Observations spring ball (defense)
Earlier I posted some of my observations from the offensive side of the ball so far this spring. Now, I'll be doing the same but on the defensive side of the football.
Just like the offense, Arizona's defense has new faces on the field and in the coaching staff with Danny Gonzales getting promoted to defensive coordinator. Plus, UA has brought in Joe Salave'a to be the new defensive line coach and associate head coach.
The time during spring has been mostly spent getting guys on and off the field and learning the new defensive scheme and standards of the program under Gonzales. However, we are starting to see guys separate themselves from the rest of the group.
Defensive line
Arizona was solid on the defensive line before injuries slowed the unit down near the end of the season.
The team with Salave'a has brought in talent and depth to the roster with players in the portal. The major impact players have been Tia Savae and Deshawn McKnight in the middle.
Defensive lineman, Chubba Ma'ae has moved to offense, but hasn't seen any reps as he gets healthy.
Defensive scheme
Unlike last season under Duane Akina, I expect Arizona to mix things up on the defensive side of the ball and change formations throughout a game.
Coach Danny Gonzales has thrown multiple defensive looks out on the field and has been rotating guys in and out of the starting unit.
Linebackers
Okay, so Arizona is rock solid with Taye Brown being the top linebacker of the group. However, after that is an issue for the Wildcats.
Transfer linebacker Blake Gotcher is a bust. Gotcher hasn't been with the first, or second team units and has worked mainly with the scout defensive. He looks lost on the field and I just can't see him playing at the D1 level.
However, transfer Max Harris has looked really damn good. I think he is the best of the transfer group. But, Harris still has work to do to solidify himself in the defense.
Earlier I posted some of my observations from the offensive side of the ball so far this spring. Now, I'll be doing the same but on the defensive side of the football.
Just like the offense, Arizona's defense has new faces on the field and in the coaching staff with Danny Gonzales getting promoted to defensive coordinator. Plus, UA has brought in Joe Salave'a to be the new defensive line coach and associate head coach.
The time during spring has been mostly spent getting guys on and off the field and learning the new defensive scheme and standards of the program under Gonzales. However, we are starting to see guys separate themselves from the rest of the group.
Defensive line
Arizona was solid on the defensive line before injuries slowed the unit down near the end of the season.
The team with Salave'a has brought in talent and depth to the roster with players in the portal. The major impact players have been Tia Savae and Deshawn McKnight in the middle.
Defensive lineman, Chubba Ma'ae has moved to offense, but hasn't seen any reps as he gets healthy.
Defensive scheme
Unlike last season under Duane Akina, I expect Arizona to mix things up on the defensive side of the ball and change formations throughout a game.
Coach Danny Gonzales has thrown multiple defensive looks out on the field and has been rotating guys in and out of the starting unit.
Linebackers
Okay, so Arizona is rock solid with Taye Brown being the top linebacker of the group. However, after that is an issue for the Wildcats.
Transfer linebacker Blake Gotcher is a bust. Gotcher hasn't been with the first, or second team units and has worked mainly with the scout defensive. He looks lost on the field and I just can't see him playing at the D1 level.
However, transfer Max Harris has looked really damn good. I think he is the best of the transfer group. But, Harris still has work to do to solidify himself in the defense.
