2010 Arizona Daily Wildcat Football Guide

ARIZONA DAILY WILDCAT PRESENTS:

THE TIME IS NOW

“

We have a chance to do something that’s never been done ... in the history of Arizona Football, I don’t know what could be more motivating than that.

”

— Coach Mike Stoops, on Rose Bowl chances

Quarterback Nick Foles

Defensive End Ricky Elmore

2010 ARIZONA FOOTBALL PREVIEW GUIDE

B2

• thursday, september 2, 2010 • arizona daily wildcat

The time is now COMMENTARY BY Tim Kosch sports editor

T

here hasn’t been a single official snap in 2010, but it’s already been one of the strangest seasons in Pacific 10 Conference history.

My roommate, a Texas native, was all set to make travel plans to see Arizona play at the University of Texas in 2012, only to find out that he’ll have to fly to Utah for some fresh Pac-10 action.

The Downtown Athletic Club started to engrave Jeremiah Masoli’s name into the 2010 Heisman Trophy, but it turns out the only thing being engraved for Masoli is his signature on an unemployment check.

Lane Kiffin was thinking of dropping an atomic bomb on his bridge to Tennessee and flee to USC, but — never mind — that actually happened. I’m sure he didn’t expect to arrive in Los Angeles and find out that his team can’t make the Rose Bowl this year, though.

But amid all the craziness something beautiful emerged: an open race.

The Pac-10 — arguably the nation’s most balanced conference — is anyone’s game.

Talent, circumstance make 2010 Arizona’s best chance to win Pac-10

Cases are being made nationally for Oregon State because of the Rodgers brothers, for Washington because of Jake Locker and for Stanford because of Andrew Luck.

But Oregon State has a brand new quarterback, Washington hasn’t had a winning season since 2002 — when Locker was 14 years old — and Stanford lost a running back that rushed for 28 touchdowns in 2009.

But there, sitting somewhere far in the corner of the eye of the national media, lie the Arizona Wildcats.

Whether the rest of the country wants to admit it or not, Arizona is primed to reach its first Rose Bowl in program history.

There are plenty of reasons that logically place the Wildcats in the conference championship conversation.

Quarterback Nick Foles is set to improve on his promising 2009 debut and his supporting cast should help make that an easy task.

Juron Criner, who caught nine touchdown passes despite only starting five games in 2009, is expected to breakout as one of the top wide receivers in the country in 2010. David Douglas, David Roberts and William “Bug” Wright are all talented recievers as well.

Standing behind Foles is Nic Grigsby, one of the most talented running backs to play at Arizona in a long time. But while Grigsby is the most athletic and effective back the Wildcats have, the senior has had a difficult time staying healthy. That may seem like a crushing blow year after year, but junior Keola Antolin and sophomore Greg Nwoko have filled in well, giving Arizona one of the best running back trios in the country.

But just like with Oregon State, Stanford and Washington, there are reasons to worry.

The 2009 defense that ranked 25th in the country was gutted up the middle by graduation, leaving the Wildcats to find two new defensive tackles, three new linebackers and a free safety.

There’s also that whole coaching carousel that rocked Tucson last winter when defensive coordinator Mark Stoops bolted for the same position at Florida State and offensive coordinator Sonny Dykes left to become the head coach at Louisiana Tech.

The coordinators have been replaced by four co-coordinators, three of them in-house hires — Seth Littrell and Bill

“Whether the rest of the country wants to admit it or not, Arizona is primed to reach its first Rose Bowl in program history.”

5

REASONS THIS IS THE YEAR: 1: USC’s offseason meltdowns

— Tim Kosch is a journalism senior and the sports editor for the Daily Wildcat. He can be reached at sports@wildcat.arizona.edu.

QUESTIONS FOR THE YEAR: Can Nic Grigsby stay healthy?

Arizona’s top running back tore up defenses, averaging 7.2 yards per carry in 2009. The only problem is that Grigsby and his bum shoulder lasted only 76 carries, as he missed three games and played injured in six contests. With Keola Antolin and Greg Nwoko waiting in line, the Wildcats have other options, but there is no hiding that they’re a better and more dangerous team with Grigsby on the field.

Would anyone even be talking about Arizona’s chances to go to the Rose Bowl if USC was eligible to play this postseason? Probably not.

Thanks to the departure of former USC head coach Pete Carroll and the NCAA sanctions which prevents the Trojans from playing in the postseason until 2011.

Arizona has been given a sliver of hope to smell roses on Jan. 1, 2011.

Here’s an idea of just how dominant USC has been: Since 1961, USC has claimed the conference 22 times, including six straight years from 2003 to 2008.

With USC out of contention for the Rose Bowl, Arizona’s path is a little clearer even before the season kicks off.

2:

Oregon’s quarterback woes

Is Nick Foles ready for primetime?

Coming off the 2010 Rose Bowl berth and a 2009 season championship, the Ducks were sitting pretty and looked positioned to repeat as the favorite in 2010 — until former quarterback Jeremiah Masoli was dismissed from the team for disciplinary reasons in early June.

