Wright is a 6-1, 246, Junior, linebacker from Windsor, CA. Last year Scooby had one of the best years in Arizona history and one of the most dominant individual defensive performances in CFB history. His stats, awards, and accomplishments are in his official bio, but I'm going to try to focus on putting Scooby's season in perspective and try and guess how he will impact the team this year.
In his true Sophomore season, Scooby had the most tackles by an Arizona player since Byron Evans in 1986, was half a sack short of tying Tedy Bruschi's sack record, and set school records for tackles for a loss and forced fumbles in a season. The great news for Arizona fans is this year Scooby is bigger, stronger, and will still be playing with something to prove on every play.
Coach Rod said at media day that Scooby will be a better football player this year, but how do you measure better? He may not match his gaudy numbers from last year, but I think we need to watch how the entire defense improves starting with the effort and preparation of the individual players. Every man on the team has seen Scooby's success and hopefully learned the valuable lesson that hard work and relentless effort pays off. They've had an off season to try and emulate Scooby's effort on the practice field, in the weight room, and in conditioning drills. If the team comes out on the field bigger, stronger, in better shape, and better prepared, Scooby deserves some of the credit for being a living, breathing example of how to get the most out of your ability.
Yes, team's will be aware of where Scooby is on every down and he will see more double teams, but that should be negated by the improvement of the other linebackers. I have read great reports on Matthews and Turituri during the off season and expect to see a big jump in their production this year. Our increased depth will also let us rotate more linebackers and if you are running away from Scooby you will be running into a fresh body. Also, a bigger, deeper, more experienced D-line will make it easier for Scooby and other linebackers to fill the gaps.
Fans and media members may wonder if Scooby can match his numbers from last year, but Scooby is just worried about getting the next stop, giving the ball back to the offense, and winning. Scooby told Coach Rod the first day of spring practice that he didn't want his picture up with the other Wildcat All-Americans on the practice field wall (and told a player that if they put it up he'd burn the wall down). He's not playing for stats, awards, or recognition. Scooby is playing to win football games. Don't measure Scooby by if he can top last years numbers. Instead, give him credit if we make a big improvement in our overall defense. Now, if Arizona really needs a big play they will be still looking for Scooby to do what Scooby do.
33 is the most first downs Arizona gave up in a game last year and it was to Washington St. On average, the Wildcats gave up 24 first downs a game
