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Arizona football: Wildcats' 5 most important defensive players in 2017

The Arizona Wildcats' defense did a lot more work last season than the box score will show.

Opposing teams were averaging over 38 points a game last season against Arizona, the worst mark under Rich Rodriguez, and the defense struggled to get stops at times, but it was the offense that often went three-and-out, rushing the defense back onto the field.

In 2017, much of the defensive line and secondary return, but there is a glaring hole at linebacker that could ultimately be filled with true freshmen at some point in the season.

There is a lot of leadership on the defense, and defensive coordinator Marcel Yates is going to have to call on some of his playmakers to step up.


If these five guys listed below can stay healthy and play to up to their potential, the defense could be in good shape.

5. Jace Whittaker, junior, corner
Jace Whittaker showed flashes of being a lockdown corner last season when his number was called. Whittaker quickly took over DaVonte' Neal's role and started in the final seven games of the season.

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Nice article. There are lots of pieces that are in place for us to improve in a major way this year. Remember when Scooby came in, nobody really knew who he was. We see what he was able to accomplish. I will step and say that while I don't ever expect another Scooby, I believe this class of LBs coming in is the best over all class of LBs in years. That goes beyond the RR years as well. With a true LBs coach in place we would hope tha we find success from that position this year. If spring is an indication, Rutt will be coming off the bench.

Also let me say the one player left off this list could be as big a play maker as DFF. That guy made the move from S down to OLB and will likely be a dominant player for us. Look for big things from Gavin Robertson at the OLB spot this year!