Now Oregon’s offense is in the hands of sophomore Darron Thomas, who hasn’t played since the 2008 season. Sure, LaMichael James is the best running back in the conference, but losing a starting between seasons is an almost damning blow.

Had Oreogn and USC made it out of the offseason unscathed, it might have been another season of potential for the Wildcats.

Instead, Arizona is actually primed to make its jump to the Rose Bowl.

Foles burst onto the college football scene in 2009, and his 19-touchdown season — despite taking a back seat to Matt Scott for the first three games — is one for the record books.

But still, Foles only has less than a full season under his belt as a starting quarterback and disappeared when the stakes increased at the Holiday Bowl. With his smarts, NFL size and arm, Foles is expected to do big things this season, but will he perform up to expectations?

3:

Schedule is amicable

How will Delashaun Dean be replaced?

If you’re not already excited about seeing Iowa, Oregon State, Washington, USC and ASU, take three seconds to get the adrenaline pumping.

Five of Arizona’s nine Pac-10 games are at Arizona Stadium. Bringing opponents to the desert not only means less travel time for the Wildcats but also that opposing players have to deal with that dreaded Zona Zoo. Even the conference road schedule doesn’t seem that bad for Arizona in 2010.

At Washington State, Oregon, Stanford and UCLA doesn’t exactly scream tough road schedule.

The Wildcats lost a two-year starter and serious outside receiver threat in the offseason as Delashaun Dean was released due to weapon charges. Arizona is set at the No. 1 spot with Juron Criner, but who will step up on the opposite side? Junior David Douglas is expected to start at the No. 2 spot, but he’s thrived mostly as an inside receiver, so it remains to be seen if he will be the right fit.

4:

The offense is ready to explode

Quarterback Nick Foles’ arm. A trio of explosive running backs. A veteran receiving corps anchored by Juron Criner. There’s no reason why the Wildcats offense shouldn’t be set to take off through the air and on the ground this season. Now that Foles has control of the offense fulltime, and the veteran offense line is back for another year, there’s seemingly nothing to stop Arizona from running up the scoreboard.

How will the revamped defense fare?

The Arizona defense returns only four starters and also lost defensive coordinator Mark Stoops. The Wildcats will start the season with a group of linebackers who have yet to start a Division I game and also have some inconsistencies in the secondary. The usually reliable Wildcats defense is now one of the biggest question marks heading into 2010.

5:

Dominating D-line

Even though concerns about the Wildcats’ defense have been constant throughout the offseason, its one saving grace has been the defensive line. Fifth year senior ends Ricky Elmore and Brooks Reed can get to the quarterback quickly, alleviating some pressure off of Arizona’s still-questionable secondary. Elmore had 10.5 sacks last season and is on the watch list for the 2010 Ted Hendricks Defensive End of the Year Award. With the defense being the main point of concern — having to rebuild after losing seven starters and its defensive coordinator in Mark Stoops in the offseason — Reed and Elmore are certainly good to have as cornerstones.

Can the four-coordinator system work effectively?

Arizona is testing out a strategy that few college programs have never dared to try: Co-coordinators on each side of the ball. Long-time NFL and college coach Greg Brown and linebackers coach and recruiting guru Tim Kish will head up the defense, as offensive line coach Bill Bedenbough and runningbacks and tight ends coach Seth Littrell will lead the offense. The Wildcats lost both Mark Stoops and Sonny Dykes in the offseason, both of whom simply can’t be replaced. The aforementioned quartet certainly has the skill set and experience to be successful, but it remains to be seen how the system will work out.

—compiled by Mike Schmitz and Nicole Dimtsios

2 0 1 0 -2 0 1 1

S CHOLARSH

Bedenbaugh on offense and Tim Kish on defense — and the fourth, Greg Brown, seems to have gelled with Kish just nicely.

Such turnover on defense and on the coaching staff has led most to dismiss Arizona, but I’ve got to be honest — I don’t buy it.

Inexperience on defense is worrisome, but the candidates to fill the vacancies have more potential than the players who left.

But there’s one reason why the defense and the coaching staff will be fine, and it’s the same reason why Arizona could very well win the Pac-10 this year.

Head coach Mike Stoops.

Regardless of the names that get the defensive coordinator label, this is Stoops’ system. It’s his defense. The same goes for coaching — Stoops himself said that he “replaces great coaches with great coaches.”

Stoops has finally instilled the sense of pride in the Arizona football program that was so glaringly absent before he got here.

Arizona showed last year after devastating losses to Washington and Oregon that it can bounce back from difficult times, and this year will be no different.

With the talent Arizona does have and with the current climate of the Pac-10, the time is now, and Stoops knows that.

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arizona daily wildcat • thursday, september 2, 2010 •

Baxter Arizona’s true leader Senior center grounds Wildcats offensive attack

By Mike Schmitz Arizona Daily Wildcat The flowing blonde hair and NFL size of Nick Foles makes for a perfect Arizona football cover boy.

While Foles is one of the most productive and touted quarterbacks in the nation, the true leader of the Wildcats’ offense lies in a far-less marketable and popular player — senior center Colin Baxter.

Sixth-year senior and fellow offensive lineman Adam Grant said it best: “The guy epitomizes leadership.”

