We’ve all had enough of preseason watch lists, meaningless polls and coaches telling us how excited they are for the season.
It’s finally time for some football.
The Arizona Wildcats will officially open training camp Wednesday evening with a 5:45 p.m., practice. The UA’s players checked in yesterday, getting measured for equipment, having their headshots taken and sitting in on the first team meeting of 2015.
Before the Wildcats officially kick things off, here are five questions — and potential answers — facing the Wildcats as the season looms.
1. Will Anu Solomon be significantly better as a sophomore?
Arizona quarterback Anu Solomon (12) reaches back to pass during the third quarter of the University of Arizona vs. UNLV college football game on Friday, Aug. 29, 2014, at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Ariz. Arizona won 58-13. Photo by Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star
For the Wildcats to reach the 10-win plateau again and challenge for a Pac-12 South title, Solomon will have to better than he was a year ago. With three new linemen ahead of him and playing 12 straight weeks, the margin for error won’t be as big as it was a year ago. In the spring, Solomon said he was working hardest to improve his athleticism and strength. Coach Rich Rodriguez and quarterbacks coach Rod Smith reiterated it. If Solomon is able to do more with his legs, it will allow Rodriguez to open up more wrinkles on offense and could keep Solomon away from big hits. If Solomon doesn’t make the necessary jump from freshmen to sophomore, it will greatly hinder the UA’s offense, even with so many returning skill position players.
Arizona running back Cayleb Jones (1) celebrates his touchdown during the fourth quarter of the University of Arizona vs. Nevada college football game on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014, at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Ariz. Arizona won 35-28. Photo by Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star
2. Can Cayleb Jones establish himself as one of the top receivers in the nation?
Jones went over 1,000 yards last season, while dealing with a hand injury and some inconsistency. He showed his potential in a few games — Cal comes to mind — but had trouble making a big impact in others. If he’s able to become a more consistent threat — something that could happen if he stays healthy — he should have a breakout season nationally. In terms of talent and ability, there aren’t many receivers in the country who can do what Jones can. The Wildcats would really like Samajie Grant, Nate Phillips, Trey Griffey and David Richards to be effective early in the season so Jones won’t see double teams early in Pac-12 play.
3. What will Scooby Wright do for an encore?
Arizona linebacker Scooby Wright III (33) brings down Arizona State quarterback Mike Bercovici (2) by his helmet for a sack during the fourth quarter of the No. 12 University of Arizona vs. No. 13 Arizona State college football game on Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Ariz. Arizona won 42-35.
I think there’s a very real chance Wright will develop into a better linebacker this season and do more for the Wildcats, but see his numbers dip. It seems highly unlikely the middle linebacker can match his numbers from last year. That’s OK. Arizona really doesn’t need him to. There are a few more playmakers around him this year and Rodriguez and defensive coordinator Jeff Casteel have both said they would like to improve Wright’s coverage skills. If he does dip into coverage more, his sacks and tackles-for-loss will obviously decline. But Wright has proven he’s a gamechanger. It will be important for him to stay healthy and control the defense, even if at the end of the year, his numbers have taken a considerable dip.
4. Who wins that center job?
The center position will never command that much attention, but there is no more significant position battle in camp this year than the center spot. Carter Wood seems like the early favorite to win the job, or at least get the first crack at it. He’s noticeably stronger than a year ago and has the firmest grasp on the offense of all the candidates. Wood won’t dominate the position, but the Wildcats are strong enough at the other four spots on the line, they don’t need him to. Zach Hemmila, part of Rodriguez’s first recruiting class, is also an interesting player to watch. He could definitely make a run at the position if he’s in good enough shape. David Catalano, the former Ka’Deem Carey teammate at Canyon del Oro High School, is the darkhorse in the race. If he can get his snapping down, he will have a real chance at the job.
5. Who steps up on the defensive line?
There are a lot of question marks up front on defense even with so many returning players. Reggie Gilbert will hold down one end spot, but will need some reps off throughout the games. Sani Fuimaono and Parker Zellers figure to split time at nose. The other end spot is wide open. Anthony Fotu, Jeff Worthy and Timmy Hamilton all should see time there. Fotu didn’t have a great spring, but it was valuable that he was in Tucson, learning the scheme. If Worthy can stay healthy, he’s a big body who is used to the scheme by now. Hamilton figures to be a pass rushing specialist early, but that could change as the season wears on. Calvin Allen, a redshirt sophomore, could also be ready to start getting regular reps at end. The UA will need a few players other than Gilbert, Zellers and Fuimaono to step up.
The UA updated its online roster Wednesday morning. As we've reported in the past, Keenan Walker, the team's top recruit, will grayshirt this season as he recovers from a knee injury. He's not listed on the roster. Either is cornerback Antonio Parks from New Orleans. He's also expected to grayshirt and could join in the spring.
