College Football
Pac-10 preview: No. 10 Arizona Wildcats

JOHN MILLER / AP Mike Bell averaged more than 5 yards per rushing attempt last season.

E-mail this article Print this article Search archive Most read articles Most e-mailed articles

10. Arizona

2003: 2-10 (1-7 in Pac-10).

Coach: Mike Stoops (first year).

What's to like: RB Mike Bell had 920 yards and a 5.5-yard average last season, OT Brandon Phillips got a sixth year of eligibility, C Keoki Fraser has 29 career starts, and DE Marcus Smith had four sacks in '03.

Up in the air: QB Kris Heavner must show he's Pac-10 quality, corners will be new, and the Wildcats must shed losing habit developed during last two years of John Mackovic regime.

Impact newcomer: Freshman LB Ronnie Palmer figures to play early.

Key performer: S Darrell Brooks, one of the better Wildcats, will challenge for all-league honors after winter hip surgery.

Stud student: Long snapper Ben DalMolin, a senior in wildlife, watershed and rangeland resources, has a 3.35 GPA and has worked summers fighting fires.

Bottom line: The energetic Stoops has Tucson all wacked out after the disastrous Mackovic years. If 'Cats can play hard and steal more victories than last year, the season will be a success.

Offense
Pos.	Player	Yr.	Comment
WR	Anthony Johnson	Fr.	Part-time QB in HS redshirted last year
LT	Chris Johnson	Sr.	Two-year starter at tackle
LG	Kili Lefotu	Jr.	Biggest on the line, at 320 pounds
C	Keoki Fraser	Sr.	Possible NFL talent anchors line
RG	Peter Graniello	Fr.	Tall Texas (6-7) redshirted last season
RT	Tanner Bell	Jr.	Missed 8 games with knee injury in '03
TE	Steve Fleming	Sr.	Caught 24 passes for 222 yards last year
WR	Syndric Steptoe	So.	Caught 9 passes, returned kicks as freshman
QB	Kris Heavner	So.	Passed for 1,501 yards as a freshman
FB	Pedro Limon	Fr.	244-pounder redshirted last year
RB	Mike Bell	Jr.	920 yards was third-best in Pac-10
K	Nick Folk	So.	As backup, 0 for 3 on field goals last season
Defense
Pos	Player	Yr	Comment
DE	Marcus Smith	Jr.	40 tackles, six for loss; four sacks
NT	Carlos Williams	Sr.	Big man (6-4, 306) made 30 tackles
DT	Paul Philipp	So.	Started seven games, made 10 tackles
DE	Andre Torrey	Sr.	22 tackles in '03, seven for loss; four sacks
SLB	Dane Krogstad	Fr.	Also a basketball, track standout in HS
MLB	Randy Sims	Jr.	JC transfer won job in spring
WLB	Kirk Johnson	Sr.	Made six starts, 49 tackles last year
CB	Wilrey Fontenot	Fr.	HS track sprinter; redshirted last year
SS	Lamon Means	Jr.	Big hitter made 66 tackles last season
FS	Darrell Brooks	Jr.	Made 79 tackles in '03, one INT
CB	Keil McDonald	Jr.	JC transfer played well in spring
P	Danny Baugher	Jr.	Averaged 42.6 per punt last season

Copyright © 2004 The Seattle Times Company

E-mail this article

Print this article

Search archive

More College Sports headlines...