Three key positions on the team

KEY PLAYERS Positions that could make or break

Arizona football’s 2022 season

BY COLE JOHNSON

@CJWildcat2000

When Jedd Fisch arrived in Tucson to take over as head coach in 2021, there was a new hope for the Arizona football team, especially after the Wildcats lost every game of the previous season.

In his time at the University of Arizona so far, Fisch has already led the team to a victory against the University of California, Berkeley, on Nov. 6, 2021.

In preparation for the 2022 season, Fisch has made numerous new additions to the roster for key positions such as wide receiver and running back with the biggest change being quarterback.

Depending on how each new player performs, these positions could make or break the season for the Wildcats.

Quarterback

The quarterback starting against San Diego State University in the first game of the season will be a sophomore transfer from Washington State University, Jayden de Laura.

Last season with Washington State, de Laura threw for 2,798 yards with 23 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He led the Cougars to seven wins and was named Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year.

Backing up de Laura this season will be Noah Fifita, Jordan McCloud, Gunner Cruz, Will Plummer and freshman Cole Tannenbaum.

Plummer is expected to miss a good part of the season. Fifita seems to be the current number two followed by McCloud, because Fisch has given Fifita high praise and the majority of the reps at the number two quarterback spot.

McCloud on the other hand has already shown in previous years that he can play well during games when he is healthy.

Wide Receiver

Returning standout receiver for this season is sophomore Dorian Singer. In 2021, Singer averaged about 17 yards a catch and helped lighten the load for Stanley Berryhill III.

Also returning will be redshirt junior Jamarye Joiner. In 2019, Joiner had 34 receptions for 552 yards and is looking to bring back that kind of play now that the Wildcats have options with their quarterback.

The buzz of the offseason practices has been about freshman Tetairoa McMillan. He was placed on the 247Sports True Freshman of the Year watch list after being very impressive in practice and the weight room. McMillan said after the scrimmage, he gained 15 pounds while still being able to gain speed.

Under Fisch, it seems most of the team has gained speed, strength and size.

Running Back

Many hopefuls from last year will be returning this season such as Michael Wiley, Jalen John, Drake Anderson and Stevie Rocker Jr. These four backs carried most of the load last season, all having impressive moments, especially Rocker.

In the off-season, the Wildcats landed transfer running back D.J. Williams from Florida State University. Williams played with Auburn University before transferring to Florida State and performed well with both schools before transferring to Arizona for his senior year.

Freshman Jonah Coleman also made some noise in the scrimmage, running the ball with power. He looks to make a big impact along with the rest of the backs.

Football fans will get a better look at the dynamics of these positions on Saturday, Sept. 3, when the Arizona football team takes on San Diego State Universityat the new Snapdragon Stadium.