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SENIOR QUARTERBACK B.J. Denker hands off the ball to the nation’s rushing yards leader Ka’Deem Carey in fall camp practice. The duo will look to lead the team to a bowl game this season.
B2 • THE DAILY WILDCAT
Football Guide • Thursday, August 29, 2013
Rich Rod coy about depth chart BY LUKE DELLA
The Daily Wildcat
You don’t need to ask Arizona head football coach Rich Rodriguez what he’s going to wear to practice tomorrow. You can bet you’ll find him wearing a red Arizona shirt with extra-short khakis, a blue Arizona hat and his whistle slung around his neck. What isn’t so clear right now is what the 28 year veteran coach is thinking — strange, because the coach loves to talk. But Rodriguez has kept his mouth shut so far on who he and coaches plan to start at any position for Friday’s season opener against Northern Arizona University. “I know I’m being vague but that’s the way I kind of am,” Rodriguez said after being asked again about the depth chart. “I’m usually pretty straightforward. Usually.” Rodriguez is by no means shy, and has no problem telling the media or fans if someone has played badly. But for some reason Rodriguez has chosen to be less vocal about which players he feels most comfortable with and how confident he is in playing them. Rodriguez was fortunate to have quarterback Matt Scott return last year. Scott was the unanimous favorite to replace Nick Foles before Rodriguez had even been hired to coach in November of 2011. Last year, Rodriguez wasn’t asked consistently about a quarterback battle like he has been now that Scott has gone to the NFL. Not only that, but naming Scott as the starter early showed confidence. On Monday, Rodriguez held his first weekly press conference at the Lowell-Stevens Football Facility. Monday also marked the first release of the depth chart, which Rodriguez claimed to have only looked at once or twice before the afternoon meeting. And to no surprise, the very first question that he was asked was if he’d named a starter for Friday’s game. “Is that the first question?” Rodriguez asked. “Oh, I don’t know. I mean, I know, but I’m not going to tell you. I don’t feel there’s any need to right now.” Rodriguez said that senior B.J. Denker was the favorite going into camp since he was the veteran and only quarterback who could stay
TYLER BESH/THE DAILY WILDCAT
HEAD COACH RICH RODRIGUEZ prepares to speak with the media at the Arizona football media day held in the new Lowell-Stevens Football Facility Aug. 18.
healthy this past spring and fall, but it didn’t take long before Rodriguez was asked once again who was going to be under center for the Wildcats. Following Arizona’s Monday practice, just five hours after the press conference, the media once again approached Rodriguez. However, this time he was quicker with his response. “There’s no new news, what do you want to know?” Rodriguez said. “I know nothing.” Rodriguez’s fuzzy responses to questions about the depth chart and his starting quarterback have frustrated not just the media but also fans. That being said, the team sees no problem with its coach’s vague answers. “You never know where you’re going to play,” senior offensive lineman Chris Putton said. “Honestly, I think [the vagueness] brings a little more competition to practice, and that’s definitely a good thing.” Rodriguez has said since the spring that he doesn’t and won’t feel pressure to name someone as the starting quarterback until the referees spot the ball for Friday’s game, and that goes for every position. He even noted at Monday’s press conference that they would play two, maybe three, but
mean, quarterback wherever will become clearer as the is a unique position. season goes on.” But at most Rodriguez has been secretive positions you’re on a lot of issues this past year and Alma mater: West Virginia fighting each week will most likely continue to keep to Overall head coaching career: 128-89-2 with someone else himself. probably no more than four 2001 3-8 West Virginia Year Record School Bowl 1996 6-4 Glenville State 2012 8-5 Arizona New Mexico 1995 8-2 Glenville State 2010 7-6 Michigan Gator 1994 8-3 Glenville State 2009 5-7 Michigan 1993 10-3 Glenville State 2008 3-9 Michigan 1992 6-4 Glenville State 2007 10-2 West Virginia Fiesta 1991 4-5-1 Glenville State 2006 11-2 West Virginia Gator 1990 1-7-1 Glenville State 2005 11-1 West Virginia Sugar 1988 2-8 Salem 2004 8-4 West Virginia Gator 2003 8-5 West Virginia Gator 2002 9-4 West Virginia Continental Tire
Rich Rodriguez
quarterbacks if that’s what it took to beat NAU. Of course, neither Scott nor other former Wildcat quarterback Nick Foles will walk through the tunnel Friday night. Whoever has the strongest week of practice before Friday’s game will be named the starter and will likely continue until someone emerges as the leader. “I don’t think he’s coaching different. I just think it’s a different situation [than last year],” sophomore receiver Johnny Jackson said. “I
for playing time until someone breaks out.” Jackson, who will be fighting for playing time at the slot receiver and kick return position, said he understands that fans and the media want to know who will be playing quarterback week one through the end of the season. But that’s not how players and coaches think. “The season is an evolution,” Jackson said. “As long as everyone is getting better, who will be the starters at wide receiver or quarterback or
“I know coaches try to be coy, but we don’t treat the quarterback position any different than any other position,” Rodriguez said. “I mean, you could be starting on Tuesday but not on Wednesday. But with the inexperience we have right now at [quarterback] it’s an ongoing battle until someone can win the job as they gain experience.” — Follow Luke Della @LukeDellaDW
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Football Guide • Thursday, August 29, 2013
THE DAILY WILDCAT • B3
Native Arizonans bring loyalty to program BY SCARLETT MCCOURT
The Daily Wildcat
RYAN REVOCK/THE DAILY WILDCAT
JUNIOR SAFETY Jared Tevis practices during fall camp. Tevis is a Tucson native who attended Canyon del Oro High School.
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Thirty-three of the players on the Arizona football squad are actually from Arizona. There are certainly benefits of having state and local players at the UA. According to head coach Rich Rodriguez, local players aren’t as likely to become homesick. Arizona guys already know about and understand the UA’s football program and the university itself, Rodriguez said. But the biggest benefit of having Arizona guys on the squad? Pride. Senior linebacker Jake Fischer is a Tucson local. He played football for Ironwood Ridge high school and said he had connections to other Arizona players. Fischer’s brother played basketball with junior running back Ka’Deem Carey. Fischer played against junior safety Jared Tevis’ older brother. Being familiar with each other created a sense of camaraderie and a
higher level of respect, Fischer said. “We already know of each other,” Fischer said. “We’ve played against each other; we respect each other and what the other has accomplished.” For other Tucson locals, playing for the Wildcats was a dream come true. “Growing up watching this Arizona Wildcats team, we dreamed of having control and being leaders of this team,” Carey said. “Now that we have the chance, we’re just running with it.” Carey played at Canyon Del Oro High School here in Tucson, as did Tevis. As the star running back during his junior year, Carey led his team to a state championship in 2009. Wildcat pride wasn’t just limited to Tucson — it infected the state. It led star players from across Arizona to join forces with other stars they had only heard of as they continued their football careers. “We have pride. We’ve lived here. We love Arizona,” said sophomore receiver DaVonte’ Neal. “We decided to come here and build that team we didn’t have in high school and do bigger things than we did in high
school.” Neal transferred to the Wildcats this offseason from Notre Dame, in part to be close to his family. He played for Chaparral High School in Scottsdale. With the new $72.3 million Lowell-Stevens Football Facility, it is easy to believe that more Arizona residents will want to come play for the Wildcats, simply for the logistical perks. But at the end of the day, the pride Arizonans have for their high school players is what Rodriguez said he wants for the Wildcats. “There’s a lot of pride for guys playing at local high schools,” Rodriguez said. “We want that same pride for our players here at Arizona … We want all the good players to come here.” — James Kelley contributed to this report.
