Former tailback Davaren Hightower felt something resembling relief when Arizona State's coaching staff moved him to safety in the offseason.

Why? He didn't have to line up across from defensive end Terrell Suggs anymore.

"He's a fool," Hightower said with complete respect. "He gets that look in his eyes. He's out there talking non-stop. He's energetic and brings you up with him.

"But I wouldn't want to go against him."

The adrenaline of the 6-4, 235-pound sophomore reaches record levels when he steps onto the football field. It's the reason he was named the Pac-10's Freshman of the Year.

After becoming the first ASU true freshman in at least 18 years to start the season opener, Suggs recorded a team-high 10 sacks, had a 48-yard interception return for a touchdown and a fumble recovery for a touchdown.

Other than that ...

"He was a big-play guy this spring," said defensive coordinator Brent Guy said. "He's a very exciting player because of the big plays he can make."

Suggs, who was still 17 when he took his first snaps for ASU, found his youth to be a mixed blessing. It helped, at times, because he seemed oblivious to the fact that he was supposed to be intimidated.

Sometimes, the big plays even surprise Suggs.

In the fourth quarter against California last season, he stripped Ryan Stanger of the ball at the ASU 1-yard line and Sun Devils cornerback Nijrell Eason recovered. Suggs had no idea what happened.

"I was sure they scored a touchdown," Suggs said. "I was walking around so mad. Then I heard 'fumble.' I couldn't believe it."

It was a momentum-killing play, like many of Suggs' plays are.

He'll only get more dominating, according to his former coach.

"He's a great talent, a great spirit," said Bruce Snyder, the man Dirk Koetter replaced. "I'll bet he's just played his worst college year."

And that's bad news for ASU's opponents.

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