With three weeks remaining before the 2019 officially kicks off, I wanted to take a stab at identifying some of the key players on this year’s Arizona football roster. I’ve gone through and identified my picks for Most Valuable Players, which is often the easiest to do. If the MVPs turn in their best seasons, then the Wildcats will have a good chance at getting back to a bowl this year.
But the ultimate success of this year’s team will come from some of the other players I have highlighted below. I’ve singled out potential breakout stars, underrated contributors and sleepers. Additionally, I’ve taken a look at who I think can be the best players in each individual class from freshmen through seniors.
I have a bit of an advantage having seen some of the less experienced players in practices through this past spring, but a lot can happen over the course of a summer and I haven’t been around any preseason practices like the media has. For some of these players, they have earned a spot on the list below based on past performances. Others may appear because older players have graduated and now it’s their time to step up. And of course, there are the freshmen which are the most unpredictable in terms of projecting their success at this level.
There is plenty of room for debate in many of these categories, but I went ahead and picked one offensive and one defensive player for each (except at two key positions, which you will see below). Others may have their own opinions and ultimately the proof will be in the pudding once the games begin Aug. 24.
So without further adieu, here’s a crack at my preseason award winners for the 2019 Arizona Wildcats.
Most Valuable Players
Offensive MVP: Khalil Tate
Defensive MVP: Colin Schooler
Neither of these picks should be a surprise. If the Wildcats are to have a breakthrough season, it will require Tate to balance his 2017 heroics on the ground with the progression-based passing game he became more comfortable with down the stretch of his junior season. Tate had a good offseason, is hungry to prove doubters wrong and has weapons around him to take the pressure off him. But there will be times each game where he will need to pull the ball down and run to keep drives moving, if not find pay dirt himself (only two rushing TDs last season).
On the defensive side, Schooler is an easy pick based on the productivity last season. He is a tough, smart and instinctual player, but he’s continued to develop as a leader on and off the field. He wore down at times last season, but hopefully that won’t be a problem this season with a deeper rotation at the linebacker position. I fully expect coaches to give him a breather more often early in games so he can deliver the big plays down the stretch. It would not surprise me if his numbers decline due to more playmakers around him, but I fully expect him to deliver game-changing plays when needed.
(MVPs Not Eligible Below)
Breakout Players
Breakout Offensive Player: Brian Casteel (WR)
Breakout Defensive Player: Jalen Harris (DE)
There are a handful of candidates to consider on offense, including fellow receivers Drew Dixon, Tre Adams, Thomas Marcus Jr., and others. I select Casteel because he had a very strong spring. Healthy again, he played at a lighter weight which seemed to bring with it more speed. He’s physically strong and has been sure-handed in his limited opportunities. I think he can really surprise some people this year if his development has continued in the summer and through preseason camp.
Defensively, Harris is a popular pick and it’s a no-brainer for me. Harris had moments last season, but he was noticeably stronger this spring and that physical development should have only continued through the summer. Few edge players have his burst and length. The added strength will make him more reliable in the run game and also help him develop his all-around pass-rushing skills. He also has ability to drop into coverage in the flats, giving coaches the options to dial up various blitzes when protection favors his side. If the Cats can hold up on the interior of the defensive line, I expect big production out of Harris.
Underrated Players
Underrated Offensive Player: Gary Brightwell (RB)
Underrated Defensive Player: JB Brown (DL)
Once again there are several options to consider offensively, but I’m going with Brightwell who I think has only scratched the surface of his potential. He is a reliable ball-carrier that can punch it up inside with a bigger frame than J.J. Taylor, but he’s fast enough to bounce outside too. Out of the backfield he is sure-handed and could emerge as a good safety valve for Tate and the quarterbacks. I also think with the progress Nathan Tilford made in the spring along with Bam Smith in the fold, the Wildcats may use two backs more frequently this year. That could increase the touches for Brightwell, who when fully healthy is a talented skill player.
On the other side of the ball, my first draft of this feature listed Anthony Pandy because I think he’s a very athletic, aggressive linebacker that should make more of an impact as defensive coordinator Marcel Yates and company feel more comfortable with their depth this season. They also understand the need to rest Schooler and Tony Fields more frequently.
But as camp opened and JB Brown spoke to the media, I was surprised to see hesitancy from numerous fans about Brown’s move to the interior of the defensive line. He began working inside during the spring and showed a lot of promise. While he doesn’t have prototypical size to play the tackle spot, he has the strength and quickness to be a factor both in the run and pass game. He’s a football player through and through and brings the nastiness required to the front four (or is it front three?). I expect Arizona to continue its trend of playing more four-down fronts than when Yates first arrived, and that’s where Brown’s versatility will show up. On passing downs, Arizona has plenty of options to consider, including sliding Brown to end in either a three or four-down set. When you aren’t stacked with depth of talent like the bluebloods of the sport, you put your best talent on the field as much as possible. Playing JB Brown inside allows Arizona to do that. I’m very excited about the impact he can have this season.
