The 17 most valuable Arizona Wildcats football players of 2017: No. 12

Continuing our countdown of the 17 most valuable Arizona Wildcats of 2017.

Before we go any further, some reminders:

“Most valuable” does not necessarily mean “best.” Rather, we’re defining it as the contributions and traits that most influence winning football. They include talent, leadership and projected role and production.

Newcomers were not eligible for the list. Although many might become major contributors this year, especially on defense, their roles are just too difficult to predict in June.

NO. 12: WR CAM DENSON

Ht/Wt/Yr: 5-11, 187, senior

Comment: Let’s begin with the premise that the Wildcats’ passing game will be better than it was last season because, well, it has to be, right?

Not attempting a pass in the second half of the Territorial Cup was cool and all, but it wouldn’t have transpired that way if Rich Rodriguez had more faith in the pass game. With Brandon Dawkins and Khalil Tate having more seasoning – and Donavan Tate possibly ramping up the competition – it’s reasonable to project more production through the air.

Meanwhile, the receiving corps is in the midst of a major overhaul. Three of last year’s top four pass catchers – trusted vets Nate Phillips, Trey Griffey and Samajie Grant – are gone. No. 2 and No. 5 return. Opportunities for Shun Brown and Denson should be plentiful.

We’ll get to Brown at a later date. For now the focus is on the supremely talented Denson, who hasn’t lived up to his high school hype as of yet – but has one more season to remind Tucsonans what all the fuss was about.

Denson seemed destined for stardom after earning all-state and All-American accolades at Salpointe Catholic. Then he took a detour at his hometown university, spending two seasons at cornerback before switching to receiver in the spring of 2016.

Denson wasn’t much of a factor in the first half of the season, catching only four balls. Over the next five games, he showed flashes of what he could become.

Denson caught 11 passes over a five-game stretch preceding the Territorial Cup. (Arizona completed only three passes in that game – two to Phillips, one to Josh Kern.)

Even more significant, Denson averaged 18.8 yards per grab. He had a 51-yard reception against USC and a 47-yard touchdown against Washington State (perhaps the lone UA highlight in an otherwise miserable game).

Denson showed glimpses of the big-play form he regularly displayed in high school. He showed that he finally was getting it – that he was figuring out what it took to succeed at a higher level. Denson was used to being the best athlete on the field. It took him some time to adapt to being one of many.

Denson seemed to be building on that successful stretch in spring practice before suffering a foot injury a little past the halfway point. He still was wearing a walking boot more than a month later at Arizona’s April 22 fan event. That Denson was dancing in the Wildcats’ uniform-unveiling video Tuesday has to be considered a positive sign.

Assuming he’s healthy, Denson will be the favorite to secure the No. 2 receiver spot behind Brown. Assuming he keeps improving, Denson has a chance to be a difference maker in that role.

We’re assuming a lot here, but Denson has the talent and the opportunity to be one of Arizona’s most valuable players this season. He has a real shot to put the past behind him.

THE 17 MOST VALUABLE WILDCATS OF 2017