Arizona Wildcats defensive back DJ Warnell entered his name into the transfer portal but will continue to practice with the UA this spring while he continues to weigh his options, a UA spokesperson said at Arizona's spring football practice on Tuesday.
Warnell will enter the portal, which closes on April 30, as a graduate transfer but still has the option to return to Arizona. The 6-3, 200-pound defensive back from La Marque, Texas practiced on Tuesday.Β
Arizona head coach Brent Brennan said last week players entering the portal would likely miss practice, but noted "that would be more specific to each kid."
"Itβs interesting and those things can be complicated because sometimes the team is unhappy when that happens, right? Everyone in this game of football, theyβre so connected and everyone counts on each other so much. ... Itβs hard to rep a guy if heβs not going to be here," Brennan said. "That doesnβt make a ton of sense. Youβd rather give the rep to somebody else and let them develop and get better.β
Warnell transferred to Arizona after two seasons at UCLA and reunited with then-UA defensive coordinator Johnny Nansen, who was an assistant for the Bruins. In two seasons at Arizona, Warnell was a key contributor to the Wildcats' special teams units and "dollar" package defense that features seven defensive backs. Warnell, who started two games at safety in 2022, appeared in 25 games and recorded 41 tackles, three sacks, a pass breakup and a fumble recovery in two seasons.
This spring, Warnell is among the list of players playing nickel back, or "Star,"Β behind returning starter Treydan Stukes. In the early looks at Arizona's dollar package, Warnell is among the list of defensive backs used.
Warnell joined defensive tackle Bill Norton and offensive tackle Joseph Borjon as Wildcats to enter the transfer portal this spring.Β
The Wildcats continue their spring practice schedule on Thursday at 3:50 p.m. at the Dick Tomey Practice Fields. Arizona's spring game is on April 27 at 6 p.m. at Arizona Stadium.Β Β