Sleepers
Offensive Sleeper: Bryce Wolma (TE)
Defensive Sleeper: Kylan Wilborn (DE)
For the sleeper category, I simply went with some players that may be a little under the radar but have plenty of experience and could emerge as breakout threats.
On the offensive side, that is Wolma. Until an injury, Wolma was having a really good spring. Coaches were finding ways to utilize him in the passing game once again. A year ago, Wolma and the tight ends were needed to shore up a thin offensive line, both in the run and pass games. This year’s line will be more experienced and should have enough depth to allow the tight ends to split out more and become a factor in the pass game. A healthy Wolma will benefit from this, while providing help blocking when he puts his hand down.
I’ll keep the next couple sentences as I originally wrote them, though it’s a bit redundant considering who I picked above as an underrated defender. Defensively, there’s a host of candidates to consider. Initially I was going to list JB Brown, but really Brown is a proven commodity after starting most of last season. In fact, Brown could emerge as a defensive MVP candidate with his versatility this season. So instead, I selected Wilborn, who had a disappointing year by his standards in 2018. He had a bounce-back spring and physically should have himself stronger to take on an increased role. The Wildcats needed to create pressure on quarterbacks, and Wilborn has that ability. If he’s improved as a run defender, he’ll get significant playing time and will be a key player.
Impact Newcomers
Offensive Impact Newcomers: Paiton Fears (OT) and Josh Donovan (OG)
Defensive Impact Newcomers: Myles Taposoa (DT) and Trevon Mason (DT)
This one is easy. Fears and Donovan both enrolled in the spring semester and effectively earned their spots in the offensive line rotation from the get-go. Sure it was out of necessity, but physically they are exactly what you want from Pac-12 offensive linemen. That will continue to be a theme for Coach Sumlin and first-year offensive line coach Kyle DeVan, who know what they want in the physical profile of the big guys. That said, Fears and especially Donovan both adjusted quickly in the spring and their continued development in summer and through game should earn them significant playing time, if not starting roles, by Game 1.
On the other side of the ball, it’s a similar pick. Tapusoa was here in the spring, but his on-field impact was minimal as getting him 100 percent physically was the most important part of his development. If fully healthy, he’s a big body inside that can help fill the void left by Derreck Boles and PJ Johnson. Mason did not arrive until later summer (he visited on his own multiple times for spring ball), but his size and length is something the Cats have not had on the interior in a long time. He can be an impact guy if he’s able to go through a full fall camp, but may require a little more acclimation time and that’s okay. Multiple early-season bye weeks will help these two in both their understanding of the defense, as well as their conditioning.
True Freshman to Watch
Best True Freshman Offensive Player: Boobie Curry (WR)
Best True Freshman Defensive Player: Chris Roland-Wallace (CB)
Both of these players were early enrollees and both of these players arrived with physical attributes that few on the UA roster possess. These are the prototypes for recruiting going forward at the offensive/defensive skill positions.
Curry has received plenty of notoriety and he did not disappoint in the spring. He’s a big, physical receiver that can make plays with the ball in his hands, which reminded me a bit of what Juron Criner used to do. With plenty of production to replace at the receiver position this year, Curry can immediately slide into the rotation, if not start from day one, on the outside.
On defense, I am excited to see Roland-Wallace on the field. Roland-Wallace has some experienced guys ahead of him at corner, but I think he will be too talented to keep off the field. His frame is what you want in a defensive back, and he seemed excited to compete from the first practice in the spring. I can see him thriving on special teams, both for coverage units and as a returner, possibly punts. While it may be risky to put a freshman back to return punts, it’s something I can see him doing at some point this year or down the road. I love a defensive back as a returner because they are used to seeing the field in front of them.
Redshirts Ready
Best Redshirt Freshman Offensive Player: Bam Smith (RB)
Best Redshirt Freshman Defensive Player: Day Day Coleman (LB)
Offensively, there’s a handful of skill players to choose from. I am excited about receivers like Adams and Marcus Jr., but Smith showed moments running the ball in games last year that were very encouraging. He’s quick and has more open-field acceleration than Taylor and Brightwell. A year in the weight room should have paid dividends, and he’ll be a very good third option in the backfield. How many touches he gets remains to be seen, but I’d expect the coaching staff to spread touches, especially early in the season, and go with the hot hand. There very well could be a game or two where Smith is that hot hand and turns some heads.
Defensively, there are a handful of solid candidates, too, but Coleman should crack the second rotation at linebacker and provide much-needed depth behind the experienced trio of Schooler, Fields II and Pandy. Coleman also had some moments last season, but ultimately his season was cut short due to injury, which may be a benefit down the road as he preserved a year of eligibility. Transitioning from safety, Coleman has athleticism to be a good passing-down linebacker to immediately help with underneath coverages. As he continues to add strength and learns the position, he has tremendous upside to be a starter in this conference.
Super Sophs
Best Sophomore Offensive Player: Donovan Laie (OT)
Best Sophomore Defensive Player: Christian Young (S)
This is an easy pick on offense because Laie is perhaps the team’s best NFL prospect and he’ll still have another year of college before entertaining that possibility. He came in as a true freshman and not only had the size and strength to play left tackle, he had the maturity for it, too. While he suffered through some lessons any tackle must learn at this level, he handled them and improved throughout the year. Now a year even stronger, I expect him to emerge as one of the league’s best tackles.
