Arizona kicks off the first fall training camp under new head coach Brent Brennan next week, and the Wildcats will roll out a plethora of new faces added to the 2024 roster.
Some of the additions the Wildcats picked up in the transfer portal were in Tucson for spring practices.
Between the signing period in December, the 30-day transfer portal period after Brennan moved from San Jose State to the UA and the spring period during the tail end of spring practices, Arizona added 24 transfers.
After spring football evaluations, extensive research and positions that need depth, here are 10 prospects we believe will have a major impact for the Wildcats in 2024.
Arizona defensive lineman Tre Smith hits a padded teammate as the defensive unit works out in the Wildcats' 2023 spring practice session at Arizona Stadium.
Tre Smith
Position: Defensive end
Year: Redshirt junior
Height, weight: 6-5, 255 pounds
Former school: San Jose State
The rundown: Smith, a Mesa native and former Red Mountain High School star, recorded 66 tackles and 6.5 sacks and was named a first-team All-Mountain West selection. Smith will likely man one of Arizona’s starting edge-rushing spots and potentially lead the team in sacks.
He said it: “He’s exactly who I thought he was going to be when he came here.” — Arizona defensive line coach Joe Seumalo
Running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt rushed for over 1,000 yards last year with New Mexico. On Saturday, he’ll likely be starting in the backfield for Arizona against his former Lobos teammates.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt
Position: Running back
Year: Redshirt senior
Height, weight: 5-11, 204 pounds
Former school: New Mexico
The rundown: In his lone season at New Mexico, after previously playing four seasons at Alabama State, Croskey-Merritt rushed for 1,190 yards, which ranked 23rd in college football, and 17 touchdowns; he averaged 6.3 yards per carry last season. His 17 rushing touchdowns ranked fifth nationally. After flipping from Ole Miss to Arizona, Croskey-Merritt will headline the UA’s rebuilt running backs room that lost its top three rushers.
He said it: “He’s a big-play football player, he’s a do-it-all (player), he can catch the ball, run the ball, block — he does it all, so I’m really excited to have him bring a different element to our backfield. ... He’ll have a chance to play in the Big 12, represent us and give us that leadership and experience that we need to take this football team to the next level. I think he’ll be a great addition to this team.” — Arizona running backs coach Alonzo Carter
Then-USC defensive lineman Stanley Ta’ufo’ou (47) celebrates after a 66-14 win over Nevada in an NCAA college football game in Los Angeles on Sept. 2, 2023.
Stanley Ta’ufo’ou
Position: Defensive line
Year: Redshirt senior
Height, weight: 6-2, 275 pounds
Year: Redshirt senior
Former school: USC
The rundown: In 36 games over his five-year career at USC, Ta’ufo’ou recorded 55 tackles, 7.5 stops for loss, a sack and three fumble recoveries, including a 23-yard touchdown return against Nevada last season. Ta’ufo’ou will be one of Arizona’s most experienced defensive linemen this season.
He said it: “Stan’s a grown man. ... To have him as a veteran player and all of the plays he’s played at a very high level with USC, so he’s accustomed to doing all of that and facing fast bodies. He fits right in, he’s explosive, athletic, smart. He’ll fit right in.” — Seumalo
Arizona backfield newcomer Quali Conley runs through drills during spring football practice at Tomey Field on the UA campus on April 11.
Quali Conley
Position: Running back
Year: Senior
Height, weight: 5-10, 210 pounds
Former school: San Jose State
The rundown: If EA Sports’ College Football 25 video game has anything to say about it, Conley will start at running back for Arizona. Under Brennan at San Jose State, Conley finished last season seventh in the Mountain West with 842 yards and nine touchdowns.
He said it: “Downhill runner, he can catch the ball, he can block, he can do everything, and I’m excited about him joining our backfield, because he’s going to bring something different. He’s very unselfish, but when he touches the ball, he can make a lot of things happen.” — Carter
Syracuse defensive lineman Kevon Darton, right, pursues Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis during the first half of their game on Oct. 14, 2023, in Tallahassee, Florida. Darton is now at Arizona.
Kevon Darton
Position: Defensive line
Year: Redshirt senior
Height, weight: 5-11, 271 pounds
Former school: Syracuse
The rundown: Darton joined Syracuse as a walk-on in 2019 before becoming a mainstay in the Orange defense, starting the last two seasons at nose tackle. Darton logged 110 tackles, 12 stops for loss, five sacks, a forced fumble and fumble recovery in four seasons at Syracuse. Darton will likely play interior defensive lineman at Arizona but can play anywhere on the line.
He said it: “Stout at the line of scrimmage and he’ll definitely demand two blocks. As a linebacker, you love stuff like that, when guys use up blocks and linebackers are able to come downhill and make plays. He’s a tough, all-around player.” — Seumalo
Former Old Dominion wide receiver Reymello Murphy is one of several additions the Arizona Wildcats made through the transfer portal this spring.
