Aside from veteran Jerry Roberts, the Arizona Wildcats don’t have much experience at linebacker. In fact, they have hardly any at all.
Roberts, the projected starter at the “Mike” linebacker spot, has appeared in 29 college games at Arizona and Bowling Green. He started 21 of them.
The top three candidates to fill out the two-deep at the “Mike” and “Will” positions — Malik Reed, Ammon Allen and Kolbe Cage — have one combined start. They have appeared in 13 games, with Reed accounting for nine of them (as well as the lone starting assignment).
Complicating matters further, first-year defensive coordinator Johnny Nansen didn’t get a complete look at Roberts and Reed during spring practice. Both were in and out of the lineup because of injuries.
So when Nansen says he and the defensive staff are still trying to sort things out at linebacker, he means it.
“We’re still in that process,” Nansen said Thursday after Arizona’s second practice of training camp. “Just trying to figure out what the puzzle is, trying to fit guys within the system.
“It’s good to have Jerry back. But there’s so much learning in that group. We’re so young. It’s my job to get them gelled together and try to bring them along.”
The youthful linebacking crew has at least two things going for it: Nansen is coaching the position, and Roberts is comfortable serving as the unit’s leader.
Reed, a third-year sophomore, is roommates with Roberts and called him his “big bro.” Allen, a redshirt freshman, views Roberts the same way.
“An amazing influence,” Allen said. “He’s a big brother. He definitely is an example to us, always helping the young guys. And super energetic, always.”
Roberts is in his sixth year of college football. He spent his first four seasons at Bowling Green before transferring to Arizona last offseason.
Roberts started Games 6 through 11 after the departure of fellow transfer Treshaun Hayward. But Roberts’ season ended abruptly when he suffered a broken leg on the first play from scrimmage on Nov. 19 at Washington State.
Roberts’ recovery limited his participation in spring ball.
“It was definitely hard not being able to compete out there my brothers,” said Roberts, who totaled 32 tackles last season. “But I was looking at the bigger picture.
“Spring ball is extremely important, trying to develop players. But the ultimate goal is (being) able to play that first game. That’s what we were trying to do. And it’s worth it because I feel good right now.”
Asked if he was 100%, Roberts upped the ante.
“One hundred fifty,” he said.
Nansen said it’s “hard to tell” if Roberts is completely back.
Kolbe Cage, pictured during spring ball, started six games at linebacker for the Arizona Wildcats in 2022.
“But he’s pushing himself. That’s what I like to see,” Nansen said. “He’s out here, he’s being a leader, which is what I’m looking for, especially from a guy that’s experienced and played a lot of football. I need his leadership.”
Roberts’ biggest piece of advice for his fellow linebackers is to “treat every play like a full-speed play. You literally can’t take any plays off because the minute you take a play off, an injury might happen.” Roberts learned that lesson first-hand.
Reed was the biggest beneficiary of Roberts’ injury. Reed made his first career start in Arizona’s 2021 finale at Arizona State. It was a homecoming game and the realization of a dream for Reed, who attended Chandler High School. He also came to Arizona as a transfer, leaving Wisconsin after one season.
Reed tallied eight tackles in that game, tying for the team lead, and was in line for first-team reps in spring. But Reed hurt his hamstring just before the start of practice, and the injury lingered.
“It just bothered me the whole (time). I never really got to be 100%,” Reed said.
“It was very frustrating, not being able to be healthy and get out there with the boys. It made me want to play even more. I’m ready to get after it now.”
Reed has been playing with the second unit alongside Allen. Roberts has been paired with Cage on the first team.
While Reed has ideal size for a “Will” at 6-2, 230 pounds, Allen is still working on building up his body. Allen mainly played safety at Highland High School in Mesa. In spring, the staff moved him to linebacker. Allen, who’s 6-3, currently weighs 212 pounds. He’d like to get up to 225. The process hasn’t been easy.
Allen has to eat 5,500-6,000 calories a day just to maintain his weight. To add more, he’ll have to eat more. What’s that process like?
“A job,” Allen said.
At least he’s getting compensated for it now. Allen, along with fellow linebacker Dante Smith, was put on scholarship during the offseason. Allen came to Arizona as a walk-on. He had offers from other schools but none from a program in a Power Five conference.
“So grateful for that moment,” Allen said of receiving a scholarship. “My parents definitely were super happy about that.”
Allen appeared in three games last season. Cage got into just one. But he’s getting every opportunity to start.
Whether it’s Cage, Allen or Reed lining up next to Roberts – or two of the three in a three-linebacker alignment Nansen has added during camp – experience will be at a premium. But optimism is abundant.
“I think we’re all on the right track,” Reed said. “Everyone just has to keep working, keep their head down.”
Rotation situation
Much like his predecessors, Nansen is vowing to play “a lot of guys” on defense.
“In college football, you average anywhere from 80-90 snaps,” he said. “So we got to have guys that can play, especially up front. Kids (get) hurt because they play so (many) snaps. It’s a long season for these guys.
“I know they’re gonna make mistakes. But that’s our job as coaches to fix the mistakes. I’m not afraid for them to be in there and make mistakes.”
Nansen said he would aim for a three-deep rotation on the defensive line and wants to go at least two-deep at linebacker. He didn’t specifically reference the secondary, where it would be difficult to envision players such as Christian Roland-Wallace, Jaxen Turner and Christian Young leaving the field for any substantial period.
But when asked if he could see a scenario where a player would play every snap, Nansen said: “No, that would never happen in my defense.”
Arizona coach Jedd Fisch watches as wide receivers run through drills during Thursday’s practice on campus.
Extra points
During practice, the team again focused primarily on fundamental work — leverage, footwork and other drills. The Wildcats did not engage in any 7-on-7 or 11-on-11. That could change Friday, when they practice with shoulder pads for the first time.
Tailback D.J. Williams made his UA debut and participated in all individual drills. He appeared to cramp up during sprints at the end of practice – not surprising given that he only recently arrived on campus after transferring from Florida State.
Tailback Rayshon “Speedy” Luke, receiver Anthony Simpson and cornerback Treydan Stukes were among the leaders in their sprinting groups.
Offensive lineman Anthony Patt appeared to have turn an ankle during drills but still participated in the sprints.
Defensive end Jason Harris did not practice because of an illness. He’s expected to be back soon.
Defensive tackle Kyon Barrs, on the mend from foot surgery, spent a portion of practice working on the side.
The UA released an updated roster featuring heights and weights for most newcomers. Freshman cornerback Tacario Davis is listed at 6-foot-4, as is fellow freshman corner Ephesians Prysock.