— Follow Scarlett McCourt @scarlettnoelani
Beat writers and editors predict 2013 season’s outcome BY JAMES KELLEY The Daily Wildcat
BY MEGAN COGHLAN The Daily Wildcat
BY LUKE DELLA The Daily Wildcat
Arizona got lucky in 2012 with quarterback Matt Scott. The then-redshirt senior helped lift an injury-plagued and transitioning Wildcats team to seven regular season wins by covering up many of its weaknesses. With Scott now playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars and top receiver Austin Hill injured, it’s hard to know if the Wildcats’ record will improve, especially if the defense can’t stay healthy. And with the Pac-12 conference being as tough as it is, Arizona fans should be content if head coach Rich Rodriguez manages another seven-win season in his second year. That being said, the Wildcats have the luxury of having an easy non-conference schedule and not playing No. 4 Stanford or No. 25 Oregon State. Prediction: 8-4 Bowl prediction: Alamo Bowl Underrated player: Receiver Johnny Jackson Overrated player: Quarterback B.J. Denker
BY SCARLETT MCCOURT The Daily Wildcat
I tend to bet on the underdog, and for that reason, I’m staying optimistic about this season. Although the quarterback situation would make most people nervous, I think they will find a rhythm sooner rather than later. Ka’Deem will be Ka’Deem, enough said. The defense has depth. Besides, there’s no way the defense can be worse than last season, so we shouldn’t get steamrolled this year. I’m looking at you, Oregon. Do I think we’ll be good enough to beat an Oregon or a USC? No, I’m realistic. But do I think we’ll come on top of ASU at ASU? Well, I sure hope so. Prediction: 8-4 Bowl prediction: Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl Underrated player: Quarterback Jesse Scroggins Overrated player: Quarterback B.J. Denker
This year is full of changes for the Wildcats. With a new quarterback, new facility, new uniforms and new turf, this season could be full of surprises. The quarterback role is still up in the air, but whoever grabs the spot will have big shoes to fill. Matt Scott, now an NFL rookie, finished last season with 27 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Last season, senior B.J. Denker threw for 259 yards as reserve quarterback. As the biggest contender for the starting spot, he’ll need to step up his game if the Wildcats are going to have a better season than the last. Arizona’s defense has major kinks to straighten out, but with the addition of strong defenders like Scooby Wright and help from veterans like Jake Fischer, more depth makes a brighter future seem possible. Prediction: 8-4 Bowl prediction: Las Vegas Bowl Underrated player: Running back Daniel Jenkins Overrated player: Receiver/Defensive back Richard Morrison
Arizona went 7-5 and won a bowl game in Rich Rodriguez’s first season, his best debut by far. Rodriguez’s M.O. has been to start slow then improve. So the UA should win 10-plus games and contend for the Pac-12 South championship, right? To quote Lee Corso, “Not so fast, my friend.” Arizona has yet to sufficiently answer the quarterback question, must replace two superstar receivers, has a questionable defense and only has three home games in September and October. Still, the Wildcats have an easy nonconference schedule and their two biggest games, Oregon and UCLA, are at home. Except for a bunch of run-ins with the law during the offseason and Austin Hill’s injury, Arizona has been on a roll. It’s probably foolish to bet against the “hard edge” at this point. Prediction: 8-4 Bowl prediction: Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl Underrated player: Offensive lineman Chris Putton Overrated player: Receiver/Defensive back Richard Morrison
B4 • THE DAILY WILDCAT
Thursday, August 29, 2013
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Football Guide • Thursday, August 29, 2013
The Daily Wildcat • B5
Upgrades take Arizona football to next level out of town despite 10-win and 12-win seasons. He was followed by Mackovic the trainwreck, who only lasted 28 games and got fired after his players rebelled against him. BY james kelley Then came Mike Stoops, who had The Daily Wildcat success — three bowls, and he came within a play of the Rose Bowl — but he fter decades of being known as a was an assistant coach, not a leading basketball school, Arizona is finally man. After his defensive coordinator getting serious about football. and brother, Mark Stoops (now the I’m pretty familiar with UA football — I Kentucky head coach), and his offensive have been going to Arizona football games coordinator, Sonny Dykes (now the Cal since before I was born. I was born at head coach), left, the program fell apart the University of Arizona Medical Center and the Wildcats lost 10 games in a row to and grew up in Tucson. Trust me when I FBS teams. say that the changes in the last few years In came Rodriguez and suddenly the have made Arizona football pretty much Wildcats were 8-5, including a bowl win, unrecognizable. with mostly the same players. That’s not to say that the Wildcats were By all accounts, Stoops was not very terrible (except for the John Mackovic era). social. Rodriguez, on the other hand, is They were the second-winningest team media savvy, even joking with reporters in the Pac-10 in the 1990s and 31st in the during media day. country according to a 2000 article in the And remember, Rodriguez was offered Tucson Citizen, but now it the Alabama job and looks like the UA is really eventually took the Michigan serious about gridiron. Long gone are job. How many coaches have In 2011, the athletics the days of that type of résumé, at any department added a huge school? the Wildcats 113-by-47 foot video Meanwhile ASU had to having to trek board and trashed the settle for Todd Graham, who to McKale ratty-looking bleachers in “won” an ESPN the Magazine the south end zone. Then Center to poll of players as the “last in 2012 the department change after coach you’d ever want to play demolished the north games... for.” When he left Pittsburgh end zone bleachers that after one season, he told his used to be called “the high players via text. school section.” Sure, Rodriguez failed Now this season it’s at Michigan, but Rich Rod debuting the Lowellwas sabotaged according to “Three Stevens Football Facility, turning Arizona and Out: Rich Rodriguez and the Stadium into a bowl and adding more Michigan Wolverines,” the book written luxury seats, a new weight room, new by “Michigan Man” John U. Bacon. locker room, new football offices and Apparently the locals didn’t like Rodriguez more. because he wasn’t a “Michigan man.” Long gone are the days of the Wildcats The good thing about the UA is there having to trek to McKale Center to change isn’t any “Arizona man” nonsense. after games or the UA having post-game Athletics director Greg Byrne (ASU press conferences in a tent. The LSFF is alumnus), basketball head coach Sean first class all the way. It’s just one part of Miller (Pittsburgh graduate), softball the stadium, but during the tour, I couldn’t coach Mike Candrea (ASU alumnus) and help but feel like I was touring Sports baseball head coach Andy Lopez (UCLA Authority Field at Mile High again. graduate) have all been embraced because Sports Authority Field opened in 2001, of their success. but NFL.com ranked it as the eighth best With a shiny new football facility, one stadium in the league. The LSFF brings of the biggest video boards in the country, Arizona into the big leagues. cool new uniforms, one of the most UA head coach Rich Rodriguez called it popular offenses in the country and one a “program-changer.” of the nation’s best coaches, Arizona is The other big change in Arizona football poised to become a football school. is Rodriguez. In the 1990s, Dick Tomey became the — Follow James Kelley UA’s winningest coach, but his boring @JamesKelley520 brand of football led to him being run
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Football Guide • Thursday, August 29, 2013
Breaking down the plethora of quarterback possibilities BY DEREK EVANS The Daily Wildcat
FILE PHOTO/THE DAILY WILDCAT
STARTING QUARTERBACK contender B.J. Denker throws a pass during fall camp practice. Denker currently stands out as the top signal caller possibility for the Wildcats. Denker served as the back-up quarterback in 2012 and has maintained his spot atop the depth chart since.
Who will start at quarterback remains the biggest question for the 2013 Arizona football team. Last year, there was no doubt that fifth-year senior Matt Scott would be the No. 1 quarterback. Scott went on to throw 27 touchdowns and pass for 3,620 yards. This year senior B.J. Denker, redshirt junior Jesse Scroggins, redshirt freshman Javelle Allen , redshirt sophomore Nick Isham and true freshman Anu Solomon are vying for the starting job. Denker topped the first depth chart, but has not secured it. Part of the reason why Denker may be in the lead is his experience. He is a senior and did start one game last year against Colorado when Scott was injured. Denker led the Wildcats to victory, but it didn’t hurt that then-sophomore Ka’Deem Carey set the Pac-12 record for most rushing yards in a single game. Head coach Rich Rodriguez has been most critical of Denker in 2013. “B.J.’s been ahead from day one just because of the experience, but I’ve challenged him more and more and B.J. has responded to the challenge,” Rodriguez said. Denker, who transferred to the UA from Cerritos College, said he welcomes the competition. “I like it, I’m very excited, I love the competition,” Denker said. “I love how it’s open and no one knows what’s going to go on. I love that I have to show up every single day and do my best, practice my best.” Co-offensive coordinator/ quarterbacks coach Rod Smith said there isn’t a timetable to pick a starter, and it could even happen on game day. The first depth chart listed Denker or
Scroggins or Allen . “It’s still open I’m not putting anybody ahead of anybody yet,” Smith said. “We’re still working, we’re still getting guys reps, we’re still looking at different aspects of what they do.”
