Spring Preview: What will Arizona’s Defensive Line look like?

As we begin week two of the Spring Practices, it’s now time to take a look at the ever infamous Arizona defensive line in this next Spring Preview.

Seemingly one of the most talked about positions every year, once again we focus our attention to the Defensive Line position for the Arizona Football team in this Spring Preview edition.

While last year wasn’t necessarily a great one for the Cats, nonetheless, there were a few bright spots. The Wildcats brought in defensive line coach Iona Uiagalelei, and were largely led by junior college transfer, PJ Johnson.

Arizona Wildcats

While Iona returns in his second season to lead this group, unfortunately Johnson has since declared for the NFL Draft, which leaves a significant hole in the Arizona defensive line. So once again, things along the defensive front are a bit rough and tough to gauge at this point.

For starters, here’s who that Cats return that were significant contributors from last year:

• JB Brown
• Finton Connolly
• Jalen Harris
• Justin Belknap
• Kylan Wilborn (who plays a bit more at linebacker)

That’s just about it…

So who else do the Wildcats have? Well, starting with the bad, Mykee Irving converted from the defensive line to the offensive line and Sione Taufahema has since transferred.

Incoming are Junior college transfers Myles Tapusoa (already on campus) and Trevon Mason. The Wildcats will also add some much needed size once Mason and incoming freshman Kane Bradford arrive!

Arizona also has converted Issaiah Johnson to defensive end from linebacker, My-King Johnson is up to 255, a significant increase from the 227 he was listed at last year, and Nahe Sulunga and Jalen Cochran return to hopefully have a bigger impact in 2019!

On paper, the depth looks improved, but it’s hard to gauge just how this group will perform since they seemingly have lacked size and overall talent the past few years. I feel that the expectations for improved play are certainly there and are reasonable.

A lot can change from now until August, but I would expect Tapusoa to have a huge role, as will Harris, Belknap, Brown and Connolly. I think Johnson will finally begin to break through, and once Mason comes to campus (assuming he’s in decent shape), he too will help shore up the defensive line!

Check out Matt Moreno’s action he caught of a few of the defensive drills…

At Zona Zealots, we’re excited to see if this group takes that next jump upwards! The size is improving and the excuses for limited production are running out! Bear Down, Arizona!