Sione Tuihalamaka is expected to anchor the middle of the defensive line. Photo by David Kadlubowski/The Arizona Republic
For a full look at the Arizona depth chart, find it on ArizonaWildcats.com.
Arizona Wildcats coach Rich Rodriguez released his Week 1 depth chart on Monday morning, with a few changes on defense from what was shown in Friday’s night no-tackle scrimmage at Arizona Stadium.
The depth chart is sure to remain a work in progress through the early part of the season, which begins Saturday at home against Toledo.
Some quick depth-chart thoughts:
Defensive line: Arizona’s 3-3-5 scheme lists at end (Dominique Austin), a nose guard (Sione Tuihalamaka) and a tackle (Chris Merrill). Reggie Gilbert is listed as a backup behind Austin. Transfer Tevin Hood is the backup nose. Willie Mobley, who was seemingly buried in the rotation, is No. 2 at tackle. Kirifi Taula, who played nose guard in third-down situations on Friday, isn’t on the two-deep but has been limited with injuries in camp.
Linebackers: The move of Marquis Flowers from safety gives Arizona a solid three-man front, which includes Jake Fischer moving to the middle. Hank Hobson is the other outside linebacker. Depth? What depth? True freshman Keoni Bush-Loo, moved from tight end during fall camp, is the backup to Hobson. True freshman C.J. Dozier, who worked with the scout team on Friday, is the backup at the other two linebacker spots. Sophomore Rob Hankins needs to get back from his concussion problems to offer more depth.
Secondary: Two true freshmen are listed as backups — Wayne Capers Jr. at the Bandit safety, and Jamar Allah at free safety. Derrick Rainey is listed as a starter over Jonathan McKnight at cornerback, but that’s probably a case where both will see ample time at the start of the season. Don’t know what happened to senior Mark Watley, considered a possible starter early in camp. He’s not on the two-deep in a thin secondary. Perhaps Rodriguez will answer that question at his weekly press conference Monday afternoon.
No real surprises on offense.
The line, as expected, is a repeat of last season. From left, sophomore Mickey Baucus, junior Chris Putton, senior Kyle Quinn, senior Trace Biskin and sophomore Fabbians Ebbele.
With multiple formations, Arizona lists 13 positions on its two-deep. Drew Robinson is the starting tight end. Richard Morrison and Austin Hill are the starting slots, joining Dan Buckner and Terrence Miller on the outside. That should be a productive foursome.
Taimi Tutogi is in the starting backfield with tailback Ka’Deem Carey. Tutogi is not listed on defense, but figures to get some time as a third-down pass rusher.
Matt Scott, of course, is the starting quarterback.