Five Breakout Players for Arizona Football in 2018

TUCSON, AZ - NOVEMBER 11: Offensive lineman Layth Friekh #58 of the Arizona Wildcats prepares to take the field with teammates before the college football game against the Oregon State Beavers at Arizona Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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Sione Taufahema (Image Owned by J.B. Coronado of GOAZCATS.COM) /

RS Junior Defensive Tackle- Sione Taufahema

There is much anticipation heading into 2018 for redshirt junior defensive tackle, Sione Taufahema. The big man from the College of the Canyons, Taufahema is finally eligible after sitting out last season due to injury and redshirt.

He comes in at roughly 330 pounds, and looked even thinner during the Spring game.

To say the Wildcats have struggled in creating a decent pass rush, and slowing down opposing teams in the run is an understatement. As per the NCAA stat rankings, Arizona ranked 85th in rushing defense last season.

Arizona needs size up front, and they are getting it in Taufahema. I expect him to have a fairly large role with the Wildcats in 2018, and should he be able to find playing time on the field consistently, I think he will have a solid season, and could provide the Wildcats with a defensive punch it’s been missing.

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