Bear Down Wildcats

1. Will Solomon take a step forward? The good news for the Wildcats -- great news, really -- is that Rich Rodriguez, with rising sophomore Anu Solomon, will have a returning starter at QB for the first time in Tucson. He and QB coach/co-offensive coordinator Rod Smith have produced such impressive results with Matt Scott, B.J. Denker and Solomon in one year, you have to expect that a second season of seasoning and refinement in the system will yield a significant amount of improvement behind center. That's the suspicion, but now Solomon needs to make it happen. Solomon started the 2014 season impressively and peaked at midseason, but he faded late in the year, particularly against Oregon and in the Fiesta Bowl against Boise State. That suggests defensive coordinators figured out what made him uncomfortable and exploited it. Moreover, as a laid back sort, he's going to need to take more of a vocal leadership role. It's one thing eclipsing expectations of what a redshirt freshman starter can do. It's another to advance to an all-conference sort of player.

2. Who will fill three big O-line holes? The Wildcats must replace four-year starting offensive tackles Mickey Baucus and Fabbians Ebbele as well as their best lineman in 2014, second-team All-Pac-12 center Steven Gurrola. Senior Carter Wood, a former walk-on who started the Fiesta Bowl for the suspended Gurrola and is best known for throwing up on the ball against Oregon, will get first crack at center. California transfer Freddie Tagaloa is an option at tackle, and at 6-foot-8 and 330 pounds with starting Pac-12 experience, he looks the part. T.D. Gross and Lath Fresh were the backup tackles last year. With three experienced returning guards in Cayman Bundage, Lene Maiava and Jacob Alsadek there also are some options for shuffling.

3. Who lines up with Scooby? Though the linebacking corps surrounding all-everything defender Scooby Wright returns intact, the defense must replace both starting defensive ends -- unless the NCAA grants Reggie Gilbert an extra year due to medical hardship -- and three of five starters in the secondary. The secondary has some promising youngsters returning, such as corner Cam Denson, and the apparent move of junior to be DaVonte’ Neal to corner is intriguing. JC transfers are likely to help, most notably the touted Anthony Fotu on the D-line and safety Paul Magloire. Arizona has played decent to good defense with less than A-list talent under Rodriguez. The question is can it continue to advance after suffering some personnel losses.

Merkin wrote: Solomon started the 2014 season impressively and peaked at midseason, but he faded late in the year,

Does ESPN not know

ANGCatFan wrote:ESPN with their spring questions on Arizona

1. Will Solomon take a step forward? The good news for the Wildcats -- great news, really -- is that Rich Rodriguez, with rising sophomore Anu Solomon, will have a returning starter at QB for the first time in Tucson. He and QB coach/co-offensive coordinator Rod Smith have produced such impressive results with Matt Scott, B.J. Denker and Solomon in one year, you have to expect that a second season of seasoning and refinement in the system will yield a significant amount of improvement behind center. That's the suspicion, but now Solomon needs to make it happen. Solomon started the 2014 season impressively and peaked at midseason, but he faded late in the year, particularly against Oregon and in the Fiesta Bowl against Boise State. That suggests defensive coordinators figured out what made him uncomfortable and exploited it. Moreover, as a laid back sort, he's going to need to take more of a vocal leadership role. It's one thing eclipsing expectations of what a redshirt freshman starter can do. It's another to advance to an all-conference sort of player.

2. Who will fill three big O-line holes? The Wildcats must replace four-year starting offensive tackles Mickey Baucus and Fabbians Ebbele as well as their best lineman in 2014, second-team All-Pac-12 center Steven Gurrola. Senior Carter Wood, a former walk-on who started the Fiesta Bowl for the suspended Gurrola and is best known for throwing up on the ball against Oregon, will get first crack at center. California transfer Freddie Tagaloa is an option at tackle, and at 6-foot-8 and 330 pounds with starting Pac-12 experience, he looks the part. T.D. Gross and Lath Fresh were the backup tackles last year. With three experienced returning guards in Cayman Bundage, Lene Maiava and Jacob Alsadek there also are some options for shuffling.

