2018 Arizona Wildcats football team

btfd16 · Post by **btfd16** » Wed Jan 17, 2018 4:31 pm

I have done a lot of complaining about our LB size, but something that surprised me is that Tony Fields is listed at the same as Roquan Smith. Colin Schooler an inch shorter and same weight. Smith looks so much more massive on TV than those two.

Chicat · Post by **Chicat** » Wed Jan 17, 2018 6:01 pm

Scummy Dick Douglas wrote:
Chicat wrote:
Bangkok Wildcat wrote:Personally I liked the obvious quote below the most:

As far as recruiting goes, there has to be a renewed recruiting emphasis in California and Texas. In-state, let's just say as long as Sumlin is at Arizona and Herm Edwards is at Arizona State, it's advantage Wildcats.
It’s so damned obvious to everyone but some delusional Scummies. Bear Down Coach Sumlin!
It's obvious to them too. They just won't admit it.
I'd prefer Sumlin over Herm, no doubt. That said, I find it interesting how quickly you all are anointing Sumlin as a sure fire home run. How often does a coach fired from a better program meet expectations at the next job? Sumlin had a staff of ace recruiters at A&M, most of which will not be joining him in Tucson. While I have little doubt that Sumlin will elevate recruiting, what has Sumlin done to make you think he can develop or even capitalize on said talent? Sumlin had like 3 top 10 recruiting classes at A&M. With all that talent on the roster this year, he blew a huge lead and lost to UCLA (a team RR beat with much less talent), and was tied in the 4th qtr against Nicholls State.

The reality is, there were several jobs open, many of which Sumlin made a play for. He was never seriously considered for any of them until UA. Perhaps because of the reasons I list above? Or perhaps because at one point Sumlin was leading a program that was tied with Oklahoma at for most players arrested in all of NCAA.

So yes, Sumlin is a better hire than Herm Edwards, but that isn't saying much. Just about anyone would have been a better hire than Herm Edwards. As pointed out in other threads, I like many ASU folks wanted nothing to do with Sumlin... until the reality of who we were hiring hit us in the face. So did UA make a better hire than ASU? Yes. Did UA hire a good coach? Not so sure about that. While there is one Sumlin aggie fan boy here, I would advise you go look through the archive at Texags to get a feel for what A&M fans really think of Sumlin. There is a reason he is not there now, and that they wanted him gone awhile ago.

I love this almost as much as when you were pretending to be a “voice-of-reason” Cat fan.

Almost...

Bangkok Wildcat · Post by **Bangkok Wildcat** » Wed Jan 17, 2018 10:14 pm

First, again, CKS is a home run hire for Arizona Football IMHO.

Second, what jobs did CKS go after that you can actually confirm he interviewed for?

Third, I’m glad those schools passed on him (the ones you can confirm that CKS actually chased)...with Yates, and other reasons, I think he’s a great fit for us right now.

Yet again, extremely happy and stoked we got the guy WE WANTED! BTFD.

Harvey Specter · Post by **Harvey Specter** » Wed Jan 17, 2018 10:28 pm

Bangkok Wildcat wrote:First, again, CKS is a home run hire for Arizona Football IMHO.

Second, what jobs did CKS go after that you can actually confirm he interviewed for?

Third, I’m glad those schools passed on him (the ones you can confirm that CKS actually chased)...with Yates, and other reasons, I think he’s a great fit for us right now.

Yet again, extremely happy and stoked we got the guy WE WANTED! BTFD.

I have nothing against Yates and am fine with him staying since Sumlin apparently thinks highly of him... but I am still in a wait-and-see mode before I am sold on him as our DC.

I guess I am not nearly as concerned with the "continuity" aspect of his retention... I want the best staff we can get. Period.

btfd16 · Post by **btfd16** » Thu Jan 18, 2018 9:53 am

Harvey Specter wrote:
Bangkok Wildcat wrote:First, again, CKS is a home run hire for Arizona Football IMHO.

Second, what jobs did CKS go after that you can actually confirm he interviewed for?

Third, I’m glad those schools passed on him (the ones you can confirm that CKS actually chased)...with Yates, and other reasons, I think he’s a great fit for us right now.

Yet again, extremely happy and stoked we got the guy WE WANTED! BTFD.
I have nothing against Yates and am fine with him staying since Sumlin apparently thinks highly of him... but I am still in a wait-and-see mode before I am sold on him as our DC.

