9 Dane Cruikshank and Josh Pollack
Posted: Tue Aug 25, 2015 5:11 am
Cruikshank is a 6-1, 191, Junior safety from Citrus College, Chino Hills, CA. He was a PrepStar All-Region selection and when you read his write-up by SB Nation Cruikshank sounds like a player who may be able to make an impact this year. I have not seen him on anyone's depth chart projections, but that does not mean he won't make an impact on special teams or see the field as the year goes on.
Cruikshank is listed at 6'2" 190 lbs with 4.4 speed giving him the ideal measurement that Jeff Casteel would want in a defensive back. Cruikshank posseses many traits that make him a candidate to see early playing time for the Wildcats. The biggest thing that Cruikshank will have working in his favor besides his size and speed will be his ability to tackle. He is a good open-field tackler who uses proper form to wrap up his opponent instead of diving into the offensive player's legs. Cruikshank seems to excel the most when he is in zone coverage instead of man to man coverage. This is because he has excellent route recognition, especially when his man is in front of him while he is in coverage, he is often reading the quarterback's eyes as his head seems to be focused in on the backfield more often then not.
With his eyes being in the backfield often, Cruikshank is susceptible to double moves as he breaks on the initial route often run by the wide receiver. After the double move, he can usually close the gap by the time the football arrives because of his speed but this habit could force the coaching staff to switch him to safety. That way he can read plays, and utilize his ball skills, which are very good, and his overall athleticism.
Here are a couple quotes from the coaches.
“The first time I saw him on the practice field, he reminded me of Jason Sehorn but he was bigger, faster and stronger.” – Citrus College Coach Ron Ponciano
“Dane is a good-sized, tall, long individual that has very good speed and runs well. He has the ability to play corner or safety. I’m looking forward to him adding his competitiveness to our program.” – UA Coach Tony Dews
Pollack is a 5-10, 180, redshirt Freshman kicker/punter from Highland Park, IL. He was an all-conference selection as a Senior in high school and Kohl's Kicking Camps rated him as the #27 kicker and #10 punter in the class. Pollack is the primary back-up at both punter and kicker and may get a chance to see the field once games are decided.
9 is the Arizona record for the most kickoff returns in a game set against Oregon in 2011.