3. Who lines up with Scooby? Though the linebacking corps surrounding all-everything defender Scooby Wright returns intact, the defense must replace both starting defensive ends -- unless the NCAA grants Reggie Gilbert an extra year due to medical hardship -- and three of five starters in the secondary. The secondary has some promising youngsters returning, such as corner Cam Denson, and the apparent move of junior to be DaVonte’ Neal to corner is intriguing. JC transfers are likely to help, most notably the touted Anthony Fotu on the D-line and safety Paul Magloire. Arizona has played decent to good defense with less than A-list talent under Rodriguez. The question is can it continue to advance after suffering some personnel losses.

My Questions:

How big a step forward in play and leadership will Anu take?
I think he'll make a jump forward. If everything we've heard about Dawkins is true than he'll have some competition. He's healthy and those last two games left a sour taste in his mouth.

Who will fill in the holes in the defensive backfield?
Cam and McCall at Corner
Will Parks at Bandit and Paul Magilore at Spur
FS is Jamar Allah (depends on how good Cruikshank is could see it going either way.

Who will be the back-up running backs and will their be a big drop off?
This is a tough one.. We all know WIlson will get his, but behind him is interesting. Can Zach Green finally make an impact. Can Jared Baker be the guy to give Wilson a breather?
Who will be in the D-line rotation?
Fotu, Sani, Gilbert
2nd: Griffin, Zellers, Allen

Is this the year we see an actual big tight end/H-back who gets the ball?
I don't know if he will get the ball on carries, but I can see an H-Back for blocking and going out on routes. ( I think Darrel Cloy was recruited for that originally)

Merkin wrote: Solomon started the 2014 season impressively and peaked at midseason, but he faded late in the year,

Does ESPN not know that Solomon had some ankle injury issues to deal with? Dude with a boot for cripes sake off the field.

Harvey Specter wrote:

Merkin wrote: Solomon started the 2014 season impressively and peaked at midseason, but he faded late in the year,

Does ESPN not know that Solomon had some ankle injury issues to deal with? Dude with a boot for cripes sake off the field.

Fair point, but I actually thought the best part of Anu's game during the injury was still his running - which is counter-intuitive. His vision of the field when running is terrific, and he is an exceptionally productive rusher for a guy who is not very fast.

He obviously is tough and can play through pain which is a huge plus, but his passing and decision making with throws are big question marks in my mind.

Sharif Williams - The nose guard is listed at 6-2, 313. That's a body type the Wildcats haven't had under Rodriguez. Williams grayshirted last year after suffering a serious leg injury during his senior year of high school. He'll be full go for the spring and will be a very interesting player to track.

• We'll ask tomorrow, but it appears defensive end Reggie Gilbert will practice with the team in the spring. That was the strong thought going into the offseason. Gilbert was listed on the roster as a senior last season, but pursued a medical redshirt for his freshman season after the 2014 season. The Wildcats have still not officially heard, but it's believed he will eventually be granted another year of eligibility. Gilbert is listed as a redshirt senior on the roster and has switched numbers from 84 to 8. Gilbert is a three-year starter and had 49 tackles and 5 1/2 tackles-for-loss last season. He's a favorite of defensive line coach Bill Kirelawich.

• Linebacker DeAndre' Miller will likely be given a redshirt season for 2014. He played in three games before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. Miller will pursue a medical redshirt for 2014. It's likely to be granted. Miller had eight tackles in his three games and was getting consistent playing time at outside linebacker. He'll be a factor in summer training camp. He's listed as a redshirt sophomore on the roster.