Baxter, a two-time co-captain, hasn’t missed a practice during his four years at Arizona and is viewed by teammates and coaches as the unquestioned leader of the Wildcats. He’s started 37 consecutive games and is the model of consistency.

“I’ve coached for 15, 16 years and I’ve never had a guy not miss practice, but that’s just him,” co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh said of his center.

“That’s his toughness, that’s his leadership, that’s his mentality. He loves playing football and the great thing about him is that he doesn’t want to let anybody down.”

Bedenbaugh, along with the rest of the Wildcats, raves about the starting center, but nobody had more love for Baxter than the man who holds his hands below his rear-end thousands of times throughout a given season.

“I love him to death,” Foles said of his starting center. “Guys follow him. They know he’s going to give it his all. He’s probably the toughest guy on the team and that’s who you want at center.

“He’s a great leader for this team,” Foles added. “I wouldn’t have any other center. I’m glad he’s on my side of the ball. I’m glad he’s on my team.”

Although Baxter isn’t the one breaking off big runs, tossing 60-yard touchdowns, or delivering stadium-rattling hits on Saturdays, he’s one of the best at what he does in both the conference and the nation.

His technique and ability alone separates him from other college centers, but what makes him such a valuable asset to the Wildcats is his dedication and work ethic.

“He’s always the first one up in line, he’s the first in everything,” Grant said. “He runs harder than everybody else and he works harder than anybody.”

As he whips back his long brown hair, re-

Michael Ignatov/Arizona Daily Wildcat

Center Colin Baxter readies the offense against Northern Arizona in 2009. Baxter, a two-time captain, was voted the team’s offensive MVP in 2009 and is expected to anchor the unit again in 2010.

adjusts his grey headband and slams on his white helmet in preparation for battle, you can’t miss the toughness glowing from the 6-foot-4, 295-pound Baxter. He’s a no-nonsense type of guy who doesn’t dance away from reality.

“He comes out here and he tells you how it is,” Grant said. “You’re going to get a straightforward answer and that’s why he’s our leader.”

Baxter’s deidcation doesn’t go unnoticed among his other teammates. His unblemished record has inspired others on the offense to immitate his work ethic.

“When you have a leader that’s never missed a practice, fights through all of the injuries he has, that automatically shows you how great of a leader he is,” Foles said. “It makes you fight if you have a broken foot, broken hand, anything you fight through because — Adam Grant that’s what he does.” leads by examleft tackle pleBaxter through his toughness and dedication, traits he attributes to his childhood when he was preferred hanging out with an older crowd.

“I just kind of grew up with that mentality,” Baxter said. “I was always hanging out with the older kids. You’ve just got to be tough. You can’t let anyone else be better than you.”

Through three full seasons at Arizona, few

“The guy epitomizes leadership.”

have been better than Baxter. He was voted team offensive MVP in 2009, and earned second team All-Pacific-10 Conference honors as well.

He is the catalyst for an offense that averaged 384.5 yards per game in 2009, and expects an even more impressive output in 2010.

“I think we’re real hungry to do some special things as an offense this season,” Baxter said.

Although the average Arizona football fan probably doesn’t even know who Baxter is, with being an offensive lineman comes an expected lack of attention.

“When you’re on the O-line you kind of know that you’re not going to get all this recognition like Nick (Foles) or the receivers,” Grant said. “We just play for each other. We work our butts off for the guy next to us and Colin (Baxter) knows that.”

Despite missing the notoriety of a Foles, running back Nic Grigsby or receiver Juron Criner, with a solid senior season Baxter should be NFL-bound and could expect a solid career in the league, whether members of Zona Zoo know his name or not.

But as of now, Baxter still has one more Wildcats team to lead — a team that has a legitimate shot at the Rose Bowl.

So although Baxter’s No. 64 isn’t featured on billboards across town, he is the true heart and soul of the Arizona football team, and should be viewed that way.

“The guy is a phenomenal player.” Grant said. “He doesn’t care (about recognition) and he just wants to win.”

Bedenbaugh added: “When you’ve got guys like him, you’ve got a chance to win.”

B3

Meet the O-Line

The offensive line has gone through its ups and downs through camp, but should remain one of the biggest strengths for the Wildcats. They did lose 2009 starting left tackle Mike Diaz, but replaced him with an equally or even more impressive lineman in 6-foot-6, sixth-year senior Adam Grant.

But while the O-line should remain productive, injuries set the entire unit back a bit according to Bedenbaugh.

“Guys have been injured and we haven’t had a chance to develop that continuity that you’d like at this point,” Bedenbaugh said. “But the first five guys that we’re going to start with at Toledo, they’ve worked together well and I think they’re ready for the game.”

Expected starting right guard Vaughn Dotsy underwent back surgery — a microdiscetomy, the same surgery that knocked out former tight end Rob Gronkowski in 2009 — in March, and missed the majority of training camp.

But Dotsy is back healthy and the starting unit should continue to impress in 2010.