The hard candidate
luck
A highly touted recruit out of high school, Scroggins is expected by many to eventually overtake Denker. Scroggins was ranked as the No. 6 quarterback prospect in 2010 by Scout.com, but has yet to start a Division I game. The Lakewood, Calif., native first went to USC, where he redshirted in 2010 and then sat behind Matt Barkley in 2011. He then transferred to El Camino College. Scroggins played there in 2012, before picking Arizona. At USC and El Camino, Scroggins wore number 15 , but now he wears number one to signify his new start. “Really, I think that was more coach Rodriguez’s decision,” Scroggins said. “I’ve had 15 all my life. I love the switch personally. It’s a new beginning, this is a new place for me.” Scroggins has had a rough Arizona career, as he missed almost all of spring football due to toe surgery and then suffered a concussion just before the start of fall camp. Scroggins has recovered and said he is optimistic about the competition. “I’m feeling great about it,” Scroggins said. “Coach Rodriguez wants guys to compete to the fullest. Each guy has a different strength. He’s a coach, so we don’t know exactly what he wants. We just know he wants us to play to the best of our ability.” Rodriguez points out that Scroggins is still learning the Wildcats’ unique offense.
QUARTERBACKS, 7
Receiving squad must be reliable, build strong core BY DEREK EVANS
The Daily Wildcat
The receiving corps was a strength for Arizona football not too long ago, but has been a big question mark since it lost leading receiver Austin Hill to a torn ACL and Dan Buckner to the NFL. Receivers coach Tony Dews said he is confident his players will rise to the challenge. “They’re coming along; they’re doing a good job,” Dews said. “They’ve progressed each day and they’ve gotten better from the first day of camp until now.” Dews said he thinks Terrence Miller, a 6-foot-4 234-pound fifth-
year senior, is the leader of the group. “I like the receivers as a core right now,” Miller said. “We’re looking pretty good. We have a couple of young guys and a couple of guys who just haven’t played yet but have been on the team, and I think they’re getting ready to go.” Miller said the uncertainty at quarterback is not a hindrance because the receivers and the offense as a whole do their job regardless of who is behind center. “The goal of the group is to win championships, play every game hard, take one game at a time,” Miller said. “At the end of the day we want to end up in the Rose Bowl, or the BCS Championship.” Hill was the top receiver last year,
but after suffering a torn ACL in April he could miss the entire season. “Austin’s a leader on and off the field,” said redshirt freshman receiver Trey Griffey. “He’s been out for a while now. He’s trying to help out the team the best that he can.” Griffey is the son of Major League Baseball legend Ken Griffey Jr. and the grandson of Ken Griffey Sr.. Trey is 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds. “Trey is coming along,” Dews said. “He missed a day or two earlier, he’s a bigger, physical kid.”
FILE PHOTO/THE DAILY WILDCAT
— Follow Derek Evans RECEIVER TERRENCE MILLER catches a pass at fall camp practice. Miller is a lead@DerekEvans20 ing receiver who can fill in injured Austin Hill’s role as go-to guy.
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Football Guide • Thursday, August 29, 2013
The Daily Wildcat • B7
Defense looks to leave last year behind Arizona football has struggled with its defense in the past, but this year’s veterans and rookies all worked hard on improving this summer BY scarlett mccourt
The Daily Wildcat
RYAN REVOCK/The Daily Wildcat
REDSHIRT FRESHMAN SAFETY Jarvis McCall trains with the defensive players and staff in hopes of a better season.
There’s no question about it: Arizona’s defense last season was bad. The Wildcats finished 118th out of 120 FBS teams in total defense and allowed a total of 3,807 passing yards. It probably was the worst defensive showing in Arizona football history. “Obviously we didn’t play real well,” defensive coordinator Jeff Casteel said. “I don’t think anybody was real happy with that year. But that’s last year. That’s behind us.” They say when you hit rock bottom, there’s only one way to go — up. The Wildcats don’t want a repeat of last year. “We have a chip on our shoulder,” senior linebacker Marquis Flowers said. “After seeing stats after the season, no one wants to be bad on this defense. We just take it personally.” Casteel said the Wildcats worked hard in the offseason to get bigger, faster and stronger to ensure last year’s fiasco doesn’t occur again. But aside from extra training and attention to detail, Arizona should be deeper. “Guys got injured and there was not a lot of depth,” senior linebacker Jake Fischer said. “We were relying on freshmen or walk-ons who were not physically or mentally ready. They didn’t know the scheme like upperclassmen did and were not physically ready to step in. From a maturity standpoint, they weren’t ready. [Our poor performance] had a lot to do with injuries. This year, there are no excuses. We have the depth.” This year, the Wildcats will have their top nine leading
tacklers from 2012 returning, including Fischer (119) and Flowers (100). In the secondary, all five starters from 2012 return, including junior safety Jared Tevis, who received an All-Pac-12 honorable mention last season. Senior nose tackle Tevin Hood returns after playing in every game last season. Last year, Casteel brought a 3-5-5 system that players weren’t familiar with to Arizona. “Last year we couldn’t do a lot of blitzes that we wanted to do; we couldn’t do a lot of line stuff we wanted to do,” Fischer said. “Now we have guys that are more in tune with what we’re trying to accomplish.” Whether a new defensive scheme contributed to the mishaps of last season is irrelevant, Casteel said. But regardless, another year under Casteel and strength and conditioning coach Chris Allen can’t hurt, Fisher said. Arizona brings to the stage a strong upper class that has dedicated itself to improving, but he has also developed a strong supporting cast that should bring more depth to the roster. A member of that cast who received recognition from the coaches during the preseason was true freshman Scooby Wright. Wright is a 6-foot-1, 235-pound linebacker from Windsor, Calif. Casteel said that Wright has been getting a ton of reps, but like the typical rookie, still has work to do. Wright said he is watching lots of film to continue his transition from high school to college ball. Rodriguez said Wright shows promise. “Anything you ask him to do, whether it’s rush the passer, blitz, cover someone … he’d be a fullback if you
asked him,” Rodriguez said. “He’s a true football player.”
Poster boy Although the outlook was dark for the defensive squad last year, some players still managed to shine — Fischer in particular. Fischer led the Wildcats in tackles, and his performance in the Toledo game earned him the recognition of Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week. This was all after he missed the 2011 season due to a torn ACL. Fischer has assumed the role of a leader on the team, and has especially served as a role model for younger players. “Any time I have questions I go to him,” Wright said. “Even if I want extra workouts or extra film, I go to him.” Fischer carries his example from the field into the classroom, coaches said. “Jake does everything you would want a college athlete to do, on and off the field,” Rodriguez said. But amidst the praise, Fischer stays humble and focused on helping his teammates succeed. “I’m going to try and be a leader as much as I can,” Fischer said. “I’m going to try and help to develop the mentality that you can’t take any plays off — you have to do exactly what you’re told, every play.” Fischer is so well regarded that his No. 33 was chosen to grace the Arizona jerseys that are for sale over junior running back Ka’Deem Carey’s number, although Carey led the nation in rushing last year. — Follow Scarlett McCourt @scarlettnoelani
quarterbacks from page 6
“He’s like a freshman, learning all over again, and sometimes we forget that,” Rodriguez said. “He’s made some progress as well and we’re going to try to simplify some things a little bit. Jesse’s had a great attitude and he’s working really hard.”
The wild card
During fall camp, a dark horse emerged. Redshirt sophomore Nick Isham transferred to the UA from Louisiana Tech and had to sit out last season. As a Bulldog, Isham started as a true freshman for former Arizona offensive coordinator and current Cal head coach Sonny Dykes. “There’s nothing like starting as a true freshman, playing in front of big crowds,” Isham said. Isham said he trusts the coaches will make the best decision, as to who can best help the team win games and that Rodriguez’s spread offense would work well with him since he has played in the spread since high school. “He’s done a good job. He comes in and he competes,” Smith said. “He’s had a little bit of experience in the past and he does some good things. He delivers the football pretty well at times. He’s got himself in the mix.”
The rookie
Solomon was thought to have a chance to compete for the job but is now expected to redshirt. Solomon, named a four-star recruit by Rivals.com and Scout.com, led Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas to four state championships as a starter. “They’ve had a little bit of a head start over me. B.J. has known the offense pretty well, Jesse is getting a hold of it. It’s tough,” Solomon said. Rodriguez said he likes Solomon’s potential. “He’s going to be a good player, you know he’s a freshman, and everything is kind of happening really fast for him,” Rodriguez said. “He’s shown some flashes in practice, everything we thought we had when we got him is still there. I’m really proud of him. I think he’s going to have a great future here.”
— Follow Derek Evans @DerekEvans20 FILE PHOTO/The Daily Wildcat
SENIOR QUARTERBACK B.J. Denker spots a receiver to connect with on a pass during fall camp practice at Kindall-Sancet Stadium.
