Arizona Football Position Breakdown: The Defensive Backs

Another part in the series of breakdowns we are doing for the Arizona Football team, we continue, with a look at the Wildcats’ secondary.

Consistency has been a bit of a challenge at defensive back for the Arizona Football team the past few years, but 2017 should be much better regarding talent and depth.

A group that returns four of five starters, and really only sees the departure of seniors Davonte’ Neal and Tellas Jones from last years’ squad, Arizona should be in a better position moving forward.

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Senior-to-be Dane Cruikshank was a pleasant surprise in 2016 and was on our watch list coming into last season. He will likely be the leader of this group this season, and reasonably so after accumulating 60 tackles (53 solos), two interceptions and seven pass deflections in 2016.

Additionally, the Wildcats return veterans like; Jarvais McCall, Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles and Jace Whittaker which will be huge to the Wildcats’ continued success.

Overall, we feel 2017 should be a better year at defensive back for Arizona, just from an experience standpoint. They return some young players like; Isaiah Hayes, Tristan Cooper, Chacho Ulloa, Lorenzo Burns and Anthony Mariscal all who saw action last year. That kind of experience can only bode well for the Cats moving forward.

Nov 5, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars wide receiver Kyle Sweet (17) runs after a catch against Arizona Wildcats cornerback Dane Cruikshank (9) during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

Additionally, the Wildcats also signed three defensive backs in the Class of 2017 (not including Malik Hausman who will blue shirt following his knee injury). This will also certainly help provide depth to the position, as well as a couple of the youngsters will have a chance to compete for playing time early on.

Now in his second year as a defensive coach for Arizona, Marcel Yates should have a better idea of what he’s working with heading into Spring Football. Last spring was his first chance to see his group play in person.

He returns with a young, solid group, and interestingly enough, Yates will actually get to coach the defensive backs (his specialty while at Boise State).

It is no secret that this group struggled a lot in 2016, giving up 275 yards per game (117th overall) and roughly 13 yards per completion. Perhaps part of that can be attributed to the lack of pass rush (only 22 team sacks) last season.

Arizona seemingly gave opposing quarterbacks ample amount of time to throw. Ultimately, QB’s were able to break down our defenses, making it nearly impossible for our defensive backs to cover for more than for any extended period.

Regardless, the defense as a whole needs to play better, and the defensive backs have to get it done as well. They have the talent to do so, but now they just need to put it all together in helping improve this group.

Here is coach Yates getting reps in with the defensive backs in the first spring practice…

Must Read: Arizona Football Position Breakdown: The Quarterbacks

At Zona Zealots, we’re certainly hopeful about this group and feel it should be a better year for the defensive backs overall. Can’t wait to see them get better! Bear Down, Arizona!

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