easy to cheer for a guy with Chambers' attitude. He is one of only six players remaining from previous coach Dennis Erickson's final recruiting class (2011), staying home after a solid enough career at Glendale Ironwood High School.

"Some guys come in and can do it from Day 1 in the program," Norvell said. "Some guys have to go through the process to grow. We've been honest with Gary on what we need to see improve. He hasn't complained about it. He just went to work and got it done.

"There's too many kids today that don't have that approach. That's what makes you so proud as a coach for somebody (like Chambers) who doesn't get caught up feeling sorry for themselves or, 'Woe is me.'

Chambers said being negative "wouldn't help my situation. Anything I can do to help is great. If my teammates see me up and having a good attitude, it will help everyone get their energy up and we can all play at a high level."

At 209 pounds, the 6-foot-3 Chambers is stronger than in the past, helping with his route running and blocking. He's more consistent holding onto passes, playing faster and "not making mistakes," he said. "It happens here or there, nobody's perfect. I've been able to know what I have to do then go out and execute."

Split end Jaelen Strong, with 75 catches for 1,122 yards last season, is the target that defenses will try to take away or limit. The burden is on Chambers, flanker Cameron Smith and tailbacks D.J. Foster and Demario Richard to provide a receiving counter balance to Strong.

"There will definitely be opportunities for all of us," Chambers said. "I'm confident Jaelen is going to make plays on his side of the field and all the rest of us are going to be able to make plays when we're called on."

Ellis Jefferson, currently playing behind Strong, and junior-college transfer Eric Lauderdale, listed behind Smith and Ronald Lewis at flanker, are other receivers hoping to break through this season. Fred Gammage is the backup to Chambers. Tight end De'Marieya Nelson, who also will play on defense, is another receiving option.

Other than Strong, not including running backs, the most productive returning receiver is Smith, who had eight catches as a freshman. Senior quarterback Taylor Kelly is willing and able to spread the wealth around if his targets prove worthy.

"The ball is going to go where the defense allows," Norvell said. "Everybody is going to get their opportunities. It's what you do with those opportunities when they come your way."

Note

ASU and St. Mary's Food Bank is asking all fans attending Thursday's game with Weber State to please bring three canned food items. St. Mary's volunteers will be stationed on the north and south sides of the stadium.

Up next: ASU vs. Weber State

When: Thursday at 7:40 p.m.

Where: Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe.

TV: Pac-12 Network.

Radio: 92.3 FM KTAR.