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B8 • The Daily Wildcat
Football Guide • Thursday, August 29, 2013
Redemption Better season than offseason in works for star running back Ka’Deem Carey
FILE photo/the Daily Wildcat
JUNIOR RUNNING BACK Ka’Deem Carey showed poise and determination in fall camp practice. The nation’s leader in rushing yards looks to bounce back from a rough offseason and regain his reputation.
BY James Kelley The Daily Wildcat
A
fter having one of the best seasons in Arizona football history in 2012 and following it with arguably one of the worst offseasons, what Ka’Deem Carey makes of this season could make or break his career. Carey is ready to defend his 2012 NCAA rushing title after rushing for a school record of 1,929 yards last year and then getting into a couple of highly publicized offseason incidents. “Oh man, it’s so great just to get back on the field with the team, I mean with coach Rich Rod[riguez] out there coaching, it’s unbelievable,” Carey said. Carey was charged with disorderly conduct and assault for his role in an alleged altercation with his pregnant ex-girlfriend last December. Then, according to a University of Arizona Police Department report, he was removed from the men’s basketball game against UCLA after attending without a ticket and asking a police officer, “Do you know who I am? I’m an All-American.”
Carey led the nation in rushing yards Last year, Carey was a consensus AllAmerican, being named to eight All- per game, 148.4. “I just can’t wait to see what he’s going American teams. “Ka’Deem runs as hard as any back to do in games this year,” senior offensive I’ve ever coached,” head coach Rich lineman Chris Putton said. Carey’s 2012 Rodriguez said. “He rushing yards rank runs hungry, he’s No. 5 in Pac-12 single a big strong guy, season history. He he loves football. led the Pac-12 in Ka’Deem has had Ka’Deem has had touchdowns and was to do some things to do some things fifth in the country. to prove himself “He really can over the last several to prove himself do all the things,” months and he’s over the last said Calvin Magee, done that.” several months associate head Rodriguez said and he’s done coach/co-offensive the steps Carey that. coordinator/running must take to get backs coach. “He back into good — Rich Rodriguez pass protects well, he standing on the does a lot of things team will continue without the ball that into the season. you want a back to “It’s a process and he’s still doing it,” Rodriguez said. do and everybody can see what he can “There’s certain guidelines that he had do with the ball in his hands.” Carey said he takes pride in being a to follow in the spring and the summer; he’s followed them. There’s some complete running back. “Since I was little, I focused on that,” guidelines he has to follow over the next Carey said. “I mean, I always watched several weeks and during the season.”
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the Eagles and Brian Westbrook. He could do it all. He could catch the ball from the back field a lot, and line up at slot and also run the football, so that’s been big for me since I was little.” Carey comes from an athletic family. His uncle, Vance Johnson, starred at the UA, also wearing No. 25, before playing for the Denver Broncos, and his sister Naderra Carey played basketball at Pima Community College before transferring to Texas-Permian Basin. Against Colorado, Carey broke the Pac-12 rushing record with 366 yards. Carey broke former Wildcat running back Trung Canidate’s single-season school rushing record of 1,602 yards from 1999. Carey finished the season with 2,248 all-purpose yards, falling one yard shy of Dennis Northcutt’s single-season school record set in 1999. “It’s crazy because you know where the play is supposed to go, and with Ka’Deem it could end up anywhere,” Putton said. “You might think he’s down after a 10-yard run but he breaks it open
Carey, 7
Football Guide • Thursday, August 29, 2013
The Daily Wildcat • B9
Carey UA Career Rushing Leaders Yards Player Years 3,824 3,501 3,371 3,163 3,096 2,957 2,571 2,530 2,397 2,389
Trung Canidate Ontiwaun Carter Art Luppino Mike Bell Hubie Oliver Nic Grigsby David Adams Clarence Farmer Keola Antolin Jim Upchurch
(1996-99) (1991-94) (1953-56) (2002-05) (1977-80) (2007-10) (1984-86) (2000-03) (2008-10) (1972-74)
2,074 2,060 2,022 1,873 1,680
Bob McCall Ken Cardella Eddie Wolgast Vance Johnson Don Beasley
(1970-72) (1951-53) (1945-50) (1981-84) (1951-56)
2,354 Ka’Deem Carey
(2011- )
Most Rushing Yards in an Arizona Season Yards Player Year 1,929 Ka’Deem Carey 1,602 1,359 1,313 1,229 1,220 1,184 1,175 1,163 1,153 1,148 1,021 1,004 950 952 920
Trung Canidate Art Luppino Art Luppino Clarence Farmer Trung Canidate Jim Upchurch David Adams Ontiwaun Carter Nic Grigsby Bob McCall Hubert Oliver Jim Upchurch Mike Bell Mike Bell Mike Bell
2012
1999 1954 1955 2001 1998 1973 1986 1994 2008 1972 1979 1974 2004 2005 2003
from page 8
for another 20, 25 yards.” Putton said Carey was never ostracized from the team despite his off-field mistakes. After releasing a video in December featuring Carey’s accomplishments and creating a hash tag, “#teamkadeem,” the UA scrapped his Heisman campaign and kept Carey from the media for eight months because of his run-ins with the law. “It’s unbelievable to be able to block for a guy who I think should’ve been in the Heisman race last year and maybe even should’ve won it,” Putton said. “I think his running ability just shows how much of a hard worker he is. I mean he works his butt off in the weight room and it shows; it’ll show on the field.” Carey said he doesn’t feel more pressure despite an unsure situation at quarterback. “We’ll be OK because our quarterback is going to step up and our wide receivers are going to make plays,” Carey said. “That’s just part of football and with our defense out there, they’re better than average, so I’m just going to play my part.” Carey is a Tucson native who prepped at Canyon del Oro High School. He has described Arizona Stadium as his backyard. “He’s a physical runner that’s got some shiftiness and he finishes runs well,” Magee said. Magee said he hasn’t seen the stressful offseason affect Carey’s play. “He loves to play,” Magee said. “He comes to practice every day and he’s focused.” Carey’s son Kaison was born last month. Rodriguez said he is proud of the way the All-American has handled himself since the incidents. “Football’s important to Ka’Deem,” Rodriguez said. “Playing and being a good
Tyler Besh/the Daily Wildcat
KA’DEEM CAREY speaks to media at Arizona football media day on Aug. 18.
teammate and following the rules is important to him, and I’m proud the way he’s responded so far.” Carey admitted the charges being dropped felt like a weight lifted from his shoulders. “Oh yeah, that’s in the past,” Carey said. “I’m just looking forward to just go out here and play football, especially with this team.”
— Follow James Kelley @JamesKelley520
Tyler baker/the Daily Wildcat
KA’DEEM CAREY practices rushing the ball down the field during fall camp. Head coach Rich Rodriguez has high hopes for the running back, who broke Pac-12 rushing record with 366 yards last season.
B10 • The Daily Wildcat
Football Guide • Thursday, August 29, 2013
Grading UA’s position groups Receivers Projected Starters: Terrence Miller (senior), David Richards (sophomore)
Backups: Garic Wharton (junior), Clive Georges (redshirt freshman), Johnny Jackson (sophomore), Trey Griffey (redshirt freshman), Richard Morrison (senior) Departures: Dan Buckner (NFL), Tyler Slavin (transfer), Sean Willet (eligibility) Returning Stat Leaders:
David Richards (2012) — 29 receptions for 298 yards and three touchdowns
TylEr Besh/The Daily Wildcat
Senior quarterback B.J. Denker has had a stranglehold on the starting quarterback position since fifth year senior Matt Scott’s eligibility ran out. Denker served as Scott’s backup last year and started against Colorado.
