DL

[Little George]

This is the last position for a reason so let's jump right in.

DL has been a real problem for our program for a long time. While we have loved our Wildcats over the years, but at some point something had to change. Having a 250 lbs NG did not cut it. Moving forward we will at least have size. Here we go.

#11 Taylor Upshaw

https://arizonawildcats.com/sports/football/roster/taylor-upshaw/15402

Taylor had a nice career at Michigan and looks to bring his experience to Arizona. It does appear that he will be starting at the Edge. Staff plans to rotate these guys often to keep the DL fresh so he will get his share of PT either way.

#45 Bill Norton

https://arizonawildcats.com/sports/football/roster/bill-norton/15263

Bill got some rotation and ST play at Georgia but is still likely as talented as anyone one else we have had on our DL in years. He is big and will fill some space at 6'6" 325lbs.

#92 Tyler Manoa

https://arizonawildcats.com/sports/football/roster/tyler-manoa/15261

Tyler also has some real size to him at 6'5" 315 lbs. Has 45 games of college experience at UCLA. He too should fill some space up front and hopefully not get pushed around much.

#50 Sio Nofoagatoto'a

https://arizonawildcats.com/sports/football/roster/sio-nofoagatoto-a/15401

Sio started all 12 games for Indiana last year and brings size and experience at 6'6" 330 lbs. He may not start but will see plenty of time with the rotations going regularly. Keeping these guys fresh will sure help us up front.

#48 Orin Patu

https://arizonawildcats.com/sports/football/roster/orin-patu/15265

Orin comes with 24 games of experience at California and I am not really sure he stands in line with the rotation, but it is nice to have his depth for sure.

#98 Tiaoalii Savea

https://arizonawildcats.com/sports/football/roster/tiaoalii-savea/15132

Savea played in seven games for us last year and was at UCLA prior. He is a light weight at 305 lbs, but much better than 250? Haven't heard his name in the rotation mentions, but I don't get everything.

#46 Ta'ita'i Uiagalelei

https://arizonawildcats.com/sports/football/roster/ta-ita-i-uiagalelei/15148

Ta'ita'i got some good experience for us last year as a freshman and even started the last five games of the year. He is listed at 285 lbs at 6'4" and should be a solid roation guy.

#93 Jacob Kongaika

https://arizonawildcats.com/sports/football/roster/jacob-kongaika/15098

Jacob at 6'2" 300 lbs is another solid inside guy that will help us with depth on that front. he played in nine games as a freshman.

#99 Russell Davis II

https://arizonawildcats.com/sports/football/roster/russell-davis-ii/15069

Davis is a light weight edge guy that will use his speed as a strength. He has added some strength this year and was a real hot topic on his ability until Ward outshined him. Look for him to get some rotation and not drop off much when he comes in.

#90 Isaiah Ward

https://arizonawildcats.com/sports/football/roster/isaiah-ward/15150

This freshman came out of nowhere to take the spotlight on the edge. He is an exciting player and between him and davis we hope to see some real pressure on the QB this year.

#95 Keanu Mailoto

https://arizonawildcats.com/sports/football/roster/keanu-mailoto/15379

Keanu is a good looking JC guy at 6'5" 300 lbs he should be ready to contribute when called on, but builds depth for our future right away.

I will not go over every player, but there are some more freshmen that will contribute in the future and could even this year. Lolesioo, Fernandez, Savaiinaea who is a real stud, Davis and others.



 This is a different DL than anything else we have had in recent years. IF these guys can produce this whole D will improve in a major way! We only need to be average to make a major jump and this is the key right here up front on D.

[Little George]

Savea has has some soft tisue injury through camp but really turned it up this last week earning the start, but NOT, because of the suspension from the ASwho game last year.

He played well fo us last year and yet did not do much during camp. Now we know why! All I can say is that means more solid depth which is great news.