• Trevor Wood, who was moved to defense during his freshman season, is listed as a tight end on the updated roster. Look for the Scottsdale Chaparral High School product to start the spring on offense. With Morin, Cloy and Josh Kern combining with Wood, it wouldn't be a shock to see the Wildcats experiment with some new looks this spring.

azcat49 wrote:We have been hearing for years about the use of a TE. Would love to see Woods catch about 50 balls as they run the trap where he leads on the end but often times just runs a flat route and Anu can run it or pop it to him. It is indefensible

Here are five players with a chance to be in the spotlight this spring:

DaVonte’ Neal

Position: Cornerback

In 2014: He played wide receiver and had 27 catches for 214 yards and two touchdowns.

He also led the Wildcats with 12 punt returns.

Why he’s important: The former Gatorade Arizona High School Player of the Year, Neal has speed and talent that has interested every coach he’s had. He began his career at Notre Dame before transferring to Arizona.

He figured to be a big-time talent at slot receiver for the Wildcats, but that never materialized. Then on signing day, Rodriguez announced Neal had requested a move to cornerback. Rodriguez approved the move, especially with the Wildcats shallow at that position.

Neal will be given a real chance to earn playing time at corner. The UA would like to get his speed on the field in some way.

The big number: 12: The number of pass breakups Neal had as a senior cornerback at Scottsdale Chaparral High School in 2011.

Nate Phillips

Position: Wide receiver

In 2014: He had 25 catches for 272 yards in nine games before suffering a season-ending injury at Washington State.

Why he’s important: It wasn’t that long ago when Phillips was the UA’s most reliable and consistent receiver. He had a stellar season as a true freshman with 51 catches for 696 yards and seven touchdowns, including a breakout performance in the AdvoCare V100 Bowl. Phillips took more of a back seat last year before he got hurt. Neal and Samajie Grant often started in the slot, with Phillips coming in as a reserve. With Neal going to defense, look for Phillips to regain that starting spot. He was starting to get healthy at the end of the season, and should be good to go for the spring.

The big number: 193: The number of yards Phillips had in the AdvoCare V100 Bowl, the most ever by a UA freshman.

Jordan Poland

Position: Offensive tackle

In 2014: He redshirted.

Why he’s important: The Wildcats lost both their starting tackles and have two spots to fill on the line. Poland should get a chance to fill one of those tackle positions. Like potential left tackle Freddie Tagaloa, Poland is large — 6 feet, 7 inches, 343 pounds — but also athletic. A high school basketball player, Poland also offers athleticism. The lineman got into better shape throughout his redshirt season, and will be a player the coaches watch closely. Mickey Baucus and Fabbians Ebbele both took over as redshirt freshmen, as did current right guard Jacob Alsadek. This could be that time for Poland.

The big number: 141: Poland’s ranking in Rivals.com’s top 300 for the class of 2014.

Freddie Tagaloa

Position: Offensive tackle

In 2014: He sat out after transferring from Cal.

Why he’s important: Tagaloa seems like the most realistic replacement for Baucus at left tackle. Listed at 6-8 and 316 pounds, Tagaloa brings similar size to the position and is known for having quick, athletic feet. This will be his second spring with the Wildcats, but the first where he’s in the mix for playing time.

If he ends up being the guy, the Wildcats will be able to replace the reliable Baucus with another experienced player with high upside. The coaches have been intrigued by Tagaloa since he arrived on campus from Cal and also see him as a leader.

The big number: 23: The number of games Tagaloa played at Cal. He was named a team captain before his sophomore season. The lineman transferred after the 2013 season — Sonny Dykes’ first as head coach.

Trevor Wood

Position: Tight end

In 2014: He played as a reserve. Wood started the season on offense before being moved to defensive end halfway through the year.

Why he’s important: Wood has all the tools Rodriguez and his coaching staff want in a player. He’s big, physical and can make plays in the open field with his athletic ability.

Rodriguez seems determined to add a tight end element to his offense and Wood could still be the player who fills that void.

He will move back to offense this spring after spending the back end of last season on defense.

Wood played a lot on various special teams units last year and seems to be a player the coaches trust. Rodriguez has said several times he believes Wood has a bright future at the UA. They would like to get him going this spring.

