ASU Suspends Brooks for 3 Games; Burfict, Smith Taking Classes

The Arizona State University Sun Devils football team has suspended defensive end James Brooks for the first three games of the season due to a violation of team rules.

Brooks will continue to practice while suspended. The Sun Devils' first three games are against Idaho State (Sept. 5), Louisiana-Monroe (Sept. 19) and Georgia (Sept. 26). Brooks' first game back will be ASU's Pac-10 Conference opener at home against the Oregon State Beavers on Oct. 3.

Junior Dean DeLeone and sophomore Jamaar Jarrett will compete for Brooks' vacated position.

Brooks started 11 games last season for the Sun Devils. The 6-5 redshirt sophomore recorded 1 1/2 sacks and two pass breakups.

In Saturday's scrimmage the ASU defense looked dominant. The Sun Devils' offense gained one first down on the first six possessions of the scrimmage.

The ASU defense recorded three sacks. Teams scored 22 points per a game against the Sun Devil defense in 2008.

Burfict and Smith allowed to take classes:

Linebacker Vontaze Burfict and defensive end Greg Smith, both freshmen, have been waiting for clearance from the NCAA Eligibility Center. A verdict is not yet in, but the two have been allowed to begin classes. Burfict and Smith have been practicing with the team since Aug. 5.

If cleared, they will be allowed to play in the Sun Devils' season opener against Idaho State on Sept. 5.

Burfict was ESPNU's top-rated inside linebacker and 16th best prospect overall in the class of 2009. In two seasons as a defensive end at Citrus Hill High School in Perris, Calif., Smith accumulated 25 sacks. At 6-3, 240 pounds, Smith is known as an impact speed rusher.