Wildcats’ first game of the season. However, 2013 will be a little different. Despite the constant questions from the media and fans, Rodriguez has yet to name a starter. He has even said that he might use multiple quarterbacks until someone separates himself from the pack. Entering fall camp, senior B.J. Denker was the favorite because of his experience. Last season the junior college transfer saw action in six games, starting one game when Scott was out with a concussion. But even though Denker has experience, it’s limited. Denker only had two games in which he played and had over 10 pass attempts, both against subpar opponents South Carolina State and Colorado. When the southpaw played, he was productive as a game manager, but whether he can lead the Wildcats like Scott did in 2012 is yet to be seen. Junior college transfer Jesse Scroggins has been Denker’s biggest competition in fall camp. The strong-armed junior
BY LUKE DELLA
The Daily Wildcat
Quarterback Projected starter: B.J. Denker (senior)
Backups: Jesse Scroggins (junior), Anu Solomon (true freshman), Javelle Allen (redshirt freshman), Nick Isham (sophomore), Khari McGee (true freshman) Departures: Matt Scott (graduation, NFL), Alex Cappellini (transfer), Josh Kern (switch to tight end) Returning leaders: B.J.
stat
Denker (2012)259 passing yards, three touchdowns, one interception, 67.6 completion percentage, 147.7 quarterback rating. Arizona and then-first year head coach Rich Rodriguez were fortunate to have Matt Scott last year. The redshirt senior ran Rodriguez’s spread option offense with maturity and leadership. Scott was named the starter prior to the
Running Back Projected starters: Ka’Deem Carey (junior), Daniel Jenkins (senior)
Backups: Pierre Cormier (freshman), Kylan Butler (senior), Jared Baker (sophomore), Zach Green (freshman), Terris Jones (junior) Departures:
J.T. Washington (transfer), Rochon Taylor (transfer)
Returning Stat Leaders:
Ka’Deem Carey (2012) — 1,929 rushing yards on 303 carries, 23 touchdowns, 6.4 yards average per carry. Daniel Jenkins (2012) — 293 yards on 67 carries, 2 touchdowns, 4.4 yards average per carry. There is no battle for the top running back slot in 2013. All-American Ka’Deem Carey led the nation with 1,929 rushing yards. He is also only the 31st player to ever rush for more than 1,900 yards in a single season. The junior flourished in his first season in Rodriguez’s offense. Carey has made it clear that he wants to rush for 2,000 yards, but no one has ever gone more than 1,900 yards in multiple
came to Arizona after spending time at USC and El Camino College. Scroggins joined the team in the spring but has been limited by injuries, including a concussion this fall. At every level, Scroggins has impressed coaches with his cannon arm, but he has never run Rodriguez’s offense and it will take time for him to master it. True freshman Anu Solomon came to Arizona as a top recruit. The mobile quarterback from Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas could see playing time early in the season, but it’s more likely he will instead be a quarterback in the future, as he still needs to grasp the speed of college football and Rodriguez’s offense. Whoever is named quarterback will have to bring balance to the Wildcats’ offense. Arizona can’t just rely on running back Ka’Deem Carey to take the team to victory. The uncertainty of the position is what concerns most skeptics.
Grade: C
seasons. Opposing defenses will be stacking the line making sure Carey isn’t the one who beats them, which makes the quarterback battle even more important. But Carey will also need solid backups who aren’t just decoys. Daniel Jenkins is the most veteran and might be the most talented of the backup group. The senior left Arizona after last season and was planning on transferring to Washington State but this summer chose to return to the Wildcats. Freshman Pierre Cormier is a fast running back and has battled Jenkins this fall for that backup role. Rodriguez and the rest of the coaches have been impressed with Cormier. Even if Jenkins wins the backup position, don’t be surprised if Cormier gets playing time elsewhere. Senior Kylan Butler and junior Jared Baker have some game experience and could see the field in 2013 in a variety of roles. Both have impressed the coaches this fall and both bring added depth, but neither has separated themselves from Jenkins or Cormier. However, injuries are common and both Butler and Baker are good fits if needed.
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Entering spring, Arizona was in great shape at receiver. It was easily the deepest and most talented position on the team, but after leading receiver Austin Hill tore his ACL in spring practice and junior Tyler Slavin transferred, the position is now looking for an identity. The problem is who will replace Hill. Lucky for the Wildcats, there are many options to choose from because depth is not an issue. Arizona returns five receivers from last season who caught 20 or more balls, and you can’t rule out senior Terrence Miller, who showed flashes of greatness in the early part of 2012 but lost a majority of the season to an ankle injury. Miller, who only had 13 catches in 2012, has appeared to take over as the leader of the group both on and off the field. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing in at 234 pounds, Miller is a matchup nightmare for most defenders because he’s too fast for defense linemen and linebackers, but also too big for defensive backs. His versatility will earn him plenty of playing time. He’ll mostly be used in the slot and at tight end but he has worked this summer and fall at being even
Offensive line Projected
Starters:
Mickey Baucus, junior (left tackle), Chris Putton, senior (left guard), Cayman Bundage, sophomore (center), Eric BenderRamsay, senior (right guard), Fabbians Ebbele, junior (right tackle)
Departures: Kyle Quinn (NFL), Addison Bachman (eligibility), Trace Biskin (eligibility) Returning Stat Leaders: Baucus — 13 starts Putton — 10 starts Bundage- 11 appearances Bender-Ramsay — 10 appearances Ebbele — 13 starts
Injuries to the Arizona offensive line in 2012 forced many inexperienced linemen to fill in and play. It didn’t end up hurting, the Wildcats too much but with quarterback Matt Scott gone and receiver Austin Hill out with a knee injury, consistency from the offensive line is vital. Despite being injured for part of the season, former Arizona center Kyle Quinn and guard Trace Biskin were the veteran leaders who carried the line. After filling in for those missing gaps, senior Chris Putton appears to be taking over the reins of the leader of the offensive line. But how long, if ever, will it take for the line to build continuity? Putton was constantly moved around on the offensive line last season, one week playing guard or tackle, the next center. The Wildcats might not be able to afford to do that again as the talent at quarterback and receiver doesn’t seem to be there this year.
more versatile. Out of the healthy returning receivers, sophomore David Richards had the most receptions in 2012 with 29. Richards caught seven passes against Oregon last season and recorded his first touchdown against Washington. Richards capped off his freshman season in the Gildan New Mexico Bowl with a season and career high of 53 receiving yards on five catches. Richards was injured for most of the spring but if he can continue to improve, the Wildcats will prosper. Sophomore Johnny Jackson will also be a receiver to keep an eye on in 2013. Excellent in space, the small and quick receiver played in 11 games in 2012, catching 25 balls for 187 yards. On the road at Stanford, Jackson had 10 catches for 75 receiving yards, since he was asked to fill in for injured players. Garic Wharton and Richard Morrison are both more experienced receivers, but their role has yet to be defined. Morrison, who came to Arizona in 2009 as a quarterback, has since then moved to slot receiver and began working on playing defensive back this spring. Trey Griffey is a coach favorite. The redshirt freshman sat out last season to learn the offense better and it might have paid off. The coaches have been impressed with Griffey’s hard work and, though he won’t be expected to carry the group, he could serve a vital role as the season progresses. Even though Arizona’s receiving corps appears weaker without Hill, they still have plenty of options. Wildcat fans shouldn’t sweat too much about who will replace Hill because that will figure itself out as the season goes along; rather, fans should just hope the receivers are focused on improving.
Grade: B
Whoever emerges as Arizona’s starting quarterback between B.J. Denker and Jesse Scroggins will need that consistency to help them and the Wildcats be more than just a running team, especially since Denker has yet to show a threatening arm while Scroggins has been injured and missed lots of snaps this past spring and fall. Head coach Rich Rodriguez said he was not pleased with his line’s work in fall camp. And if the group can’t block, a possible one-dimensional offense could turn to zero as opposing defenses will be loading the line looking to stop running back Ka’Deem Carey
and forcing whoever is at quarterback to beat them by throwing to unknown receivers. If this season is anything like last year, don’t expect five offensive linemen to play every down of every game. Someone will get injured, but also Rodriguez doesn’t believe there is a solid first or second team offensive line yet. The 2013 season rests on the production of the offensive line. And it will take familiarity and consistency for the line to help Carey and the rest of the offense be a threedimensional offense once again.
Grade: C+
Tyler Besh/The Daily Wildcat
SENIOR Shaquille Richardson is expected to be Arizona’s top cornerback in 2013. Richardson led the Wildcats in passes broken up and was No. 16 nationally a year ago. He had 58 total tackles, 37 solo, in 2012.
Football Guide • Thursday, August 29, 2013
Tyler Besh/The Daily Wildcat
JUNIOR Jesse Scroggins originally attended USC and is expected to challenge senior B.J. Denker for the starting quarterback position.
Defensive line Projected Starters: NG Tevin Hood (senior), DE Kirfi Taula (junior), DT Sione Tuihalamaka (senior) Backups: Justin Washington (senior), Dan Pettinato (junior), Reggie Gilbert (junior), Dwight Melvin (redshirt freshman), Kyle Kelley (redshirt freshman) Departures: Taimi Tutogi (eligibility), Dominique Austin (eligibility), Chris Merrill (eligibility), Willie Mobley (eligibility)
Returning Stat Leaders:
Pettinato — 34 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss
Tuihalamaka — 29 tackles, .5 sacks, 2.0 tackles for lost Hood — 26 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss Arizona’s defensive line struggled last season with injuries, depth and inexperience with the 3-3-5 scheme. The Wildcats’ returning defensive linemen combined for just 5.5 sacks from last season. Not only could the defensive line not put pressure on opposing quarterbacks, they couldn’t stop opposing team’s ground game. Arizona was No. 105 in stopping the run. Only Colorado was worse than the Wildcats in the Pac-12. Opposing teams averaged 4.58 yards per running attempt in 2012.