The big number: 939: The number of receiving yards for Wood as a high school senior at Chaparral.

Merkin wrote:Rodriguez seems determined to add a tight end element to his offense

How many times have we heard that?

Anu Solomon cleaning up some of the things he didn't do well or consistently last year.

All four quarterbacks will get reps (Brandon Dawkins, Jerrard Randall and Zach Werlinger).

DaVonte' Neal learning corner. If Neal's not in the starting rotation by the time fall rolls around, he'll be back at wide receiver.

One guy who will not participate fully in contact drills is running back Nick Wilson. Wilson got hurt several times last season, including multiple concussions. The other running backs like Jared Baker and Jonathan Haden will get more reps this spring. Zach Green was also mentioned if he is in better shape.

Four guys will get reps at tight end including Josh Kern, Matt Morin, and others.

Freddie Tagaloa leads the charge among new offensive lineman that will need to come in and step up. The coaches will be looking for seven or eight guys that they're confident in.

Get ready for RichRod to take every shot possible at the 2015 schedule, where Arizona plays 12 games in 12 weeks with no bye until the week before the conference championship game.

RazorsEdgeAZ wrote:Just heard Greg Byrne on SportsRadio1290 that he's fairly certain there will be no spring practice in Phoenix again this year. FWIW

Arizona enters camp with eight corner backs on the roster, just three upperclassmen and of the three none with starting experience. Two of the upper classmen, Johnny Jackson and DaVonte’ Neal, have been converted from WR over the past eight months. If Neal is not in the cornerback rotation at the end of camp he will likely go back to offense.

Jace Whitaker, who enrolled in January and had some position flexibility, is listed as a corner back. Devon Brewer is another spring enrollee.

Jamar Allah and David Price are the only players listed as free safeties, the other players are listed as just safeties. One newcomer is Jarek Hilgers. Hilgers transferred from ASU where he was a walk-on RB. He claimed other D-I offers before walking on at ASU.

The other crowded position is offensive line where the Wildcats currently have 17 players on the roster. Two newcomvers join the group. David Catalano is a graduate transfer from San Jose State and Kac Kness-Knezinskis is a former Pima College player. Eight of the 17 are listed at 6-5 or taller.

Arizona has five tight ends on the roster, including Trevor Wood who has been moved back to TE after sliding over to DE for part of the season. There has been some talk from the coaches that they expect to use the position more in the offense.

ANGCatFan wrote:Here are a few of Brad Allis's spring roster notes from Wildcat Sports Report.

Arizona enters camp with eight corner backs on the roster, just three upperclassmen and of the three none with starting experience. Two of the upper classmen, Johnny Jackson and DaVonte’ Neal, have been converted from WR over the past eight months. If Neal is not in the cornerback rotation at the end of camp he will likely go back to offense.

Jace Whitaker, who enrolled in January and had some position flexibility, is listed as a corner back. Devon Brewer is another spring enrollee.

Jamar Allah and David Price are the only players listed as free safeties, the other players are listed as just safeties. One newcomer is Jarek Hilgers. Hilgers transferred from ASU where he was a walk-on RB. He claimed other D-I offers before walking on at ASU.

The other crowded position is offensive line where the Wildcats currently have 17 players on the roster. Two newcomvers join the group. David Catalano is a graduate transfer from San Jose State and Kac Kness-Knezinskis is a former Pima College player. Eight of the 17 are listed at 6-5 or taller.

Arizona has five tight ends on the roster, including Trevor Wood who has been moved back to TE after sliding over to DE for part of the season. There has been some talk from the coaches that they expect to use the position more in the offense.

