The Arizona Wildcats are gearing up for more wins and are looking to improve from last season in year two of the Jedd Fisch era.
While the first year was filled with a lot of growing pains and a 1-11 record, there is renewed optimism and excitement.
Thanks to a superb recruiting class and improvement in most, if not all, positions within the team – the Arizona Wildcats are looking to prove people wrong.
The Arizona Wildcats Offense
Quarterbacks
After starting four different quarterbacks last season, Fisch may have the position in place for years to come, as the QB room is relatively young (freshmen, a redshirt freshman, and sophomores).
Jayden de Laura (Washington State transfer) – the Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year last year, seems to be getting the nod for the starting spot. He certainly has the talent to run the offense to precision.
de Laura finished the 2021 season atop the Pac-12 in passing yards (2,757) and pass TD (23).
Coach Fisch was quoted during his introductory press conference as saying:
“Offensively, I can tell you we’ll be a precision passing game. I’ve always been a guy that’s thrown the football, but I’ve also been on teams that have led the league in rushing.”
Noah Fifita (Freshman; 3 star recruit from Huntington Beach, CA) has been looked at as well, as he performed with the 2nd team during spring camp. Despite the small stature (5’9″, 184 lbs.), he is unusually quick and has exceptional arm talent and potential.
Gunner Cruz (Redshirt Freshman) and Jordan McCloud (Sophomore; transfer from USF) are also vying for a shot at the second and/or third string QB spots, as they are also talented in their own right.
If the possibility of having a rotating door of QBs start different games occurs, the Arizona Wildcats are looking to be in a better position than they were last year, as now each QB has the potential to win their starts.
Running backs
There are so many options with this large group, as there are plenty of talent and potential at the position.
Michael Wiley (Junior from Houston, TX) will get the starting spot, thanks to his catching skills at the RB position. He is on the cusp of breaking out significantly and performing to rush for 1,000 yards this coming season.
If there is a player that is strictly a running presence – Jonah Coleman (Freshman from Stockton, CA) is the man. With indications of rushing elements to the offense, Coleman is also a player that could rush for 500+ yards this season.
Other considerations at RB: Drake Anderson, Jalen John, Rayshon Luke, Stevie Rocker Jr. – may all see the field this season and contribute to the running game.
Wide Receivers
This is the group Wildcat fans are definitely looking at, as part of their ascension to the top.
The Wildcats improved WR group will feature a 3-headed monster, that the Pac-12 defenses will have to face:
- Jacob Cowing (Junior; transfer from UTEP)
- Tetairoa McMillan (Freshman; 4 star recruit – #4 WR in the 2022 class)
- Dorian Singer (Sophomore)
Cowing led the Miners in receiving yards in the three seasons he was there. In 2021, he put up 69 receptions for 1,354 yards and seven touchdowns.
Cowing will be the number one option and is poised to either match or surpass his 2021 numbers.
McMillan is the highest ranked recruit in school history and committed to the Wildcats over Oregon. He will certainly be either the 1A or 1B option (if Cowing gets all the defensive attention).
McMillan has the potential of at least having 1,000 yards receiving this coming season.
Singer came to everyone’s attention during the second half of last season, and is continuing to get better as this preseason is winding down.
Singer will be the player left uncovered by the defense (thanks to Cowing and McMillan). The result? Big plays and touchdowns given up.
The WR roster: Kevin Green Jr., Ma’jon Wright, Jalen Johnson, AJ Jones, Jaden Clark, and Anthony Simpson.
With certain formations that will allow for four or five wide receivers: Green, Wright, and Johnson will get opportunities for catches as well.
Having these absolute weapons in an already dangerous offense, the Arizona Wildcats are aiming to be at the top of the Pac-12.
With the calendar about to change to August, it signals the near start of college football. The Arizona Wildcats will face off against San Diego State, in San Diego on Saturday September 3rd.
There is more to review! Look out for Part 2!
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