Linebackers Projected starters: Jake Fischer (senior), Marquis Flowers (senior), Sir Thomas Jackson (sophomore). Backups: Scooby Wright (freshman), Hank Hobson (junior), Keoni Bush-Loo (sophomore), C.J. Dozier (sophomore), Dakota Conwell (sophomore) Departures: Rob Hankins (injuries) Returning stat leaders: Fischer — 119 tackles; Flowers — 100 tackles, 5.5 sacks, three interceptions; Jackson — 58 tackles, 1.5 sacks Despite the fact that there were no major departures at linebacker, the position might be the thinnest Arizona has going into the 2013 season. This was exposed in 2012 when the defense was littered with injuries and forced to play inexperienced underclassman. But that experience has better prepared players like Sir Thomas Jackson, who otherwise would be going into his sophomore year with no prior game action. Arizona coaches and upperclassman praised Thomas this spring for his diligence and hard work. The walk-on collected 58 tackles in 2012, even though he was still trying to grasp the college game speed and new defense. Senior Jake Fischer was one of the upperclassmen who commended Thomas this past spring. Fischer, the leader of the defense, will once again hold down the center of the defense as the starting middle linebacker. In his final season at Arizona, the Tucson native and four-year starter will again be asked to carry the defense as a vocal
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The Daily Wildcat • B11 Tevin Hood emerged toward the end of last season as a lane filler and should expect to have the same role as a rock in the middle of the defensive line in 2013. Sione Tuihalamaka is the most experienced defensive-lineman on the Wildcats’ roster and might be the most talented but struggled on the road in 2012. The 6-foot-2, 276-pound senior only recorded seven tackles on the road oppose to 22 at home; he averaged almost two more tackles per game at Arizona Stadium. Kirfi Taula has battled injuries every year at Arizona, which has kept him from being an elite lineman. But the talent is there. The junior last season had two tackles for a loss and for the most part did what coaches asked of him. Following those three linemen the Wildcats are thin and this is where they struggle the most. Pettinato will see a lot of playing time as he’s Arizona’s defensive line leader tackler. Junior Reggie Gilbert and senior Justin Washington will also most likely see field. Washington, a talented veteran on the team, will need to stay healthy but also get on the coaches good side as he has lost playing time in the past due to off the field issues. Gilbert along with Pettinato could easily take Taula’s starting role if he doesn’t perform right away. Both Gilbert and Pettinato have been some of the more consistent linemen on Arizona and are waiting to take his job. Expect the defensive line to be improved but not to be top-notch. Opposing schools will again have a field day against Arizona if they don’t get better at getting pressure in the backfield.
Grade: C-
and physical leader on and off the field. Fischer’s consistency makes him one of the few certainties on the Wildcats’ defense. Senior Marquis Flowers flourished in his first season at linebacker. Flowers made the move from safety just before the 2012 season began. Flowers led the team in tackles for lost with 13 and interceptions with three. He also had 5.5 sacks to go along with his 100 tackles. Flowers slowly grew into the SAM linebacker position and by the end of the season and was an all-around dominant force that could pursue any ball carry but also cover most receivers. Because there is a lack of depth, though, don’t be surprised if the backups see a lot of playing time. Keoni Bush-Loo is a large and athletic defender who could see time at defense line as well. Hank Hobson missed the latter part of the 2012 season after injuring his neck in the fourth quarter of last season’s game at UCLA. The junior has taken the spring and fall gingerly but will be ready to play in Arizona’s first game. Freshman Scooby Wright could be Fischer’s replacement next season, as he has impressed the coaching staff greatly this fall. There has been a lot of noise at camp about the freshman, but Wright will most likely only see early playing time if someone goes down with an injury. Frankly, the Wildcats can’t afford to lose Flowers, Fischer or Thomas to injuries. Their backups are experienced and talented, but they will need consistency and a strong relationship from their starting linebackers if they want to be better on defense in 2013.
Grade: B
Defensive Back Projected
Starters: Shaquille Richardson (senior), Jared Tevis (junior), Jonathan McKnight (junior), Tra’Mayne Bondurant (junior), Jourdon Grandon (junior)
Backups: Wayne Capers Jr. (sophomore),
Derrick Rainey (senior), Richard Morrison (senior), Yamen Sanders (redshirt freshman), Blake Brady (junior)
Departures: Vince Miles (Medical), Patrick Onwuasor (legal), Returning Stat Leaders:
Tevis — two interceptions, 82 tackles Richardson — one interception, 58 tackles Grandon — one interception, 55 tackles McKnight — three interceptions, 51 tackles Rainey — 46 tackles In 2012 Arizona was No. 84 in the country in passing efficiency defense. The Wildcats gave up 25 passing touchdowns on 3,807 passing yards. The only school in the country to give up more passing yards than Arizona was Kent St., who surrendered 3,808 yards. However, Arizona’s projected starters in the defensive back are all returning. And one would only expect another year under defensive coordinator Jeff Casteel would mean an overall improvement. Wildcat defensive backs spent a majority of 2012 getting used to their new unorthodox 3-3-5 “odd stack” defense that Casteel implemented in 2012. Tucson native and Arizona walk-on, Jared Tevis, had a break out sophomore campaign. If he can stay healthy, he will continue to man the safety position despite being slightly undersized at 5-foot-11. Playmaker Tra’Mayne Bondurant will line up along side Tevis as a safety but
Starters:
Jake Smith (kicker), Drew Riggleman (punter), Richard Morrison (punt returner), Daniel Jenkins (kick returner), Johnny Jackson (kick returner)
Backups: Casey Skowron (kicker), Bret Miller (kicker/ punter), Jack Flatau (kicker/ punter) DaVonte’ Neal (punt returner) Departures: John Bonano kicker (eligibility), Kyle Dugandzic punter (eligibility), Jaime Salazar kicker (eligibility). Returning Stat Leaders:
Morrison — 13 punt returns for 132 yards and one touchdown, 10.2 yards average Jenkins — 16 kick returns for 329 yards, 20.6 yards average Since
Alex
Where and how Richard Morrison is used will be interesting. The senior has now played three completely different positions since coming to Arizona in 2009. The once quarterback, once wide receiver now defensive back is still getting comfortable on the other side of the ball. But if you talk to Morrison, it’s clear that he’s not panicking for playing time but just wants to find any way he can use his talents to help the team. Arizona’s secondary can only get better. In 2012 the Wildcats gave up 35.31 points per game — ranking 102nd nationally. They got lucky, though, as the offense averaged more than 38 per game.
Grade: C+
struggles in 2010, Arizona has seemed to have a dark cloud over their kicking game. However, the Wildcats start fresh in 2013 with a new kicker and punter. Senior Jake Smith joined the team in the winter of 2012 as a walk-on. Prior to Arizona, Smith had played at Youngstown State in 2011 and Syracuse in 2010. Smith will replace John Bonano who started the season strong but converted just 70 percent of field goals last year and was just 8-11 from inside 30 yards. Redshirt sophomore Drew Riggleman, a Tucson native and Sahuaro High School alumnus, earned the starting job this season after backing up two-year starter Kyle Dugandzic who two years ago led the conference in punt average. As for the return game, there is no reason to believe senior Richard Morrison won’t be back as the punt returner. Morrison was named the Pac-12 Special
Special Teams Projected
closer to the line as Bondurant will once again play “spur” in the 3-3-5. The athletic defensive back stepped up in 2012 as a lockdown defender who could also bring pressure and pursuit ball carries. Last season Bondurant was second on the team with 11.5 tackles for a lost. Jourdon Grandon will play free safety. Grandon has gradually improved since redshirting his freshman season in 2010. Casteel will look for Grandon to continue to mature and be a tackle machine in the secondary. Veteran Shaquille Richardson will most likely start the season as the number one cornerback on the defense. Richardson will be asked to cover opposing defenses top receivers. Junior Jonathan McKnight also had a solid 2012 season after missing all of 2011 to an ACL tear. McKnight led the Wildcats last season with three intercepts, including a 48-yard score against then No. 18 Oklahoma State. Expect sophomore Wayne Capers Jr. to make an impact on defense in 2013 along with Yamen Sanders. Both Capers and Sanders had strong spring and fall camps. They will definitely be needed as the season goes along and injuries pile up.
