Eldridge is a 6'3", 286, redshirt Freshman offensive lineman from Boulder Creek HS, Anthem, AZ. An All-State and PrepStar All-Rejoin selection in high school, Eldridge could be the center of the future for Arizona. Here is the SB Nation analysis of Eldridge from signing day followed by quotes from coaches:
On tape, Eldridge flashes some obvious qualities that immediately appeals to Rich Rodriguez's read-option offense and that's his initial punch and athleticism. Eldridge's punch is quick and effective in short space which makes him a very effective drive blocker. By being a drive blocker, Eldridge can therefore use his superior size and pancake opponents easily. The athleticism can be seen on tape whenever the offense ran a designed screen play as Eldridge looks fluid in his hips and is not lumbering down the field.
An area that Eldridge can address once he enrolls at the University of Arizona is a common one for high school offensive lineman, pass protection. His feet tend to narrow which causes a chain reaction for him to lunge forward, lose his balance, which results in him relying on his hands to block. With time, repetition, and film work, these issues can be addressed over his time as an Arizona Wildcat.
Eldridge is in the competition for starting center.“Nathan is an extremely intelligent football player. His football IQ is very high. He is a very fast learner when it comes to that content. His leadership qualities are some of the best. He’s good at making sure all of his teammates are up to speed with the same knowledge. His aggressiveness is second-to-none and he really gets after it. I believe that his earnest to learn and to work will be great. He is excited to join the program and help build and make it better.” – Boulder Creek HS Coach Brandon Willard
“Nate Eldridge … when you talk about an OKG, he’s our kind of guy. He’s a guy that we found in our OKG camp last summer that came down and did a heck of a job. We are looking forward to him providing some depth at the offensive line. I think they’re looking at him to be able to snap the ball at center.” – UA Coach David Lockwood
64.8% was Arizona's power success rate from last year. This is an advanced stat used by Football Study Hall at SB Nation that looks at how well a team does on short yardage situations on 3rd, 4th down, or at the goal line.
No. 64 Most Touchdown Passes Caught, Season: 11, Austin Hill, 2012; Mike Thomas, 2007; Theopolis Bell, 1974; Juron Criner, 2010 and 2011
