Arizona Wildcats shine at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis

It was a productive day for a trio of Arizona Wildcats at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. 

Arizona's representatives were defensive backs Treydan Stukes, Dalton Johnson and Genesis Smith, who all performed Friday evening preceding the tight ends. 

All three Wildcats, especially Stukes, had plenty of bright moments at the NFL's pre-draft testing event. 

Stukes, who measured at 6-2, 200 pounds, had the third-fastest 40-yard dash time (4.33 seconds) among safeties — second-fastest 10-yard split (1.50 seconds). Stukes only ran the 40-yard dash once after limping off the field following his first attempt. Stukes recorded the fourth-fastest 40-yard dash time for defensive backs. 

The 5-10, 198-pound Johnson tied TCU's Bud Clark for the seventh-fastest 40-yard dash time (4.41 seconds) for safeties. Smith didn't run the 40-yard dash, and revealed that he suffered a fractured foot injury in Arizona's win over Oklahoma State in October — and played through it the second half of the season.  

The 6-2, 204-pound Smith had the highest vertical (42.5 inches) for safeties, with Stukes at No. 7 with 38 inches. Stukes tied Nebraska's DeShon Singleton and South Carolina's Jalon Kilgore for the best broad jump (10 feet, 10 inches). Smith had the fourth-best broad jump (10 feet, 8 inches) and the best three-cone drill time (4.18 seconds).

Stukes and Smith, who were both considered potential Day 2 (Rounds 2-3) picks and likely Day 3 (Rounds 4-7) selections, and Johnson made their case as UA defensive backs to get drafted. 

Considering Stukes' state championship-winning track background from his days at Millennium High School in Goodyear, it was conceivable for the veteran UA defensive back to have an impressive showing at the NFL Scouting Combine. His athleticism, along with his on-field production, could improve his stock between now and the NFL Draft. 

Stukes described the pre-draft and NFL Scouting Combine process as "surreal." 

"It's something that I grew up watching," Stukes told reporters in Indianapolis. "To be in the moment, to soak it in every day and be here with my two of my best friends has made it that much better. It's been great."

Added Johnson: "This is something we dream of as kids. Dreams to realities, and now it's time to live it."

In his final season as a Wildcat, after recovering from a season-ending knee injury, Stukes was named a third-team Associated Press All-American, becoming the second Wildcat in back-to-back seasons to earn AP All-American honors; Tetairoa McMillan was an AP All-American in 2024. Stukes is the first Arizona defensive player to earn AP All-American honors since linebacker Scooby Wright III in 2014. 

Stukes was also named an All-Big 12 first-team selection, an AP All-Big 12 second-teamer, and he locked in a Sporting News All-American honor.

Stukes' four interceptions this past season are tied for the second-most in the Big 12 for the year. His acrobatic interception in the Territorial Cup win over Arizona State was featured on SportsCenter's Top 10 plays on ESPN. 

Stukes said he's "really proud of how he's grown in the mental aspect of the game and becoming a complete defensive back." 

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"It's not just run and hit," Stukes said. "You gotta know what's going on and what's going around you, what your scheme is about and what you're trying to accomplish every time you're out there."

Johnson had the sixth-most tackles (97) in the Big 12 this past season — the most by a defensive back.

Johnson became the first Arizona defensive back since Darrell Brooks in 2004 and '05 to lead the Wildcats in tackles in back-to-back seasons. Johnson's 97 tackles are more than his season total from 2024.

Johnson ended the year earning Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors twice. He had 18 tackles in Arizona's home finale against Baylor, the most tackles by a Wildcat since Wright in 2014. Johnson also had an interception and forced fumble the following week against ASU in the Territorial Cup. 

Johnson ended his Arizona career with 285 tackles, seven forced fumbles and five interceptions. Johnson was a first-team All-Big 12 selection. This past season marked the first time Arizona had multiple first-team all-conference players since Jackie Wallace and Bob White in 1972. Stukes said Johnson "is one of the most dependable teammates I've ever played alongside with." 

"He's a guy you never have to worry about doing his job," Stukes added. "He's one of the most sure-tackling safeties I've seen in my career. You're getting a dog if you draft him." 

Smith, a Chandler Hamilton product, signed with Arizona in 2023 and then became a starter in ’24 following a season-ending injury to Gunner Maldonado. Smith started at three positions in Arizona's secondary in '24. 

Smith recorded 165 tackles, five interceptions and 19 pass deflections in three seasons as a Wildcat. He had a career-high 77 tackles and was named a third-team All-Big 12 selection this past season.

"He's an absolute workhorse," Stukes said of Smith. "He's always in the building, constantly watching tape, constantly working on his game, so he's going to be a guy that comes in and impacts the team right away. He's got great range and he's really dependable as a teammate and a middle safety." 

Stukes, Johnson and Smith — who opted out of the Holiday Bowl to prepare for the NFL Draft — led an Arizona defense that finished seventh in college football in passing defense and first in turnover margin. The Wildcats had more takeaways (31) than touchdowns allowed (28) and led the Big 12 in interceptions. Arizona was tops in college football passing defense efficiency. 

Smith, Stukes and Johnson weren't the only former UA defensive backs at the NFL Scouting Combine. Washington cornerback and former Wildcat Tacario Davis had the fifth-best 40-yard dash time (4.41 seconds) for cornerbacks; Ephesians Prysock ran the 40-yard dash in 4.45 seconds. 

In addition to the physical tests and on-field drills, players get to meet NFL scouts and front-office personnel.

Stukes said he formally met with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the NFL Scouting Combine. Smith formally met with the Carolina Panthers, Las Vegas Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Houston Texans. Johnson met with the Detroit Lions, Las Vegas Raiders, Minnesota Vikings and Washington Commanders. 

The NFL Draft in Pittsburgh is from April 23-25. Stukes, Johnson and Smith will likely become the first Arizona defensive backs taken in the NFL Draft since Dane Cruikshank in 2018.