I guess I am not nearly as concerned with the "continuity" aspect of his retention... I want the best staff we can get. Period.

Personally, I am giving him a short leash. Two years to turn the D around.

BearDown89 · Post by **BearDown89** » Thu Jan 18, 2018 10:05 am

btfd16 wrote:
Harvey Specter wrote:
Bangkok Wildcat wrote:First, again, CKS is a home run hire for Arizona Football IMHO.

Second, what jobs did CKS go after that you can actually confirm he interviewed for?

Third, I’m glad those schools passed on him (the ones you can confirm that CKS actually chased)...with Yates, and other reasons, I think he’s a great fit for us right now.

Yet again, extremely happy and stoked we got the guy WE WANTED! BTFD.
I have nothing against Yates and am fine with him staying since Sumlin apparently thinks highly of him... but I am still in a wait-and-see mode before I am sold on him as our DC.

I guess I am not nearly as concerned with the "continuity" aspect of his retention... I want the best staff we can get. Period.
Personally, I am giving him a short leash. Two years to turn the D around.

I think Yates has a good head start on turning it around. Although the stats may not bear it out, I think the eye test was a lot better this past season. The new group of freshman were/are very promising and if they are an indication of his recruiting/evaluation abilities, then I'm encouraged. Plus, he won't be limited by RR's meddling nonsense. I would think that in two years we'll be enjoying a significant improvement on D.

PHXCATS · Post by **PHXCATS** » Thu Jan 18, 2018 10:44 am

I have heard that Yates had some say but RR overpowered him on things. Basically the defense play calling and schemes were not what Yates really wanted to run.

scumdevils86 · Post by **scumdevils86** » Thu Jan 18, 2018 10:45 am

After being a bottom 20 defensive team (typically one of the 5-6 worst Power 5 Conference defenses) for 3 seasons there needs to be a short leash on defensive performance. 2 years tops to turn it around.

PHXCATS · Post by **PHXCATS** » Thu Jan 18, 2018 10:53 am

Dont let anyone distract you from the fact that U of A was 80th in yards per play on defense. Not great but not the worst as some might lead you to believe. Also dont let this post distract you from the fact the Indians blew a 3-1 lead

azgreg · Post by **azgreg** » Thu Jan 18, 2018 10:58 am

Wilner chimes in.

https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/01/18/ ... onas-year/" target="_blank

North:

Washington
Oregon
Stanford
Cal
Wazzu
Oregon State

South:

USC
Arizona
Utah
UCLA
Colorado
ASU

2. Arizona. Sumlin’s tactical skills and ability to coach quarterbacks, combined with the speed and talent at the skill positions, leaves little doubt the Wildcats will remain potent. The key is the defense, which relied heavily on a handful of freshmen. If coordinator Marcel Yates coaxed across-the-board improvement, the Wildcats could well be the South champs.

scumdevils86 · Post by **scumdevils86** » Thu Jan 18, 2018 10:59 am

yeah. just keep things the same. nothing to see here. we were doing fine! 36+ ppg average from our defense over the last 38 games is what we should aim for year in and year out.

btfd16 · Post by **btfd16** » Thu Jan 18, 2018 11:02 am

azgreg wrote:Wilner chimes in.

https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/01/18/ ... onas-year/" target="_blank

North:

Washington
Oregon
Stanford
Cal
Wazzu
Oregon State

South:

USC
Arizona
Utah
UCLA
Colorado
ASU

2. Arizona. Sumlin’s tactical skills and ability to coach quarterbacks, combined with the speed and talent at the skill positions, leaves little doubt the Wildcats will remain potent. The key is the defense, which relied heavily on a handful of freshmen. If coordinator Marcel Yates coaxed across-the-board improvement, the Wildcats could well be the South champs.

The Pac12 is so wide open next year it's crazy.

EVCat · Post by **EVCat** » Thu Jan 18, 2018 12:24 pm

I wonder if some of the current big name crop of QBs in the state of Arizona might not come back into play, now that we aren't running read option/QB killer offense, and Sumlin is the name on the head coach office door?

btfd16 · Post by **btfd16** » Thu Jan 18, 2018 12:27 pm

EVCat wrote:I wonder if some of the current big name crop of QBs in the state of Arizona might not come back into play, now that we aren't running read option/QB killer offense, and Sumlin is the name on the head coach office door?

