Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1477106
27 NWA COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 8.28.2022 That heaps even more responsibility onto Blackman's plate. "He has great confidence," Jones said of Blackman in early August. He's a CEO quarterback. … He owns the organization, he owns the offense. He's holding other individuals accountable, but he's starting with, first and foremost, himself." That alone should raise the floor for Blackman, who is entering his sixth college season. The Red Wolves restocked their offensive arsenal with running back Brian Snead, who began his career at Ohio State, and 5-5 wide receiver Champ Flemings via Oregon State. They also added Ole Miss transfer Jordan Rhodes, a 6-6, 340-pound road grader who could help steady an offensive line that graded 126th among 130 teams in run-blocking per Pro Football Focus. Although ASU will be part of a more competitive Sun Belt in 2022, the Red Wolves avoid most of the league's heavy hitters, playing likely their two toughest conference games — Louisiana-Lafayette and Troy — at home. Where does that leave ASU? Well, Jones hasn't leaned on the three words — "work in progress" — that became synonymous with his news conferences last fall. But how much progress? It's up to the Red Wolves, especially Blackman, to answer that question. "He has all the physical and mental gifts and tools that he needs to be the type of player that I believe he can be," Flemings said. "I want to do as much as I can this year to help James reach his ultimate goal." 2022 SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT TIME Sept. 3 ...................... vs. Grambling State ....................... 6 p.m Sept. 10 ......................... at Ohio State ......................... 11 a.m. Sept. 17 .......................... at Memphis ........................... 6 p.m. Sept. 24 ....................... at Old Dominion .......................... TBA* Oct. 1 ....................... vs. Louisiana-Monroe ................... 6 p.m.* Oct. 8 ........................ vs. James Madison ..................... 6 p.m.* Oct. 15 ........................ at Southern Miss ......................... TBA* Oct. 22 ..................... at Lousiana-Lafayette ...................... TBA* Oct. 29 ....................... vs. South Alabama ..................... 6 p.m.* Nov. 12 ....................... vs. Massachusetts ..........................TBA Nov. 19 ..........................at Texas State ........................... TBA* Nov. 26 ..............................vs. Troy ............................... TBA* * Sun Belt Conference game Butch Jones | Arkansas State head coach File Photo