Projected starters NAME:

POSITION: CLASS: HEIGHT: WEIGHT:

Adam Grant

Left tackle Graduate student 6-foot-6 325 pounds

NAME:

Conan Amituanai

NAME:

Colin Baxter

NAME:

Philip Garcia

NAME:

Vaughn Dotsy

POSITION: CLASS: HEIGHT: WEIGHT: POSITION: CLASS: HEIGHT: WEIGHT: POSITION: CLASS: HEIGHT: WEIGHT: POSITION: CLASS: HEIGHT: WEIGHT:

Left guard Senior 6-foot-4 335 poounds Center Senior 6-foot-4 295 pounds

Right tackle Senior 6-foot-7 330 pounds

Offensive guard Junior 6-foot-5 370 pounds

B4

• thursday, september 2, 2010 • arizona daily wildcat

THE AERIAL ATTACK

SCOUTING FOLES Quarterback Nick Foles was exceptional in his first year when it came to decision-making, regularly checking down to a safe throw when under pressure. Foles threw just nine interceptions in 409 pass attempts.

arizona daily wildcat • thursday, september 2, 2010 •

SCOUTING CRINER

#5 — Nic Grigsby

Jur

Nic #8 —

There’s no other way to say it: Juron Criner is the perfect size for a wide receiver. Standing 6-foot4 and weighing 210 pounds, Criner creates mismatches against both cornerbacks and safeties.

2— #8

kF ole s

Breaking down Arizona’s passing game

If you listen closely enough, you can hear the ball whistle as Foles rips it through the air.

The righty can make every throw on the field with authority, including the dreaded deepout-route.

#6 — Travis Cobb

er

n Cri on

#88 — A.J. Simmons

#81 — David Roberts

#85 — David Douglas

He might not be as fast as his backup Matt Scott, but Foles can carry his own when it comes to athleticism. He won’t bust out a 40-yard run, but he’ll stay alive in the pocket as long as he needs to.

#2 — Keola Antolin

Co-defensive coordinators

Co-offensive coordinators

Mike Stoops

Bill Bedenbaugh

Seth Littrell

Tim Kish

Greg Brown

Head coach

Offensive line

TEs and RBs

Linebackers

Secondary

7th year

4th year

2th year

7th year

1st year

Frank Scelfo

Mike Tuiasosopo

David Nichol

Jeff Hammerschmidt

Garret Chachere

Corey Edmond

Quarterbacks coach

Defnsive line coach

Outside receivers coach

Special teams/DE coach

Inside receivers coach

Strength coach

1st year

7th year

3rd year

7th year

2nd year

7th year

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B5

The most important aspect of being a wide receiver is catching the ball, and Criner excels in that area. He has big, strong hands that allow him to hang onto jump balls.

Criner isn’t the fastest receiver on the team, but he has ample speed and makes up for it by running with authority — see: 72yard touchdown against Oregon last year.

He’s also a whiz when it comes to staying inbounds on sideline catches.

B6

• thursday, september 2, 2010 • arizona daily wildcat

By Tim Kosch Arizona Daily Wildcat

Cornerback Trevin Wade was dominant at the start of the 2009 season then suddenly disappeared in the middle of Pacific 10 Conference play. But not because of poor play or a sudden drop in production, he disappeared because opposing teams flat out stopped throwing the ball to his side.

“It gets frustrating,” Wade said about teams avoiding him. “I just keep telling myself that if we get a stop on the other side that they’re going to come to my side eventually. I just need to keep playing and keep telling myself that a play is going to happen.”

Wade will likely see more of the same to start the 2010 season thanks to Arizona’s inexperienced secondary. They’ll start throwing near him eventually, and when they do the preseason All-American has some goals in mind.

“To just throw a number out there, probably like eight to 10 interceptions,” Wade said on his goals for the season. “Most importantly I just need to make the ones thrown to me count. I just need to stay focused, they might not throw it over there but when they do that’s going to be my chance so I need to make them pay.”

Ten interceptions might be a stretch, but anything near that number would help solidify Wade’s placement on The Jim Thorpe Award watch-

Defensive backs Co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach Greg Brown breaks down the defensive backs that will contribute in 2010:

list as the nation’s top defensive back. But according to co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach Greg Brown, individual awards don’t matter.

“I think if you ask Trevin, he’d give up interceptions and individual awards for outstanding all-around defense and a team that can contend for the Pac-10 title,” Brown said. “He’s all about team.”

Brown, who signed on with the Wildcats shortly following the end of the 2009 season, is happy to have a seasoned veteran like Wade anchoring his secondary.

“It’s a good thing when you have guys that have established themselves and have done well against Pac-10 competition, that’s a huge thing,” Brown said.

“He’s there to steady our young defense and that’s exactly what we need.”

When asked for a scouting report on Wade, Brown couldn’t wait to gush over his resident ballhawk.

“Interceptor.

Plays the ball.

Has a nose for it, anticipates, and can make plays.”

Linebacker breakdown

T-Wade set to anchor DB’s

Linebacker depth chart

If there’s one glaring hole in the Arizona defense heading into the 2010 season it’s at linebacker. Even codefensive coordinator and linebackers coach Tim Kish agreed when asked that very question.

“I’m sure it is, just from the fact that none of (the contending linebackers) have started at a linebacker position in Division I game before,” he said.

