Spring Preview: What should we expect from Arizona’s receivers?

 Moving on to part two of the Arizona Football Spring Preview, we take a look at the receiving corp for the Wildcats and just what to expect?

As Spring Football is nearly upon, we move on to our next position overview, but before we get too deep into this, position Spring Preview, let’s just take a look at what we know about Arizona’s receiving corp heading into 2019.

So who do the Wildcats lose?… 

Arizona Wildcats

Well, at this point, the Wildcats lose a ton of talent and production from 2018. Gone are Shawn Poindexter, Shun Brown and Tony Ellison most notably, as together, the three combined for 135 receptions, 1,939 yards and 23 touchdowns last season.

The absence of Brown, Poindexter and Ellison will surely leave a big hole for the Cats and one that one necessarily be easily replaced.

Who does Arizona have returning?

Coming back next season are; Cedric Peterson, Stanley Berryhill III and Devaughn Cooper. Together, these three had some decent production, accounting for 50 receptions for 854 yards and six touchdowns.

I would imagine those three will have an increased role, and will surely be relied upon heavily this season.

What about any new comers/ returners?

Well, given the current ‘pecking order’, I would say this position is wide open for essentially any receiver. The Wildcats don’t seem to have any “large threats”, like Poindexter for instance, but Arizona does have some decent size at receiver.

Incoming is talented freshman and high school teammate to current Arizona freshman QB Grant Gunnell, Jalen Curry. He was wildly successful in high school, and with him being here a semester early, that gives him a great chance to make an impact early.

Beyond that, the Wildcats would need someone like Drew Dixon to step-up, who possesses great size and athleticism, as well as players like; Thomas Marcus, Jr. and Tre Adams most notably, as well as Jailen Bailey who could help supplement the departure of Brown.

What to expect?

Well, offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone has shown to be willing to spread the ball, allowing his offense to put up some points.

However, I think the biggest challenge last season was the fact, the Wildcats didn’t quite have the personnel Mazzone was looking for, and it was also his first year implementing his system. In year two, more guys will benefit greatly in his offense in my opinion.

I anticipate Tate to have a strong senior season, and guys like Peterson, Berryhill III and Cooper all to have solid seasons. Plus, Curry I think has a great chance to make an early impact among others, and we also can’t forget incoming freshman, Jalen Johnson.

This Spring, definitely pay attention to the receivers, and see who Tate and the others are comfortable with in throwing to.

At Zona Zealots, we’re excited for the return of Arizona Football and can’t wait to see how our Cats progress this Spring! Bear Down, Arizona!