1. Arizona

QB Anu Solomon, RB Nick Wilson, WR Cayleb Jones

The skinny: Perhaps the most remarkable part of the Wildcats' surge to the top of the treacherous Pac-12 South was their youth at the skill positions. Solomon led the offense as a redshirt freshman, Wilson bowled over defenders as a true freshman, and Jones led the team in receiving as a sophomore. That entire nucleus returns in 2015, and it looks like more quality depth could be layering the receiving corps -- Samajie Grant, Trey Griffey, Nate Phillips, and DaVonte' Neal come to mind. But the main point remains: Arizona returns a 1,000-yard rusher, a 1,000-yard receiver, and a developing quarterback who handled his inaugural campaign well. That's a three-headed monster that can flex its muscles in 2015.

2. Arizona

LB Scooby Wright, S William Parks, CB Cam Denson

The skinny: To begin, let's establish that Scooby Wright alone delivers the statistical output of an entire three-headed monster: 163 tackles, 19 TFL, 14 sacks and six forced fumbles in 2014. It's remarkable to realize that Parks' 81 tackles -- second most of Arizona's returners -- were less than half of Wright's total last year. The safety did also contribute two interceptions, as did Denson at cornerback. With Jared Tevis and Tra'Mayne Bondurant both gone, the secondary must pick up slack to round out the Wildcats' new three-headed monster.

Gilbert granted extra year
Brad Allis

In what was seen as a mere formality, Arizona defensive end Reggie Gilbert has been granted a fifth year of eligibility by the NCAA. The Wildcats were so confident that Gilbert would get the extra year, that they allowed him to participate in the first week of spring drills before the appeal was granted.

There was some confusion regarding Gilbert's injury shortened first year in the program. Originally, he was credited in playing in too many games, but a review of the game field revealed he did not exceed the limit to qualify for a redshirt.

Gilbert started 13 of 14 games last season at defensive end, amassing 49 tackles, 5.5 for loss and three sacks. He has 102 career tackles and 10.5 sacks. The Arizona Daily Star was the first to report the news.

ANGCatFan wrote:Well, here is at least one question answered. From Brad Allis at Wildcat Sports Report.

Gilbert granted extra year
Brad Allis

In what was seen as a mere formality, Arizona defensive end Reggie Gilbert has been granted a fifth year of eligibility by the NCAA. The Wildcats were so confident that Gilbert would get the extra year, that they allowed him to participate in the first week of spring drills before the appeal was granted.

There was some confusion regarding Gilbert's injury shortened first year in the program. Originally, he was credited in playing in too many games, but a review of the game field revealed he did not exceed the limit to qualify for a redshirt.

Gilbert started 13 of 14 games last season at defensive end, amassing 49 tackles, 5.5 for loss and three sacks. He has 102 career tackles and 10.5 sacks. The Arizona Daily Star was the first to report the news.

ASUHATER! wrote:Time for football. Should be a top 20 team preseason for the first time in 16 years. Even though we'll probably be picked 4th in the south again because it is that tough. When is the spring game?

Once all the hubbub of who stays and leaves from the bball team in the next 3 weeks then it is time for 5-6 months of football focus. Already excited for next year and I think we can win 9 games again(including a bowl) and challenge for the south.

azcat49 wrote:

ASUHATER! wrote:Time for football. Should be a top 20 team preseason for the first time in 16 years. Even though we'll probably be picked 4th in the south again because it is that tough. When is the spring game?

Once all the hubbub of who stays and leaves from the bball team in the next 3 weeks then it is time for 5-6 months of football focus. Already excited for next year and I think we can win 9 games again(including a bowl) and challenge for the south.

Saturday April 10th I think. Kids are working hard I hear. Getting those guys who love football and that football is important to them should make for big off season increases.

The ASSU program put a letter in the paper saying they will outwork all other teams on the offseason and that the cup will return to Tempe next year. I hope we post that in the weight room

ASUHATER! wrote:Time for football. Should be a top 20 team preseason for the first time in 16 years. Even though we'll probably be picked 4th in the south again because it is that tough. When is the spring game?

Once all the hubbub of who stays and leaves from the bball team in the next 3 weeks then it is time for 5-6 months of football focus. Already excited for next year and I think we can win 9 games again(including a bowl) and challenge for the south.