2007 Statistics

The first year under coordinator Sonny Dykes was a productive one, if due to nothing more than the passing clinic offered by Willie Tuitama. Admittedly, 2007 had much to do with feeling out everything from players to how each fit into different scenarios. Four WRs or three WRs and a TE? Two TEs or one TE and a FB?…stuff like that had to be pounded out. The “personality” of the offense still has developmental aspects – especially in the running game – that need approaching before it will be deemed “well adjusted”.

The spring practices did little to convince anyone glancing the Wildcat’s way that the passing game will be toned down in 2008. Tuitama, the nation’s No.5 pro-style prospect upon entering the college level, is worthy of building the offense around…but throwing the rock 500+ times again without a dedicated ground attack will continue to telegraph how defenses should play UA. Bryson Beirne has yet to take a snap at this level; otherwise, sharp decision-making makes Beirne look like he could be even better than Tuitama once given the chance to develop.

Nic Grigsby has even more to prove after his freshman campaign – a stellar effort that buoyed the ground attack - has many anticipating his sophomore bump. Grigsby has soft hands (35 catches in just seven starts) and will become a serious third-down threat in the flat since he isn’t big enough to guarantee ground yards in the clutch from the Cat’s one-back set(s). The problem is finding depth, for no one in ’07 (now-departed Jennings nor Xavier Smith) was on Grigsby’s level. The hope is that incoming frosh Keola Antolin’s impact will be like Grigsby’s was last year – an unexpected boost. The running game can’t develop, though, if it isn’t given enough reps; foes have to be forced to commit at least seven to the box on every play.

The receivers need only to replace oft-used TE Tony Johnson, and Gronkowski’s 18.8 yards per catch seems like it will still be enough from this vaunted position. But A.J. Simmons should bolster the slot even more with his tough, athletic ways. Senior All-American Mike Thomas has quietly positioned himself to become the team’s career leader in both receptions and receiving yards, as well as all-purpose yards. The league leader in ’07 for catches (83) and TDs (11), Thomas is the new slot/H-Back guy, for emergency outlets. Turner has the size to win most jump balls, with Dean sliding into the Z slot to capitalize on his 6’4 superiority. Reese headlines a deep group of reserves just waiting to help Tuitama make the highlight reel(s).

It all comes back around to the line, and the reviews from the highly productive spring game show they have taken a corner in reflecting more cohesion. Britton not shifting to the left side will be a good sign that Trethaway is making the grade. C Blake Kerley making more strides will go a long way toward having his abilities match his emotional level of leadership. Longacre is good when traditional plays are called, but he struggles when made mobile. Baxter moves better, yet will size issues continue to marginalize his gritty approach? Even with all of their experience, keeping a wait-and-see attitude toward the OL providing the needed holes (so the running game can be leaned upon more) remains a smart, cautious approach. Pac Ten defenses are too savvy, so establishing the ground attack is the difference between finishing around .500 or going for double-digit wins.

Coordinator Mark Stoops only gets four starters back from last year’s balanced unit. Three of them are DBs, Stoops specialty since arriving here from Coral Gables (Miami) with his brother four years ago, so continuing the secondary’s strong results is expected. Nate Ness matched Cason’s five INTs, proving why he was a coveted JUCO All-American whose up side isn’t fully realized. Troubles with the new corners could spell Ness bumping into one of the outside slots. Ross looks like the best of those looking to replace either of the departed four-year starters, using guts as much as skill to get the job done. No matter how good he and Hundley are, teams will test them early and often after years of passing frustrations when playing UA. The depth at safety means Hall likely becomes the nickel unless Turner is everything his billing promises. Cam Nelson ties Stoops’s schemes together with his point guard mentality of overseeing the show.

The only trouble in coverage appears to be the underneath aspects due to bigger linebackers. The LBs can move OK, but the outside guys all have to step up. The entire corps looks better in run plugging, but so far (in spring ball), beating up on the Wildcat’s own anemic running game proves little. Palmer covers much ground, as does Kelley. McCovy healthy is a strong asset, but back troubles kept him out for a majority of 2007. These LBs could really take of as a group if the line can handle stopping the run without much help.

Jonathan Turner has starting experience, yet after 12 games last year, his stat line seemed lacking. Big, quick Ricky Elmore should break out after learning the ropes as a freshman. Tackle Mitchell is a gamble with his smaller size, and though athletic, taking on those better opposing interior OLmen will prove whether his investment pays off or not. Depth provides no more girth inside, but newbie Solomon Koehler should be just what Arizona needs. Replacing four starters up front will show at first, but look for the Stoops coaching machine to work its magic with the resources available.