Todd Graham pushed nearly all the right buttons in 2014, but there's always room for improvement. Here's an evaluation of a particular need for improvement for ASU in 2015.

Position to improve: defensive line.

Why it was a problem: Replacing Will Sutton was arguably the single most difficult spot to fill in the conference this year and without him the defensive line experienced its share of growing pains. Outside of defensive end Marcus Hardison, who finished with 10 sacks and was named honorable mention All-Pac-12, ASU didn’t get the type of pass rush it would have hoped for. Graham will always rely on blitzing -- ASU blitzed more than anyone in the country this year -- but perhaps he wouldn’t have to rely on it as much if the defensive line applied more pressure. ASU appeared to have addressed the position group last signing day, but highly-regarded junior college teammates defensive end Darrius Caldwell and defensive tackle Dalvon Stuckey both failed to qualify academically.

How it can be fixed: Hardison was the lone defensive lineman on the depth chart to exhaust his eligibility this year and losing him will be a blow. The counter to that would be there's more experience coming back and the team will rely on natural development for improvement. Other than that, the only foreseeable differences would be to add another player or two through recruiting or schematic.

Early 2015 outlook: Defensive tackle Jaxson Hood will be back for his fourth year as a starter, while Tashon Smallwood and Demetrius Cherry both figure to make more of an impact after seeing significant time this season. Neither defensive lineman currently committed for this year’s class -- Jalen Bates and George Lea -- figure to provide an immediate impact, but could challenge for time on a unit light on proven commodities.