Because of this fact, the Wildcats plan to employ a by-committee system with their top three linebackers in sophomore Jake Fischer, and junior college transfers Derek Earls and Paul Vassallo, at least until players settle into their roles. Nothing is set in stone yet, and probably won’t be for the first few weeks of the season.

“They’re getting there,” Kish said.

“We’re going to be a work in progress.”

NAME: Jake Fischer POSITION: Strong side linebacker CLASS: Sophomore LAST COLLEGE: Arizona HEIGHT: 5-foot-11 WEIGHT: 220 pounds KISH SAYS: “He’s just a football player. He’s just die hard. He understands the game. He’s quick, he’s athletic, he’s tough. He’s got all the intangibles that you want at this position.”

NAME: Derek Earls POSITION: Middle linebacker CLASS: Junior (transfer) LAST COLLEGE: North Dakota State College HEIGHT: 6-foot-3 WEIGHT: 235 pounds KISH SAYS: “He’s getting there. He’s got the toughest assignment because he’s got to make all the checks and set all the fronts, but once he can just play reacting to the football he’s going to be in a lot better shape.”

NAME: Paul Vassallo POSITION: Weakside linebacker CLASS: Junior LAST COLLEGE: Sierra Community College HEIGHT: 6-foot-3 WEIGHT: 240 pounds KISH SAYS: “He’s very intelligent, he understands what’s going on in front of him. Again it’s just a matter of him getting comfortable with the entire system and getting him to react and not be thinking out there.”

— Mike Schmitz

Others in contention: RJ Young and Trevor Erno

defensive line breakdown

CB Robert Golden

Brown says: “Hard-nosed competitor, plays the run as well as the pass.”

FS Joe Perkins

Brown says: “Tough, competes, can run, can tackle. He’s a baller. I’m really glad to have Joe Perkins.”

SS Anthony Wilcox

Brown says: “Smart, runs, has some range. He’s got some seniority in him, we need him to step up big.”

S Adam Hall

Lolomana Mikaele

Ricky Elmore POSITION: CLASS: HEIGHT: WEIGHT:

POSITION: CLASS: HEIGHT: WEIGHT:

Defensive end Senior 6-5 250

Brown says: “Big, rangy, has ability, he’ll stick his nose in there to tackle. A young guy that just has to come on.”

S Marquis Flowers

Brown says: “Big, fast, tough. Very green, but he’s going to be a terrific player for Arizona.”

Nose tackle Senior.

6-2 305

Sione Tuihalamaka POSITION: CLASS: HEIGHT: WEIGHT:

Brooks Reed

Defensive tackle Redshirt freshman 6-2 280

POSITION: CLASS: HEIGHT: WEIGHT:

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arizona daily wildcat • thursday, september 2, 2010 •

Flowers blooming early and often

By Mike Schmitz ARIZONA DAILY WILDCAT

After the first day of Arizona’s training camp on Aug. 5, one question circulated: Which newcomer has impressed the most?

The answer was unanimous — freshman safety Marquis Flowers.

The No. 1 high school player in Arizona is the Wildcats’ prized recruit, and the electric safety has certainly performed as advertised after three weeks of practice.

In fact, Flowers holds the talent and potential to be one of the better Arizona Age: 18 products in years.

“I think his potential is Class: Freshman unlimited. I don’t think Hometown: Phoenix, Ariz. there’s anything he can’t do (Millennium HS) on the football field,” said Position: Safety Arizona head coach Mike Stoops. “He’s one of the Rivals Info: most polished players I’ve No. 1 ranked player in Arizona, 78th seen at this stage.” nationally and 8th rated safety The praise doesn’t end with Stoops. Seemingly evnationally. ery coach and player has 40-yard dash: 4.4 seconds raved about the 6-foot-3, Shuttle time: 4.47 seconds 200-pound super-athlete.

Vertical: 33 inches “Marquis came in — he was highly touted, and he has not disappointed,” said co-defensive coordinator Greg Brown, who said that he thought Flowers could start this season when the freshman signed in February.

“The guy is big, he can run, he can tackle and he’s going to have a great future as a Wildcat.”

Shutdown corner Trevin Wade added: “He’s smart with the game. He’s big, physically, he’s ready to play.”

Flowers, a Phoenix native and graduate of Millennium High School, doesn’t carry the build or swagger of your average freshman.

Mike Christy/Arizona Daily Wildcat He’s oozing with confidence, and, even as a baFreshman safety Marquis Flowers runs interceptions drills during fall camp practice at Rincon Vista Sports by-faced 18-year-old, Flowers looks like a man Complex. Flowers is poised to make an impact on defense as a true freshman.

MARQUIS FLOWERS

RUNNING BACKS Nic Grigsby

Class: Senior Measurables: 5-foot-10, 190 pounds Total yards (2009 stats): 567 Yards per carry: 7.2 Touchdowns: 5 Long rush: 94 yards

Back in the Pac

His shoulder injury in last year’s Pacific 10 Conference opener at Oregon State brought up questions of his durability, causing Grigsby to miss practice and playing time throughout the rest of the season. In the offseason, the senior worked with Arizona strength coach Corey Edmond to gain muscle to help prevent the injury from recurring this season.

