DBs

[Little George]

Several players jumped ship in the transfer portal this last year. Our pass coverage was pretty bad and it had to do with several areas of failure. First and formost we needed a talent upgrade just about everywhere. Wait, didn't some of our best players leave? Yes, but were they gonna be starting here this year? I don't think so! Barr was leaving and we upgraded! But if you look at the rotation and who started late in the season you might get what was going on in his mind. Then came some upgrades via the portal. CRW? Same situation as we started some very young guys late in the season. Then came a couple solid guys in the portal. He could still be a starter here, but not the number 1 guy at CB. Prysock was already gonna take that spot period! The secondary? Well, that is the one area where the questions still linger. We are down to four guys fighting it out for two spots. the Nickel spot is taken and will be Stukes' going into the season. He is listed on the roster as a CB, but the Nickel is a S spot and that is where I list him. So, four fighting for two spots? Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Nobody has stepped up, or nobody can seperate because they have all stepped up a little? I bring to mind that we have a high energy guy back on the field as coach that might change things a little. Akina brings some of the very best experience time can buy. He is a teacher in so many ways. Back to the issues? Secondly is the fact that the average QB had all day to pass because we had NO pass rush. Even some of the best cover guys would be pushed too cover some of these WRs of today for 4, 5, 6, or even 8 seconds. All day is closer to the meaning of that.

So what do we have back there protecting our deep zone areas?

#2 Treydan Stukes

He is the Nickel Back! He has matured so much and also taken a leadership role on this D side of the ball. Look for him to continue to progress and add to our pass coverage.

#12 Genesis Smith

https://arizonawildcats.com/sports/football/roster/genesis-smith/15268

 He is a true freshman, but I believe that he will be a starting S sooner rather than later.  Kid has the size and talent we need in there. Experience will come on the job.


#4 Isaiah Taylor

https://arizonawildcats.com/sports/football/roster/isaiah-taylor/15145

He has stepped up his game and it will show.


#9 Gunner Maldonado

https://arizonawildcats.com/sports/football/roster/gunner-maldonado/15106

He has worked hard to improve since he has been here and will play much. He may start, or be a rotation guy, but he will see the field a lot. Hard work pays off!


#13 Martell Irby

https://arizonawildcats.com/sports/football/roster/martell-irby/15257

 He is a walk-on guy but he will play! He is a solid pick up for our D. Good to have him here, finally.

#43 Dalton Johnson

https://arizonawildcats.com/sports/football/roster/dalton-johnson/15092

Johnson has continued to improve him game as well and will see some serious PT. Remember that rotation is critical in keeping players fresh and sometimes who starts may not get more time. Depth is critical.


#14 DJ Warnell Jr

https://arizonawildcats.com/sports/football/roster/dj-warnell-jr-/15151

Another guy who will play considerably. Depth is critical!


Rushing, Parish, Moses, and Hunter are young guys that will likely see more special teams than anything but also continue to build their bodies, experience, and overall talent for the future.