Arizona defensive lineman Finton Connolly has come a long way since Week 1.
The redshirt freshman from Gilbert Campo Verde High School didn’t dress for the season opener, despite being healthy enough to play. Through four weeks, his lone playing time came late in a blowout victory over Hawaii.
But Connolly kept working, the injuries kept mounting and now Connolly finds himself in a prominent role.
He’s the No. 2 nose tackle behind Aiulua Fanene heading into Saturday’s game at No. 24 Utah. Connolly got his first meaningful action last week against UCLA and he’s in the game plan again against the Utes.
Even though he had played briefly against Hawaii, Connolly said he felt “first-game jitters” last week. There’s a big difference between being part of the rotation and a late-game sub.
“It was a great feeling just to be out there, being back on the field playing again,” Connolly said. “I was nervous. Once I started moving and going, all my nerves were gone.”
Connolly was credited with only one tackle against the Bruins, but it was the sort of play that jumps off the screen. With UCLA starting from its 4-yard line in the fourth quarter, Connolly shot into the backfield and nearly tackled Soso Jamabo for a safety. It ended up as a 3-yard loss back to the 1-yard line.
“I feel a little more confident going into this week,” Connolly said. “I’ve got a lot to work on still, but I think I’m ready. I feel ready. My body feels ready. I’m excited to go in Saturday.”
The nose tackles could be key factors against Utah. The Utes are scrambling at center after senior J.J. Dielman, a 2015 second-team All-Pac-12 selection, suffered a season-ending leg injury.
Utah is expected to run the ball frequently regardless. Fanane (6-5, 308) and Connolly (6-4, 280) provide more bulk than injured starter Parker Zellers (6-1, 247).
But first-year UA defensive line coach Vince Amey doesn’t base his depth chart on size, pedigree or experience.
“I told them from Day 1, I don’t care if you’re a walk-on, a redshirt freshman, a senior, guys that are gonna play are the guys that are gonna work,” Amey said. “The guys that are playing have done that.”
After a slow start, Connolly has become one of those guys.
“I feel like I’ve progressed a long way,” he said. “I’m with the twos. I got some playing time. I’ve just got to keep working on my stuff.”