“The best I’ve felt in a long time,” Grigsby said about how he feels coming out of camp. “Coach Ed did a great job.

I give it up to coach Ed for over the summer. I still have my speed and bulked my shoulders up a little bit.”

Why he’ll make an impact:

This is Grigsby’s final year to make a statement at Arizona, and he’s determined to get the job done, whether he’s running up the middle or racking up yards after

B7

amongst boys.

He has been used in nickel packages throughout practice, is a big hitter who used to model his game after former USC safety Taylor Mays.

He’s the definition of a ball-hawk and was once scolded for laying out receiver David Douglas in seven-on-seven drills during camp.

Needless to say, he’s a playmaker.

“I just want to make plays. Big-time players make big-time plays,” Flowers said. “I want to be the one to make the play. I want to be the one the defense can count on.”

Arizona figures to feature schemes with more defensive backs, as the majority of its talent lies at cornerback and safety rather than linebacker. So the door is open for Flowers to produce, and he’s ready for the challenge.

“I have high expectations,” he said. “I know what they want out of me, and that’s what I’m going to give.”

Flowers was cited by SI.com as one of the nation’s top-10 impact freshmen and has been a household name in the college football and recruiting realm for quite some time.

He starred at the US Army All-America game in January, was tabbed as a four-star recruit by Rivals.com as well as cracking the nation’s top 100 at No. 78.

Flowers came to Arizona as nothing more than an athlete, as he shined as a running back in high school, rushing for 1,247 yards and reaching the endzone 16 times.

But he made it clear that his main focus is on defense at safety, where he has a chance to state his name in 2010 and for the next three or four years to come.

The defense is full of new blood, especially the secondary, and Flowers should be the catalyst of a new-look Wildcat defensive attack for quite some time.

“We’re looking forward to a bright future not just between the two of us but as a defense as a whole,” said sophomore Adam Hall. “We have a good freshman class, and they’re going to mix well with what we have here and what we’re going to have next year and the years to come.”

Arizona features three-headed monster Why he’ll make an impact:

the catch out of the backfield.

“As for what our whole scheme is, (it’s) to get our playmakers ball and space and to make plays that’s it,” Grigsby said. “Coach already told me ‘We’re going to look to get you the ball any way we can’. Either way it (goes), (if) coach throws the ball to me, I’m going to catch it.”

Grigsby’s ability to stay healthy will be key to the potential of the Wildcat offense. He has the ability to be an option for Foles in the flat, something that the Wildcats actually saw success with in their dismal Holiday Bowl experience.

Antolin was the Wildcats’ leading rusher last season and filled in nicely when Grigsby wasn’t able to go.

Although his numbers were down from his freshman campaign, the junior is primed for big play abilities out of the backfield.

Like last season, Antolin’s impact on Arizona’s offense will depend on how long he can last throughout the season.

“It’s good to have all the running backs healthy,” Antolin said. “That’s our number one goal for this year: all of us to be healthy throughout the whole season.”

He brings speed to the rushing trio

Keola Antolin

Class: Junior Measurables: 5-foot-8, 195 pounds Total yards (2009 stats): 637 Yards per carry: 5.6 Touchdowns: 4 Long rush: 67 yards

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that, if healthy, can give Arizona the edge to be among the top offenses in the conference.

What’s changed since last season: Nothing, according to Antolin.

“Same thing,” Antolin said about how much he expects to get the ball. “I’m a team player, man. It’s everybody. That’s what we want.”

Greg Nwoko

Class: Sophomore Measurables: 6-foot-2, 228 pounds Total yards (2009 stats): 273 Yards per carry: 3.6 Touchdowns: 3 Long rush: 43 yards

Why he’ll make an impact:

Nwoko is, simply put, big. His ability to break through the line, especially in short yard situations, is something the Wildcats will take advantage of this season. Like Grisby, Nwoko is a dual threat when it comes to an option for Foles. He had 18 receptions for 186 yards to lead all of Arizona’s running backs in 2009 and can use the option for short-yard passing plays to turn into long gains.

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• thursday, september 2, 2010 • arizona daily wildcat

PAC10 BREAKDOWN

NON-ARIZONA PLAYERS TO WATCH

NON-ARIZONA GAMES TO WATCH

The headliners:

2009 – good for the most in the country. He’ll anchor UCLA’s defense in 2010.

Since the minute he stepped on the field, Jacquizz Rodgers has been a scoring machine. Rodgers burst onto the scene in 2008 when he single-handedly beat USC and he’s shown that the outburst was no fluke. The junior has already scored 32 touchdowns in his career and Pac-10 defenses should prepare to watch that number rise in 2010.

The wildcards:

Jacquizz Rodgers, RB Oregon State

Jake Locker, QB Washington

The only way to beat Locker is to outscore him. The guy can literally do it all: throw with authority as well as run with speed and power. It seems to be very likely that he will be a top pick in the next NFL Draft. The only thing missing from his resumé A bowl appearance and a Heisman Trophy, both of which might happen this year.