There are a few players to consider on defense, however, I’ve chosen Young for this nod because of his overall athleticism and tenacity at the safety position. He had moments as a true freshman – including a start at CB – but with a full year of knowledge and confidence built up in the system, he’s ready to break out. There’s plenty of competition at the safety spots, but Young has the talent and mindset to be a really good player for the Cats. The key will be to transition that potential to the field on game days.
Jolts from Juniors
Best Junior Offensive Player: J.J. Taylor (RB)
Best Junior Defensive Player: Scottie Young Jr. (S)
It’s hard to believe Taylor and Brightwell are in the same class, but because Taylor’s true freshman season was abruptly ended right when he was breaking out, he preserved a year of eligibility. What he has done the last couple years speaks for itself. His focus in the offseason was ball security, and I don’t worry about that going into this year. What I am looking forward to seeing is his increased leadership role. He’s quiet by nature, but he now understands how his role is critical to the success and development of others around him.
In the secondary, I’m looking for Young Jr. to have a big year. While he had good moments last season, it seemed he never really got caught up to speed after missing so much time in the offseason. Both healthy and re-focused, he had a good spring and that should have continued through the summer. Young Jr. is a player that loves playing the game of football and his passion shows through on the field. While Arizona has depth at safety, it will play its best defense when Young Jr. is playing his best football.
Senior Standouts
Best Senior Offensive Player: Cody Creason (OL)
Best Senior Defensive Player: Jace Whittaker (CB)
The easy pick offensively would be to take Cedric Peterson, who quietly has as much experience as any player on the team. But I want to highlight Creason, who is a versatile and reliable offensive linemen. While he’s more of a natural guard, Creason is battled-tested enough at tackle that he can start at either spot. The versatility and experience make him a key player for the Wildcats, especially as depth is still not a luxury on the offensive line.
Last season, Arizona really missed Whittaker’s experience, play-making and leadership at cornerback. This year, the Wildcats will get Whittaker’s experience, play-making and leadership back on the field. There’s no question Whittaker is one of the Cats’ best defenders, but the intangibles he brings on and off the field are equally important. Communication, especially in the back end of a defense, is critical, and Whittaker knows the defense inside and out. Coaches will utilize him as a coach on the field to get the team lined up and make necessary adjustments in key moments.
Let Them Develop
Offensive Player to Redshirt: Grant Gunnell (QB)
Defensive Player to Redshirt: Jaxen Turner (DB)
This is a hard category for two reasons. First, you never exactly what impact a freshman will have until they get on campus and they start playing at Pac-12 speed. Second, the four-game redshirt rule that went into effect last season gives every player an opportunity to see the field for four games without burning a redshirt. No longer do coaches have to make early calls on players at the end of preseason camp. Now the break-in time can be extended and players can earn their way off a redshirt list if they are too good to keep off the field midway through the year.
With that said, an ideal world will call for Gunnell redshirting at the quarterback spot. That would likely mean that Tate has been both healthy and productive, and that coaches are confident in a No. 2 quarterback behind Tate. One hopes that Arizona can find some opportunities to get Gunnell some game experience while preserving his redshirt. But, Gunnell is a talented player that will learn Noel Mazzone’s playbook, and if the season doesn’t get off to a good start there will be plenty of people anxious to see what Gunnell can do in an increased role.
On the defensive side, there’s a host of candidates to consider. It’s a bit unfair for me to evaluate some of the newcomers that were not here in the spring because who knows how ready they are to contribute until you see them first hand. But I will select an intriguing prospect here in Jaxen Turner. He is likely to play safety, which is a position of quality depth for the Wildcats, so there is no rush to put a player on the field before he’s ready. Turner is a dynamic athlete and has plenty of upside, so it will be interesting to see where he fits in down the road. But if he’s too good to keep off the field, then you play him. Same goes with a handful of other freshman defenders.
Comeback Cats
Offensive Comeback Player: Bryson Cain (OG)
Defensive Comeback Player: Justin Belknap (DE)
This is a bonus category I decided to do at the end. Offensively, it may be unfair to call Cain a “comeback player”, since he started the first nine games of last season before a season-ending injury. But that’s just the point for me. Some were concerned when Michael Eletise left the program after last season, but it was Cain who was the starter before his injury. Assuming Cain is fully healthy, he’s a steady contender to regain his starting spot. He was just beginning to realize some of his potential last season after earlier injury setbacks. He’s still a junior eligibility-wise, and a healthy season from him will certainly help answer depth questions along the offensive line.
We will stick to the line over on the defensive side. Belknap suffered an early-season injury a year ago that was a tough blow for the hard-nosed end. He worked hard to bulk up a year ago, but may have lost a little bit of his quickness. He was working to get back to a lower weight and regain some of his burst in the spring. While not a top physical talent, his work ethic and toughness is unquestioned. His return in 2019 certainly adds depth to the defensive line, and he will contend for significant playing time once again.
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