We have 5 returning receivers and are adding 4 new receivers. Here is Brian J. Pedersen's prediction for starters:
Probably the team's most talented group and the one that changed the most in the off-season.Starters: Jacob Cowing (Jr.), Tetairoa McMillan (Fr.), Dorian Singer (Soph.)
Backups: Kevin Green Jr. (Fr.), Anthony Simpson (Soph.), Ma’jon Wright (RS-Fr.)
Will also play: Jalen Johnson (Jr.), AJ Jones (Fr.)
Like at running back, Arizona has no shortage of options at receiver, but it will be a lot easier to get all of them touches. UTEP transfer Cowing and 4-star prospect McMillan have both been as good as advertised, and will both be go-to options, while Singer just keeps getting better since making his debut during the second half of last season.
Green was a pleasant surprise in the spring, despite being the lowest-rated of Arizona’s receiver signees, and will find himself a role. And Wright, after being away from the program last year, is primed to build off the 2020 numbers he put up.
Not listed above is Jamarye Joiner, whose future is in serious doubt after missing the spring with a third surgery on his left foot.
We have 4 returning tight ends and 2 newcomers. Pedersen's projection:
Is this a tight end friendly offense or not? Maybe we will find out this year.Starters: Alex Lines (Soph.), Keyan Burnett (Fr.)
Backups: Tanner McLachlan (RS-Soph.), Roberto Miranda (RS-Fr.)
Will also play: Issaiah Johnson (RS-Soph.)
Arizona may start a lot of games with two tight ends—it did so at least four times in 2021—but when it only uses one the type of play will dictate which guy will be on the field. Lines is the more well-rounded TE, particularly with pass- and run-blocking, while Burnett is the more pure receiver and is more likely to be spread out than covering up a tackle.
McClachlan, a Southern Utah transfer who was limited in the spring while coming back from a torn ACL, has potential to be a good third option at the position, while Miranda will be primarily a run blocker.
Johnson, who was converted from linebacker at the start of spring, could end up being Arizona’s fullback when it realizes how much it misses Clay Markoff in the backfield.
We have 6 returning RBs and 2 making up a very talented group. Pedersen's prediction:
Tyler Loop’s longest field goal last year was 42 yards.Starter: Michael Wiley (Jr.)
Backup: Jonah Coleman (Fr.)
Will also play: Drake Anderson (R-Jr.), Jalen John (Soph.), x-Rayshon Luke (Fr.), Stevie Rocker Jr. (Soph.)
Arizona has a crowded backfield, with six viable options, but only so many offensive snaps and chances to touch the ball. What puts Wiley ahead of the pack is his pass-catching ability.
As far as a pure runner, though, Coleman has the highest upside of the backs that were involved in spring. He looked great when on the field and is almost guaranteed to lose his redshirt.
Highly touted freshman Luke lived up to his ‘Speedy’ nickname over the weekend when was part of a California state-record 4x200 relay team. He’ll get a chance to be part of the mix as well.