Andrew Luck, QB Stanford

The other headliner in the loaded Pac10 quarterback class, Luck is primed for a breakout year. After spending much of 2009 playing second fiddle to all-world running back Toby Gerhart, Luck is set to grab his redshirt-sophomore year by the reigns. Head coach Jim Harbaugh’s prized possession is smart, accurate and has a strong arm — but he can also run if he has to.

LaMichael James, RB Oregon

Oregon found out that it didn’t need LeGarrette Blount in 2009, and it might find out that it doesn’t need Jeremiah Masoli in 2010 — all because of LaMichael James. The freshman was an absolute stud last year, rushing for 1,546 yards and 14 touchdowns despite only having doubledigit carries in 11 games.

The old reliables:

Owen Marecic, FB/LB Stanford

It must’ve been pretty flattering for Marecic when his head coach called him the “perfect” football player in 2009, but nothing is more flattering than being asked to start on both offense and defense. Just like when two-way players existed beyond high school, Marecic is a throwback. A classic football player — not flashy, not overly athletic, but a hard-nosed, hit-youin-the-mouth masher.

Jeff Maehl, WR Oregon

In an offense that stresses the run more than the pass, Maehl established himself as one of the most consistent and trustworthy receivers in the Pac-10 last year. He’ll be essential to the success of new quarterback Darron Thomas.

Rahim Moore, S UCLA

When coaches talk about defensive players as “having a nose for the ball,” they are probably picturing Rahim Moore in their heads. After picking off three passes in 2008, Moore intercepted an incredible 10 balls in

Darron Thomas, QB Oregon

You know you’re in 2010 when a coach of one of the most relevant football programs in the nation breaks the news that Darron Thomas will start at quarterback on Twitter. While Twitter represents a new form of journalism, Thomas represents the embodiment of a new trend in quarterbacks — fast and athletic runners who can also pass. His three touchdowns in Oregon’s final scrimmage likely showed Kelly that he was a capable enough thrower to handle the job.

Shane Vereen, RB California

Jahvid Best was supposed to be the man last year, but after injuries slowed his once-promising season, Vereen didn’t miss a beat.

The true freshman struggled at times during his first season — including throwing at least one interception in his final nine games and seven in his last four — but he also showed why he was so highly-touted out of high school. New head coach Lane Kiffin might not have many fans, but he did turn Jonathan Crompton, once a lost cause at Tennessee, into an NFL prospect in one year. Let’s see what Kiffin can do with Barkley.

The new guys:

Dillon Baxter, RB USC

Just do a quick YouTube search for “Dillon Baxter” and you’ll see what Pac10 defenses are about to deal with. The kid was a menace in high school and was breaking ankles in college as early as USC’s spring game. Baxter won’t start right off the bat, but you better believe Kiffin will do what he has to do to get the ball in his hands.

Keenan Allen, WR California

Landing Allen over the winter was the first big win of the season for the Golden Bears. The 6-foot-3 freshman was a 5-star recruit ranked as the fifth best prospect in the nation by Rivals.com and is expected to start immediately at wide receiver.

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Nebraska at Washington, Sept. 18

This game won’t mean anything as far as the conference race goes, but it will tell us a lot about how real of a contender Washington is. Nebraska’s defense is tough – just ask Arizona – and the Huskies will be pushed to the brink early and often.

Stanford at Oregon, Oct. 2

Another early game that will show the true colors of a possible Pacific 10 contender. Stanford shocked Oregon last season when the Ducks had national championship dreams, but the Cardinal’s trip to Eugene, Ore., to start the Pac-10 season will be a huge test.

Oregon at USC, Oct. 30

Speaking of Oregon, its biggest test before The Civil War might be this trip to the Coliseum. The Trojans won’t have anything to play for, but they’re still the most talented team in the conference and would love nothing more than to spoil the Rose Bowl chances of the team that snapped their streak last year.

Stanford at Washington, Oct. 30

Matt Barkley, QB USC

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compiled by Tim Kosch

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If Oregon and USC are grouped together as the best teams in the conference, Arizona, Washington, Stanford and Oregon State would be grouped together as the next best.

This game should help clear-up an otherwise cluttered picture.

Oregon at Oregon State, Dec. 4

The Civil War had huge Rose Bowl implications in 2008 and then served as a proverbial conference championship game in 2009. It’s possible the same thing could happen in 2010.

Coming soon: The Pac-12

After months of speculation about conference expansion, Pac-10 commissioner Larry Scott announced this summer that the University of Utah and the University of Colorado will be joining the conference in 2011 and 2012, respectively. The Pac-10 is expected to be split into two divisions sometime in the next year. Conference officials did say that they will respect in-state rivalries, leaving the Dual in the Desert in tact.

schedule breakdown

Week 1: atToledo

2009: 5-7 (3-5 MAC) Key players: Eric Page, WR/KR; Archie Donald, LB; Dan Molls, LB The skinny: Toledo ranked 116th in the nation last year in scoring defense, giving up an astounding 37.7 points per game.

Arizona will win if: It stays focused.

Playing Toledo on the road could provide an initial challenge, but ultimately the Wildcats should win with ease.

Week 2: The Citadel

2009: 4-7 (2-6 Southern Conference) Key players: Cortez Allen, DB; Alex Sellars, TE The skinny: The Citadel, an FCS school, was predicted to finish eighth in the Southern Conference preseason coaches poll.

