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ASU head coach Herm Edwards eyeing return to football in July

Over the past two months, the Sun Devils have missed about 50 workout opportunities, so coaches will need to find ways to prepare players faster.

TEMPE, Ariz. — Whether it’s passing around Oreo cookies to his daughters instead of bread for communion in his living room, wearing a mask out in public or hopping on Zoom calls with recruits, ASU head coach Herm Edwards is making adjustments in his work and personal life.

Edwards still shows up to his office every day and stays in touch not only with his own staff and players, but Pac-12 coaches, who are hoping to have their teams back together this summer.

“At one point it was maybe in June, but I think as we talked with the head coaches last week on the Pac-12 call, I think it’s maybe more realistic maybe July,” said Edwards. I think the conversation was real simple, it was more the fact that player safety is critical.”

Over the past two months, the Sun Devils have missed about 50 workout opportunities, so coaches will be tasked with figuring out how to make sure their players are able to make that up along with playing a season. 

Edwards believes players and coaches should all be tested for COVID-19 in order to safely return to football. 

“It’s very, very important that we protect each other. When you have that many people that have been all over, these guys are spread out all over the place, you don’t know. The games will go on whenever they go on, but to put people’s lives in harm's way is not good. We have to make sure we don’t do that.”

Edwards’ thoughts on the potential for playing games in empty stadiums, a popular topic in the sports world right now, also comes down to safety.

“I kind of wrestle with it. If fans aren’t allowed to come in, well then why are the players playing? We play a sport that’s not social distancing, last time I checked.”

Although he’s optimistic on a return, Edwards says the thought of potentially not having a college football season is in the back of his mind. But just like in football, he’s going to stick to the game plan. The game plan set by medical professionals. 

“You can’t vary from that, and if we do that we’ll find our way out of this.”

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