31 Days Dane Cruikshank

[ANGCatFan]

Today is an open roster spot, so here is another of our new players not yet assigned a number.



Cruikshank is a 6-2, 195, JC transfer, Junior defensive back from Ayala HS and Citrus College, Pomona, 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 immediate impact.

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

31 opponent fumbles happened last year for the Wildcats and we recovered 13 of them including this one against ASSu:

[ANGCatFan]

NO. 31

Canidate runs for record 288 yards, 3 long TDs in ’98 shootout vs. ASU

SCORE: No. 7 Arizona Wildcats 50, ASU Sun Devils 42

DATE: Nov. 27, 1998

Lots of good Arizona 31 tidbits from AST including:

Arizona’s 1940 team recorded 31 interceptions in only nine games, a school-record average of 3.44 a game.

[TuiTouchdown]

A tall and quick CB? Yes.

[ANGCatFan]

Arizona football countdown: 31 days, the number of points the Wildcats put up in Eugene in 2014