Reymello Murphy
Position: Wide receiver
Year: Senior
Height, weight: 6-0, 185 pounds
Former school: Old Dominion
The rundown: Murphy led Old Dominion in receiving yards (502) and ranked 27th in college football in yards per catch (17.9) in 13 games with the Monarchs. Before his lone season at Old Dominion Murphy had 17 catches for 297 yards and three touchdowns at College of San Mateo in 2022. Murphy will be among the list of receivers competing to be the starting slot receiver.
He said it: “His experience is a really big part in why we went and got him out of the portal this year. He’s played a lot of football. ... I expect him to make a lot of big plays this year down the field, and bring a lot of experience as well as comfortability within the room and make sure we’re all gelling together.” — Arizona wide receivers coach Bobby Wade
Former San Jose State tight end Sam Olson runs during a game against USC in 2023.
Sam Olson
Position: Tight end
Year: Redshirt junior
Height, weight: 6-3, 242 pounds
Former school: San Jose State
The rundown: Olson joined San Jose State in 2020 and had 45 receptions for 594 yards and six touchdowns in his four years with the Spartans. Olson had the fourth-most receiving yards (310) for the Spartans last season. Olson will become a part of Arizona’s scholarship tight end group that also includes redshirt senior Roberto Miranda, who had an impressive spring, and junior Keyan Burnett, redshirt sophomore Tyler Powell, redshirt freshman Dorian Thomas and freshman Dylan Tapley.
He said it: “He’s the only guy I’ve had that got playing time as a true freshman, which is a testament to his competitiveness and maturity. ... An all-around guy, crafty, he’s not the biggest tight end, but he understands how to use technique.” — Arizona tight ends coach Matt Adkins
Demetrius Freeney
Position: Cornerback
Year: Junior
Height, weight: 6-0, 190 pounds
Former school: Miami
The rundown: Freeney joins the Wildcats after one season at Miami, where he signed to play for former UA secondary coach Jahmile Adae. Freeney appeared in three games during his one season in Miami but didn’t record any stats.
Before Miami, Freeney starred at the College of San Mateo in Northern California. Freeney had two interceptions, six pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in one season at the College of San Mateo. Freeney will compete with redshirt freshman Emmanuel Karnley, redshirt sophomore Jai-Ayviauynn Celestine and Louisville transfer Marquis Groves-Killebrew, among others, for Arizona’s second cornerback position
He said it: “He’s a long, physical, press corner who can run, which is exactly what we’re looking for to add to the cornerback room. I see ‘Meech’ fitting right into our room that’s already pretty deep.” — Arizona cornerbacks coach Chip Viney
Ma’ae
Chubba Ma’ae
Position: Defensive tackle
Year: Senior
Height, weight: 6-2, 347 pounds
Former school: UC Davis
The rundown: Ma’ae was one of few players who signed to Arizona under former head coach Jedd Fisch, but stayed at the UA despite the coaching change. With nose tackle Bill Norton transferring to Texas, Ma’ae is among the candidates to start this season.
He said it: “The biggest reason why I stayed is the guys. Yeah, Coach (Jason) Kaufusi and Coach (Johnny) Nansen recruited me, but the main reason why I stayed is because when I came here on my visit, we were hanging out at some of the guys’ house, and it just felt like another Saturday at my cousin’s house. — Ma’ae
Michael Wooten
Position: Offensive tackle
Year: Redshirt sophomore
Height, weight: 6-4, 310 pounds
Former school: Oregon
The rundown: Wooten, who starred at Sierra Canyon High School in Chatsworth, California, was recruited by Arizona State, Colorado and Utah in 2022 but signed with Oregon. If left tackle Raymond Pulido is unable to stay healthy, Wooten could be another option at left tackle for Arizona.
He said it: “With the training he’s going to get in the strength and conditioning program, as well as the changes we’re going to make to his game overall on the offensive line, it’s going to make huge dividends for him.” — Arizona offensive line coach Josh Oglesby
Honorable mention
Lance Keneley, defensive end, Stanford
Shancco Matautia, offensive line, New Mexico
Marquis Groves-Killebrew, cornerback, Louisville
Justin Holloway, long snapper, Ohio
Alexander Doost, offensive line, Northwestern
Owen Goss, defensive back, Colgate
Kedrick Reescano, running back, Ole Miss
Chase Kennedy, edge rusher, Utah
Jack Luttrell, defensive back, Tennessee
Ryan Stewart, offensive line, San Jose State
Jarra Anderson, defensive line, Memphis
Jonah Rodriguez, offensive line, San Diego State
Anthony Garcia, quarterback, San Jose State
Adam Damante, quarterback Northern Arizona