Starting to think possible transfers as well. First one that came to mind was Tate Martell, committed to A&M and going to lose out to Haskins, but I do not want him anywhere near our program. Kid is an attention seeking douche. No way else to put it.

RondaeShimmy · Post by **RondaeShimmy** » Thu Jan 18, 2018 12:29 pm

Hoping Jalen Hurts transfers

DrWildcat · Post by **DrWildcat** » Thu Jan 18, 2018 12:38 pm

RondaeShimmy wrote:Hoping Jalen Hurts transfers

I've never been that impressed with Hurts. He is a suspect passer which is masked in most games due to Alabama's oline/running game. Although, he would be a better backup for Tate than what we currently have.

EVCat · Post by **EVCat** » Thu Jan 18, 2018 12:46 pm

btfd16 wrote:
EVCat wrote:I wonder if some of the current big name crop of QBs in the state of Arizona might not come back into play, now that we aren't running read option/QB killer offense, and Sumlin is the name on the head coach office door?
Starting to think possible transfers as well. First one that came to mind was Tate Martell, committed to A&M and going to lose out to Haskins, but I do not want him anywhere near our program. Kid is an attention seeking douche. No way else to put it.

Am thinking next wave, post Tate....Rattler, Conover (well, he may have a mission), Rattler....

But, yes...we need a transfer immediately.

azgreg · Post by **azgreg** » Thu Jan 18, 2018 2:27 pm

gronk4heisman · Post by **gronk4heisman** » Thu Jan 18, 2018 2:34 pm

To bad Nick Wilson played 5 games last year.

Merkin · Post by **Merkin** » Thu Jan 18, 2018 2:47 pm

gronk4heisman wrote:To bad Nick Wilson played 5 games last year.

I wonder if he would even want to? After getting banged up so much every year he would have to consider whether he wants to be able to walk without pain when he is 40 or not.

azpenguin · Post by **azpenguin** » Thu Jan 18, 2018 4:09 pm

gronk4heisman wrote:To bad Nick Wilson played 5 games last year.

Even if he only played four, the rule isn't retroactive.

PHXCATS · Post by **PHXCATS** » Fri Jan 19, 2018 10:45 am

Just saw on twitter that U of A has the 2nd easiest schedule of Power 5 teams.

btfd16 · Post by **btfd16** » Tue Jan 23, 2018 1:44 pm

Levi hurts depth

btfd16 · Post by **btfd16** » Wed Jan 24, 2018 9:18 am

http://www.espn.com/blog/ncfnation/post ... ting-class

Both were on here so I didn't want to put it in their individual threads. Some more recognition from our bare cupboard.

It wouldn't be fair to include one and not the other because both Schooler and Fields had surprisingly outstanding seasons. Schooler was the 109th-ranked outside linebacker, and Fields was No. 33 at the position. They combined for 179 total tackles, with Fields leading the team with 91. Schooler had two interceptions and four sacks while Fields had four sacks to go with one interception. Quarterback Khalil Tate might have stolen the show in Tucson this past season with his performance, but Schooler and Fields are two names people should know for next season.

azgreg · Post by **azgreg** » Fri Feb 23, 2018 9:28 pm

Is it football season yet? Asking for a friend.

Gilbertcat · Post by **Gilbertcat** » Sun Feb 25, 2018 12:17 am

Can't come soon enough. I keep looking at my seat view for next year. Slightly annoyed a Friday game will mess my plans of seeing every game next year.... Hell I'm pumped for the spring game.

scumdevils86 · Post by **scumdevils86** » Sun Feb 25, 2018 12:18 am

Yep. Football school now.

Merkin · Post by **Merkin** » Sun Feb 25, 2018 8:37 am

scumdevils86 wrote:Yep. Football school now.

Will be next year for sure. Losing one of your only 2 recruits, your 2 starting seniors, your 2 top scorers, and who knows if Alkins will bail too.

The only rotation player who will probably stay is Smith, since he already sat out one season for transferring. Can Jeter transfer and play immediately since he is redshirtting this year?

I imagine Barcello will play.

prh · Post by **prh** » Sun Feb 25, 2018 8:42 am

Merkin wrote:
scumdevils86 wrote:Yep. Football school now.