Zendejas’
Teams Player of the Week once last year after his strong performance against Washington. Morrison has been the primary punt returner for the past two years, and doubled his average return from 5.5 yards per return in 2011 to 10.2 yards per return in 2012. Senior Daniel Jenkins has always been an occasional kick returner for Arizona but in 2012 the then-junior took a majority of the returns with 16. Transfer DaVonte’ Neal is still waiting to hear from the NCAA to see if whether or not he’ll be eligible to play in 2013, but if the NCAA clears him you can expect him to compete with both Jenkins and Morrison for return time. Neal was the only punt returner at Notre Dame last season, returning 21 punts for an average of 2.2 yards.
Grade: B-
tyler besh/The Daily Wildcat
Safety Jared Tevis, a former walk-on, started 11 games last year at Arizona’s “bandit” position in the Wildcats’ 3-3-5 defense despite injuring his ankle in the end zone in a 38-35 loss to Oregon State on Sept. 29.
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B12 • THE DAILY WILDCAT
Football Schedule 2013 BY LUKE DELLA
The Daily Wildcat
Game 1- NAU
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2012 record: 8-3 (6-2 Big Sky Conference) Key players: RB Zach Bauman, CB Anders Battle, S Lucky Dozier Quick hit: Arizona has won 10 straight games in the series, but this season may be different for the Lumberjacks as they open their season ranked No. 18 in the FCS preseason poll. They return 14 Big Sky All-Conference players, but similar to Arizona, they have yet to name a starter at quarterback. Last meeting: Arizona 41, NAU 10 (Tucson 2011) All-time series: Arizona, 11-1
Game 2- UNLV
Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas Game day: Sept. 7, 7:30 p.m.
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2012 record: 2-11 (2-6 Mountain West Conference) Key players: RB Tim Cornett, OL Robert Waterman, K Nolan Kohorst Quick hit: UNLV is coming off its third consecutive two-win season. Ka’Deem Carey and the Wildcats offense might have a field day against the Running Rebels, who finished 2012 ranked 98th in total defense and did not have a single player named to the 2013 Mountain West preseason all-conference team. Senior running back Tim Cornett rushed for 1232 yards in 2012. Last meeting: Arizona 38, UNLV 21 (Tucson 2001) All-time series: Arizona, 1-0
Game 3 – UTSA
Arizona Stadium, Tucson Game day: Sept 14, 7:30 p.m.
2012 record: 8-4 (3-3 Western Athletic Conference) Key players: QB Eric Soza, OL Scott Inskeep, S Triston Wade Quick hit: Former 2001 University of Miami national champion head coach Larry Coker has led the Roadrunners from a startup to an FBS school and has gone 12-10. Senior quarterback Eric Soza accounted for 244.9 yards per game of total offense in 2012. The Wildcats should have a easy time throwing against UTSA defensive backs, who gave up 26 touchdown passes and only had seven interceptions. Last meeting: First meeting All-time series: First meeting
Game 4 – Washington Husky Stadium, Seattle Game day: Sept 28, TBA
2012 record 7-6 (5-4 Pac-12) Key players: QB Keith Price, TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins, DE Josh Shirley Quick hit: Washington’s 2012 season was a huge disappointment. The Wildcats obliterated the Huskies’ defense last season at home, but don’t expect the same on the road in the newly renovated and always loud Husky stadium. Running back Bishop Sankey rushed for 1,439 yards in 2012 and receivers Austin Seferian-Jenkins and Kasen Williams combined for 1,730 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. Last meeting: Arizona 52, Washington 17 (Tucson 2012) All-time series: Washington, 18-10-1
Game 5 – USC
n’t you just dying e r A ol for a c d beer?
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles Game day: Oct 10, 7:30 p.m.
2012 record: 7-6 (5-4 Pac-12) Key players: WR Marqise Lee, WR Nelson Agholor, LB Hayes Pullard Quick hit: For the first time in a long time, the Trojans have a quarterback battle headed into the season. Redshirt sophomore Max Wittek is the favorite to win the job, over fellow redshirt sophomore Cody Kessler. But whoever wins won’t have a difficult time finding the end zone, as he’ll be throwing to Heisman candidate Marqise Lee and All-American Nelson Agholor. Last season Lee destroyed the Wildcats’ secondary with a recordsetting 345 receiving yards on 16 catches. Arizona, however, came away with the 39-36 victory thanks to five turnovers by the Trojans and 117 yards of penalties. Last meeting: Arizona 39, USC 36 (Tucson 2012) All-time series: USC, 28-8
11
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2012 record: 5-7 (3-6 Pac-12) Key players: TE Jake Murphy, DE Trevor Reilly, DB Eric Rowe Quick hit: Last season the Utes struggled in their second season in the Pac-12 conference. Injuries and lack of experience kept Utah from reaching its full potential. Always a team that is underestimated, it was only five years ago that the Utes went undefeated and beat Alabama in the 2009 Sugar Bowl. If quarterback Travis Wilson can stay healthy and the team can find someone to replace John White at the running back position, the Utes could be a challenge for the Wildcats’ defense. Last meeting: Arizona 34, Utah 24 (Salt Lake City, Utah 2012) All-time series: Utah, 19-16-2
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Game 7 – Colorado
Folsom Field, Boulder, Colo. Game day: Oct 26, TBA
2012 record: 1-11 (1-8 Pac-12) Key players: QB Connor Wood, DE Chidera Uzo-Diribe, P Darragh O’Neil Quick hit: Since joining the Pac-12 in 2011, Colorado has gone a dismal 4-21. New head coach Mike MacIntyre turned San Jose State from a 2-10 team into the No. 24 ranked squad, with a 10-2 record in three years. Last season Wildcats running back Ka’Deem Carey rushed for 366 yards and five touchdowns as Arizona ran away with a 56-31 victory over Colorado at home. Last meeting: Arizona 56, Colorado 31 (Tucson 2012) All-time series: Colorado, 13-2
Game 8 – California
Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, Calif. Game day: Nov 2, TBA
2012 record: 3-9 (2-7 Pac-12) Key players: RB C.J. Anderson, RB Brendan Bigelow, LB Nick Forbes Quick hit: After Cal failed to reach a bowl game for the second time in three years, the Jeff Tedford era ended. Enter offensive guru and former Wildcats offensive coordinator Sonny Dykes, and all of a sudden Cal looks to be a program with a future. As the head coach at Louisiana Tech from 2010 to 2012, Dykes guided an explosive Bulldogs team with a 9-3 record in 2012 and the number one offense in the country, averaging 51.5 points on 577.92 yards per game. Last meeting: Arizona 10, Cal 9 (Tucson 2010) All-time series: 14-14-2
Game 9 – UCLA
Arizona Stadium, Tucson Game day: Nov 9, TBA
2012 record: 9-5 (6-3 Pac-12) Key players: QB Brett Hundley, OL Xavier Su’a-Filo, LB Anthony Barr Quick hit: The defending Pac-12 South champions are led by sophomore quarterback Brett Hundley. He has a cannon for an arm but also is a threat to run. Depending on how successfully the season goes for the Bruins, Hundley has an outside chance to be a Heisman finalist and could also make the difference in a battle with Arizona. Last meeting: UCLA 66, Arizona 10 (Pasadena, Calif., 2012) All-time series: UCLA, 20-15-2
Game 10 – Washington State Arizona Stadium, Tucson Game day: Nov 16, TBA
2012 record: 3-9 (1-8 Pac-12) Key players: QB Connor Halliday, WR Dominique Williams, LB Cyrus Coen Quick hit: Despite a rough start and a 3-9 finish, Washington State’s first season with the orthodox Mike Leach as head coach was something of a success. The Cougars had strong showings down the stretch against tough opponents and in the final game of the season defeated their rival Washington, who was ranked No. 25 at the time, in an overtime thriller. It’ll take time for Leech’s pass-heavy system to get settled in Pullman, Wash., but for now he still has plenty of athletic receivers who in space can make any defense worry, especially Arizona’s. Last meeting: Arizona 24-7 (Pullman 2010) All-time series: Arizona, 25-13
Game 11 – Oregon
Arizona Stadium, Tucson Game day: Nov 23, TBA
2012 record: 12-1 (8-1 Pac-12) Key players: QB Marcus Mariota, RB De’Anthony Thomas, CB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu Quick hit: What a final home game. The Ducks are considered by many the favorite to win the Pac-12 North, if not the entire conference and the final BCS championship. Oregon has dominated the past four years, winning the Pac-12 championship three times and compiling a conference record of 34-3. However, with former head coach Chip Kelly now in the NFL and former offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich taking over the Ducks program, the question arises over whether Oregon will still dominate. Last meeting: Oregon 49-0 (Eugene 2012) BRIAN VALENCIA/THE DAILY WILDCAT All-time series: Oregon, 24-14
Game 12 – ASU
Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Ariz. Game day: Nov 30, TBA
2012 record: 8-5 (5-4 Pac-12) Key players: QB Taylor Kelly, RB Marion Grice, DT Will Sutton Quick hit: A rivalry game that dates back to 1899, the 87th Territorial Cup game has the potential to determine the winner of the Pac-12 South this season. ASU, the favorite, excelled last year in Todd Graham’s first season as head coach. Expect the Sun Devils to pressure whoever is under center for the Wildcats with their preseason All-American DT Will Sutton. Last meeting: Arizona State 41, Arizona 34 (Tucson 2012) All-time series: Arizona, 47-38-1
Thursday, August 29, 2013
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B14 • The Daily Wildcat
Football Guide • Thursday, August 29, 2013
A guide to UA football’s lingo
Ryan Revock/the Daily Wildcat
JUNIOR QUARTERBACK JESSE SCROGGINS (left) runs an option play at Kindall-Sancet Stadium, where the Wildcats’ “Pull the Rope” motto is painted on the outfield wall.
