Further proof that Arizona’s future is bright: Two Wildcats earned Pac-12 freshman-of-the-year honors Tuesday.
Linebacker Colin Schooler was named the league’s Defensive Freshman of the Year, while running back J.J. Taylor was named its co-Offensive Freshman of the Year.
Schooler, a true freshman, is tied for 13th in the conference in tackles (88) and tied for fourth in stops for losses (13.5). Schooler ranks second on Arizona in tackles behind teammate fellow freshman Tony Fields II (91) and is tied for second with Fields in sacks (four) behind another freshman, Kylan Wilborn (7.5).
Taylor, a redshirt freshman, has rushed for 828 yards, second most on the team. He averages 6.1 yards per rush and has seven total touchdowns.
Taylor appeared to be on his way to a huge season last year before suffering a broken ankle in Week 4, enabling him to redshirt. He shares the Offensive Freshman of the Year award with Stanford offensive lineman Walker Little.
Cardinal tailback Bryce Love has been named Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year. The league’s leading rusher is a finalist for the Heisman Trophy.
Washington defensive tackle Vita Vea is the Pat Tillman Defensive Player of the Year. The massive Vea anchored the league’s top-ranked defense.
Stanford’s David Shaw was named Coach of the Year after leading the Cardinal to the North Division championship.
We’ll have more on Schooler and Taylor's honors later today.