Will be next year for sure. Losing one of your only 2 recruits, your 2 starting seniors, your 2 top scorers, and who knows if Alkins will bail too.

The only rotation player who will probably stay is Smith, since he already sat out one season for transferring. Can Jeter transfer and play immediately since he is redshirtting this year?

I imagine Barcello will play.

Jeter would have to sit a year if he transfers.

Merkin · Post by **Merkin** » Sun Feb 25, 2018 8:53 am

prh wrote:
Merkin wrote:
scumdevils86 wrote:Yep. Football school now.

Will be next year for sure. Losing one of your only 2 recruits, your 2 starting seniors, your 2 top scorers, and who knows if Alkins will bail too.

The only rotation player who will probably stay is Smith, since he already sat out one season for transferring. Can Jeter transfer and play immediately since he is redshirtting this year?

I imagine Barcello will play.
Jeter would have to sit a year if he transfers.

That's good for Arizona then, no one wants to sit out 2 years.

UAEebs86 · Post by **UAEebs86** » Sun Feb 25, 2018 8:57 am

Merkin wrote:
prh wrote:
Merkin wrote:
scumdevils86 wrote:Yep. Football school now.

Will be next year for sure. Losing one of your only 2 recruits, your 2 starting seniors, your 2 top scorers, and who knows if Alkins will bail too.

The only rotation player who will probably stay is Smith, since he already sat out one season for transferring. Can Jeter transfer and play immediately since he is redshirtting this year?

I imagine Barcello will play.
Jeter would have to sit a year if he transfers.
That's good for Arizona then, no one wants to sit out 2 years.

The situation could actually be good for certain players. Yeah, they might get a postseason ban of some sort, but they will get way more minutes and time to develop than they would have before at a program like Arizona.

btfd16 · Post by **btfd16** » Fri Mar 02, 2018 10:09 am

Ranking college football's best triplets

5. Arizona QB Khalil Tate, RB J.J. Taylor, WR Shun Brown
After riding the pine the first month of the season, Tate amazingly emerged as a Heisman contender as the top dual-threat QB in the country. He will be on the short list of favorites to open the season. Flanking Tate in the backfield is Taylor, the reigning Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year. Though diminutive at 5-10, Brown gives the Wildcats a deep threat to stretch the defense.

http://www.espn.com/college-football/in ... t-triplets

UALoco · Post by **UALoco** » Fri Mar 02, 2018 10:29 am

UAEebs86 wrote:
Merkin wrote:
prh wrote:
Merkin wrote:
scumdevils86 wrote:Yep. Football school now.

Will be next year for sure. Losing one of your only 2 recruits, your 2 starting seniors, your 2 top scorers, and who knows if Alkins will bail too.

The only rotation player who will probably stay is Smith, since he already sat out one season for transferring. Can Jeter transfer and play immediately since he is redshirtting this year?

I imagine Barcello will play.
Jeter would have to sit a year if he transfers.
That's good for Arizona then, no one wants to sit out 2 years.

The situation could actually be good for certain players. Yeah, they might get a postseason ban of some sort, but they will get way more minutes and time to develop than they would have before at a program like Arizona.

Jeter is sitting out this year and will play '18-'19 season : https://www.azdesertswarm.com/basketbal ... e-transfer

Newportcat · Post by **Newportcat** » Fri Mar 02, 2018 8:18 pm

Football school now...and in the 2018 football thread we are discussing Chase Jeter!

Might be a couple years before we are a football school!

btfd16 · Post by **btfd16** » Thu Mar 15, 2018 9:11 pm

If Arizona ever wanted to pass the torch from a basketball school to a football school, the time is now.

ASUHATER! · Post by **ASUHATER!** » Thu Mar 15, 2018 9:14 pm

I hope Sumlin succeeds here since we're going to have to be a football school for a while.

azgreg · Post by **azgreg** » Fri Mar 16, 2018 9:46 am

About 68 days until ANGCatFan's countdown starts!

scumdevils86 · Post by **scumdevils86** » Fri Mar 16, 2018 10:10 am

azgreg wrote:About 168 days until ANGCatFan's countdown starts!

only 68 actually!

azgreg · Post by **azgreg** » Fri Mar 16, 2018 10:26 am

scumdevils86 wrote:
azgreg wrote:About 168 days until ANGCatFan's countdown starts!
only 68 actually!