Hard Edge? Pull the Rope? Spot the Ball? OKG? What do the colorful mottos that Arizona players and coaches use mean?
Hard Edge This is one of Rodriguez’s oldest and most used phrases. He created the motto back in the early 1990s when he was coaching at Glenville State. Rodriguez has said one of the most important things to him is how hard his team plays, as it is one of the few things you can control in the game. After all is said and done, he wants opposing teams to fear the hard edge his boys play with, Rodriguez said.
Pull the rope Not one of Arizona’s better-known mottos. It is, however, as popular among the Wildcats as any other phrase. It’s almost impossible to attend an Arizona football press conference and not hear the phrase at least once. The goal of the saying is to make sure everyone is on the same page. If the entire program is pulling the metaphorical rope in the same direction, then there is chemistry, and even more importantly, trust. It became clear during Rodriguez’s short term in Ann Arbor not everyone was pulling the rope, which made it nearly impossible for him to succeed. As a result, Rodriguez and the Wolverines suffered through three of their worst seasons.
“We finished spring all pulling for the same thing,” senior receiver Terrence Miller said. “We still have a ways to go but we’re quickly getting comfortable out there with everyone and I think that’s because we’re all pulling the rope in the right direction.”
Spot the ball This is another one of Rodriguez’s older phrases that he invented while at Glenville State. The slogan means to always be ready no matter the situation. It has less to do with his fast paced, no-huddle offense and more to do with the program’s overall aim to be mentally ready to play. “Spot the ball” is also the unofficial title Rodriguez gives his playbook. Every chapter or formation title is followed with the phrase “spot the ball,” reminding his players to know the objective and be ready.
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Like many coaches, Arizona head coach Rich Rodriguez believes motivating players is a fundamental component of his job, but he employs more rallying cries than your average head football coach. “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena…” That is a sample from the Competitors Creed, a President Theodore Roosevelt quote from 1899. It is also a quote that Rodriguez put in his 2002 West Virginia playbook. That was Rodriguez’s second season as the Mountaineers’ head coach. That season West Virginia finished with a 9-4 record and No. 15 rank in the BCS poll. The success didn’t just motivate current players to play with a “hard edge” and to “spot the ball,” but it also helped build the program to where every season it was “pulling the
“The saying has become something that I know I at least live by,” senior linebacker Jake Fischer said. “It’s something that I use on the field, in the weight room and on the practice field. I’m always looking to play or work harder.”
13
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The Daily Wildcat
rope” and bringing in “our kind of guys”. Following Rodriguez’s last year in West Virginia in 2007, he and current Wildcat assistant coaches Jeff Casteel and Calvin Magee led the Mountaineers to three consecutive 11-win seasons and two BCS bowl wins. Now in his second season at Arizona, Rodriguez, along with Casteel and Magee, is bringing in old and new motivational tricks in the hopes of repeating the success they had at West Virginia. But what do his mottos all really mean?
ul
BY Luke della
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Football Guide • Thursday, August 29, 2013
lingo
from page 14
OKG OKG stands for “our kind of guys,” a phrase that Rodriguez can’t take credit for. It was coined by Matt Dudek, Arizona on-campus recruiting coordinator and director of player personnel. That being said, the motto incorporates everything Rodriguez preaches. The phrase became popular around Tucson in early February on national signing day, the day when a majority of college football recruits sign with a university. With “OKG,” Rodriguez stresses the importance of recruiting the right guys to the program. OKGs are young men who not only have the required skill sets but also have the mentality to spot the ball, play with a hard edge and help pull the rope. These phrases are all over the new Arizona football facilities, field and player uniforms. The outfield wall at the practice stadium is decorated with them and “hard edge” appears right above the tunnel to the playing field at Arizona Stadium. Slogans have long been a part of Arizona football, from Button Salmon’s “bear down” to former UA head coach Dick Tomey’s “burn the boats” in the 1990s. With such slogans, Rodriguez hopes to provide a little extra motivation for the team to reach uncharted territory — the Rose Bowl. “Building a program starts with everyone, from the players to the fans, believing in the same process and goal,” Rodriguez said in the spring. “Pulling the rope in the same direction.”
— Follow Luke Della @LukeDellaDW
The Daily Wildcat • B15
Plenty of new perks for Arizona
RYAN REVOCK/The Daily Wildcat
AS PART OF Arizona Stadium’s 2013 facelift, a new FieldTurf Cool Play artificial grass surface was added. It features “Bear Down” written in ghost lettering between the hash marks.
BY Megan coghlan
The Daily Wildcat
Walking into Arizona Stadium for the first football game is going to feel a little different. The Athletics Department has made several changes in hopes of improving the program, enticing recruits and giving the stadium a much-needed makeover.
Lowell-Stevens Football Facility The new facility is by far the most major development of the season. The $72 million expansion confirms that Arizona is serious about football. A new locker room, weight room, strength and conditioning facility, upscale lounges, cafeteria and seating give the football program a huge boost in the direction of championships. “Having been around the country and seeing what we’re competing against on a regular basis, we knew that we had to make
some significant improvements to our infrastructure, and this is the shining example of it,” athletics director Greg Byrne said during a tour of the facility. Byrne said football previously had mediocre facilities and the staff would often refrain from showing certain parts of the building to potential recruits. Because football is a major fundraiser for the athletics department and the school, the change was necessary.
ZonaZoo The largest student section in the Pac-12 still had room for improvement so ZonaZoo is making changes. This year, gates will open 90 minutes prior to kickoff, as opposed to two hours like before. This ensures that the students waiting in line to get into the stadium will be able to experience the Wildcat Walk tradition, where the team, band and cheerleaders parade into the stadium for game time.
ZonaZoo also plans to incorporate more student interaction, with new signs, songs and chants like, “That’s an Arizona first down!” for every first down the offense makes. The back of the T-shirt that is included with each ZonaZoo pass this season proudly boasts, “ZonaZoo stays the entire game” on the back. This is a bold move, considering the student section has been known for disappearing long before the end of the game. Fans will have to live up to this boldly displayed statement, or the result could be embarrassing.
FieldTurf Cool Play During a tour of the new facility, Byrne took the media out to the field and insisted everyone bend down and feel the turf. “It’s about 60 degrees cooler than a normal artificial surface,” Byrne said. The synthetic turf will be able to withstand the Arizona heat. The
18 Years Years 18 and and older OldER
sturdy surface is also supposed to propel the players to a faster speed and help make more consistent plays. FieldTurf has fibers that ensure player safety and comfort and an infill for traction. The center of the field displays the “A” logo, with “Bear Down” written in ghost lettering behind it. “The kids really like it a lot, so it’s a great thing for us,” Byrne said.
Uniforms Arizona football has a whole new wardrobe this season. The style has moved from the classic solid red and blue to gradient numbers. Horizontal gradient stripes go down the sleeves as well. The team will also continue to use copper helmets. The new jerseys being sold in the UA bookstores this year display defensive player Jake Fischer’s No. 33. The cost is $90 for a red jersey and $120 for blue. — Follow Megan Coghlan @MeganCoghlan
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B16 • The Daily Wildcat
Thursday, August 29, 2013
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