Arizona will win if: It steps onto the field.

Week 4: California

2009: 8-5 (5-4 Pac-10), lost to Utah 37-27 in Poinsettia Bowl Key players: Shane Vereen, RB; Mike Mohamed, LB; Marvin Jones, WR The skinny: Cal has minimal preseason expectations for the first time in recent memory, but the Bears still have gamebreaking talent on both sides of the ball and could surprise some teams.

Arizona will win if: It shuts down Vereen and make quarterback Kevin Riley beat it.

Week 5: Oregon State

2009: 8-5 (6-3 Pac-10), lost to BYU 44-20 in Las Vegas Bowl Key players: Jacquizz Rodgers, RB; James Rodgers, WR/KR; Stephen Paea, DT The skinny: The Beavers have to break in a new quarterback but having the dynamic Rodgers brothers around him should make that an easy transition.

Arizona will win if: The offense stays consistent and the defense shuts down quarterback Ryan Katz — “stopping” either Rodgers brother is nearly impossible.

arizona daily wildcat • thursday, september 2, 2010 •

compiled by Tim Kosch

Week 7: Washington

2009: 5-7 (4-5 Pac-10) Key players: Jake Locker, QB; Jermaine Kearse, WR; Mason Foster; LB The skinny: The first year of the Steve Sarkisian era got off to a flying start but the Huskies came back to earth in the second half. Year two, especially with Jake Locker back under center and 19 returning starters, should result in a bowl bid.

Arizona will win if: DE’s Brooks Reed and Ricky Elmore keep Locker in the pocket, and if an interception doesn’t bounce off of a Wildcat’s heel.

Week 8: at UCLA

2009: 7-6 (3-6 Pac-10), defeated Temple 3021 in EagleBank Bowl Key players: Rahim Moore, FS; Akeem Ayers, LB; Taylor Embree, WR The skinny: UCLA has a lot of individual talent on both sides of the ball but the Bruins have yet to find consistency under Rick Neuheisel. The Bruins could surprise people and have a great season or could struggle from the start.

Arizona will win if: It plays smart on offense. Rahim Moore is a ballhawk and can change a game at a moment’s notice.

Week 3: Iowa Hawkeyes

2009: 11-2 (6-2 Big Ten), defeated Georgia Tech 24-14 in Orange Bowl Key players: Adrian Clayborn, DE; Tyler Sash, SS; Ricky Stanzi, QB The skinny: The Hawkeyes boast one of the nation’s toughest, most fundamentally sound defenses that stuffs the run with ease and flusters opposing QBs. Arizona will win if: Quarterback Nick Foles can spread the ball around on quick passes and limit turnovers.

Week 6: at Washington State

2009: 1-11 (0-9 Pac-10) Key players: Jeff Tuel, QB; Jared Karstetter, WR; Kevin Kooyman, DE The skinny: Another year of competitive balance in the Pac-10 means another difficult season in Pullman, Wash.

Arizona will win if: It steps on the field.

B9

Week 9: at Stanford

2009: 8-5 (6-3 Pac-10), lost to Oklahoma 31-27 in Sun Bowl Key players: Andrew Luck, QB; Ryan Whalen, WR; Owen Marecic, FB/LB The skinny: Stanford is the trendy pick to win the Pac-10 this season thanks to a strong finish in 2009 and up-and-coming quarterback Andrew Luck. The Cardinal has a lot of work to do on defense, however.

Arizona will win if: It plays the way it did against Stanford last season — give up points at will but make big offensive plays when it matters.

Week 10: USC

2009: 9-4 (5-4 Pac-10), defeated Boston College 24-13 in Emerald Bowl Key players: Matt Barkley, QB; Marc Tyler, RB; Kris O’Dowd, C The skinny: Just because USC isn’t eligible to play in a bowl doesn’t mean it won’t try to win every week — and with all the talent the Trojans have, it has a great chance to do just that.

Arizona will win if: It watches the 2009 tape: ball control, steady defense, constant composure.

Week 11: at Oregon

2009: 10-3 (8-1 Pac-10), lost to Ohio State 26-17 in Rose Bowl Key players: LaMichael James, RB; Jeff Maehl, WR; Casey Matthews, LB The skinny: The Ducks were a surefire bet to reach the Rose Bowl in 2010 once the 2009 season ended, but the dismissal of quarterback Jeremiah Masoli undoubtedly hurts Oregon’s chances. There’s still a ton of talent on this team though.

Arizona will win if: It can make one key defensive stop. That was all that kept the Wildcats from beating Oregon last year.

Week 12: ASU

2009: 4-8 (2-7 Pac-10) Key players: Vontaze Burfict, LB; Lawrence Guy, DT; Omar Bolden, CB The skinny: The offense killed the Sun Devils’ chances in 2009 and 2010 doesn’t look to be any better, but that defense is tough to penetrate. Don’t be surprised if ASU pulls off a major upset or two.

Arizona will win if: It successfully takes shots downfield. It’ll be tough to run on that front seven.

B10 • thursday, september 2, 2010 • arizona daily wildcat