Fixed. Thanks.

Merkin · Post by **Merkin** » Wed Mar 28, 2018 11:23 am

I'd take that!

azgreg · Post by **azgreg** » Wed Mar 28, 2018 11:55 am

I'd absolutely take 8-4.

Newportcat · Post by **Newportcat** » Wed Mar 28, 2018 12:33 pm

8 wins with a relatively young team...sounds good to me

ASUHATER! · Post by **ASUHATER!** » Wed Mar 28, 2018 12:55 pm

i think you're all reading the tweet wrong. it says 6.94 wins for Arizona.

azgreg · Post by **azgreg** » Wed Mar 28, 2018 1:00 pm

ASUHATER! wrote:i think you're all reading the tweet wrong. it says 6.94 wins for Arizona.

Shit! Fuck that!

Actually 7-5 wouldn't be terrible.

btfd16 · Post by **btfd16** » Wed Mar 28, 2018 1:35 pm

azgreg wrote:
ASUHATER! wrote:i think you're all reading the tweet wrong. it says 6.94 wins for Arizona.
Shit! Fuck that!

Actually 7-5 wouldn't be terrible.

I would be upset. New coach or not. Barring injuries, should start 4-0. Going 3-5 against USC, Cal, Utah, UCLA, Oregon, CU, Wazzu and Assu would be disappointing to me.

PHXCATS · Post by **PHXCATS** » Wed Mar 28, 2018 1:42 pm

9-3 "look" it

Merkin · Post by **Merkin** » Wed Mar 28, 2018 1:42 pm

azgreg wrote:
ASUHATER! wrote:i think you're all reading the tweet wrong. it says 6.94 wins for Arizona.
Shit! Fuck that!

Actually 7-5 wouldn't be terrible.

Absolutely, with no experienced backup QB, 2 out of your top 3 RBs gone, along with starters on both sides of the line, several LBs from an already small group, your best CB to the NFL and so on.

JJ Taylor is a very skilled RB, but too small for an every down back. Not sure if Mazzone was kidding or not, but he didn't even know Tilford's name, and only knew him by number, and said he was still learning which hole was which.

Newportcat · Post by **Newportcat** » Wed Mar 28, 2018 2:17 pm

ASUHATER! wrote:i think you're all reading the tweet wrong. it says 6.94 wins for Arizona.

Damn 7 wins is not terrible but this team is bringing a lot back.

Stud starting QB working with a real QB coach now
JJ at RB (I think he can be an every down back personally. Guy looks Jacked right now)
All WR's/TE's back (Not the best group but nothing terrible)
3 Starters back on OL (Friekh, Creason, and Elridge) and I think we actually have decent depth here now
Size along DL (FINALLY)
Returning LBs that should be better with age
Most the secondary is back too
And we brought in a transfer Punter who can actually Punt!!!!!

Very Favorable schedule too

I have concerns for sure (QB Depth, RB depth, lack of talent at WR, still not great NFL type talent along OL and DL)

But 7 wins seems like the baseline with 8 to 9 wins possible

Newportcat · Post by **Newportcat** » Wed Mar 28, 2018 2:20 pm

btfd16 wrote:
azgreg wrote:
ASUHATER! wrote:i think you're all reading the tweet wrong. it says 6.94 wins for Arizona.
Shit! Fuck that!

Actually 7-5 wouldn't be terrible.
I would be upset. New coach or not. Barring injuries, should start 4-0. Going 3-5 against USC, Cal, Utah, UCLA, Oregon, CU, Wazzu and Assu would be disappointing to me.

That USC game at home is going to be a big one.

Feels like Cal, UCLA, CU, Wazzu, Oregon and ASU are all winnable. The only game that I think is really tough is Utah as they should be very good and its at Utah. I think USC is going to be down a bit and none of those other teams scare me at all. Oregon could be a lot better but that is in Tucson

Merkin · Post by **Merkin** » Wed Mar 28, 2018 2:23 pm

Newportcat wrote: All WR's/TE's back

Tyrell Johnson and Trevor Wood are quite sad they are already forgotten!

Although Tyrell was a huge disappointment with his fantastic world class speed. Trevor of course beaten out by a true frosh, so good luck to him.

Very good class of true freshmen now becoming sophomores.

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