Bear Down Wildcats

GREAT SHAPE

Washington
USC
UCLA
Stanford

GOOD SHAPE

Washington State
Oregon
Arizona State
Oregon State
Colorado

WE'LL SEE

Utah

Arizona: With Tevin Hood and Kirifi Taula gone, the NG position in the Wildcats' 3-3-5 scheme is a question. Aiulua Fanene and Saneilia Fuimaono have returned from two-year missions, and both have playing experience. Sophomore Dwight Melvin likely gets the first look, though. LSU transfer Jordan Allen could be a factor inside, though he's a natural end. Jeff Worthy, a former Boise State player, at 6-foot-3, 290 pounds, could play any of three positions along the line, and there's also 280-pound recruit Jerod Cody and some incoming JC transfers.

California

GREAT SHAPE

USC
Washington
Oregon
Stanford

GOOD SHAPE

UCLA
Utah
Oregon State

WE'LL SEE

Arizona: The Wildcats lost Sione Tuihalamaka and only return Reggie Gilbert (34 tackles, 7 tackles for a loss) and Dan Pettinato (10 tackles). However, they got an offseason boost from the addition of LSU transfer Jordan Allen, who will be able to play immediately for Arizona. He only registered 16 tackles and two sacks last season while losing his starting job, but he'll bring experience and depth to the Wildcats' defensive ends. These three guys present a pretty intriguing position group, but there are still too many unknowns.

Washington State
Arizona State:
California
Colorado

catinfl wrote:I think the DL could be a bright spot this year. The DT and DE position finally have some depth and the only position I'm worried about is NT which in a worst case scenario I think Marcus Griffin can come in and man it this year.

Chicat wrote:I haven't seen our DL get a consistent push and pressure in years, so really any time a positive play happens from that group going toward the QB it's a pleasant surprise.

Spaceman Spiff wrote:

Chicat wrote:I haven't seen our DL get a consistent push and pressure in years, so really any time a positive play happens from that group going toward the QB it's a pleasant surprise.

I'm not a 3-3-5 expert, but I'm not sure our style lends to penetrating so much as it does to tying up gaps to free backers and the secondary to read and make plays.

Dkenner wrote:What are we hearing about our WildCat Dline?

azthrillhouse wrote:Interesting tweet today from Berk re: Griffin:

I think a lot of us were expecting him to contribute - while RR might be blowing smoke or trying to motivate the kid, definitely caught me by surprise to read this.

chiefzona wrote:

azthrillhouse wrote:Interesting tweet today from Berk re: Griffin:

I think a lot of us were expecting him to contribute - while RR might be blowing smoke or trying to motivate the kid, definitely caught me by surprise to read this.

It will definitely be difficult because of the knowledge that the position requires.

chiefzona wrote:We'll see what the Poly's got.

2. Who are some of the freshman that stick out to you in the front six?

Gilbert: I like Marcus Griffin. He's a young guy that has a lot of potential. I definitely like the way that our young guys are flying around and competing.

4. What changed for you when Rich Rodriguez took over?

(Practice) is definitely more under scrutiny. There's a lot more structure, a lot more organization. I'm not knocking the past, they were great coaches, but Coach Rod definitely brings more intensity, more emphasis on being the best, most hard-working, well-conditioned team in America, and that's a good thing for us.

10. Favorite RichRod quote?

Can't coach stupid. (We heard that phrase a ton during that practice). *he says laughing* That's one that's sticking in my head right now.

azcat49 wrote:How do these guys get hurt, they were in shells for both practices. Not much hitting in fall camps these days anymore. IMO Gilbert is our best rush end