As we close out on another decade, we look back on Arizona Football in order to create an all-time Arizona team from the last decade!
I can’t believe it’s already been another decade, and as we approach its close, we recap a decade of Arizona Football marred by many ups and downs, even putting together a list of an all-Arizona team from the last decade.
To start, this has easily been Arizona’s best decade of football since the 90s, and I know to some that’s not saying much. However let’s be honest, since 2010 until now, this decade was much better than the previous decade.
Arizona Wildcats
From 2010-19, the Wildcats have gone a combined 63-64 and have made six bowl games during that span. By comparison, Arizona went a combined 49-69 with just two bowl appearances from 2000-2009.
Not much better, but certainly an improvement from the previous decade. And moreover during that time, Arizona has had some solid players coming through this program, and that’s why we have compiled a list of the best players at each position from the last decade!
Offense:
Quarterback – This is an easy selection, but we have to go with Nick Foles here. Although he came to Arizona and redshirted in 2008 before starting his career in 2009, Nick played two phenomenal seasons in this decade, and shined bright, finishing an impressive college career with over 10,000 yards, 67 touchdowns and 33 interceptions passing.
Running back – Ka’Deem Carey. When you break virtually all of the schools’ rushing records, you deserve all the credit you get and then some. Sure his pro career didn’t quite pan out the way that many had hoped, but after three dominant seasons in Tucson, Ka’Deem makes our list on the all-decade team for Arizona and for good reason. Not only is he the most dominant running back from this last decade, but arguably Arizona’s most dominant running back of all-time.
Wide Receiver(s) – Juron Criner, Cayleb Jones & Nate Phillips. In my opinion, these are easily the best trio of receivers the Wildcats have had this past decade. Granted Juron barely played this decade, playing in the 2010 and 2011 seasons, however he was incredibly dominant in his time here, and his appearance on the all decade list is an easy choice.
As for Cayleb and Nate, both were tremendous football players who made many big plays, and although their numbers weren’t as dominant as Criner’s for instance, both being on this list was an easy choice for us.
Tight End – Bryce Wolma. I know the tight end position has been underutilized at Arizona, but nonetheless we feel we still got to make this pick, and Bryce was the best choice in our opinion. His production has tapered off the last two years, but in his three seasons in Tucson, Bryce has 372 yards receiving and three touchdowns which is impressive and is deserving for him to be on this list!
Offensive Tackles – Fabbians Ebbele & Layth Friekh. Having good tackles is never an easy thing to find, and while Arizona has had some good offensive tackles over the years, to me, these two were Arizona’s best tackles from the past decade. Together they started many games and both had terrific careers that’s why that make the Arizona all-decade team.
Offensive Guards – Jacob Alsadek & Zach Hemmila. Both were great interior linemen this decade and their selections here are seemingly just. Both started a number of games and were a big part of some dominant Arizona rushing offenses and that’s why they both make this list!
Center – Steven Gurrola. A former junior college standout, Arizona has had some solid centers over the years, but to us, Steven takes the cake. He was a strong anchor along the offensive line and his presence was surely felt when he was here and he was easily the Wildcats’ best center from this decade!
Honorable Mention – Samajie Grant, Shawn Poindexter, J.J. Taylor, Dan Buckner, Mickey Baucus and Cayman Bundage.
Defense:
Defensive Ends – Brooks Reed & Ricky Elmore. I know these guys barely played in this decade, but they were easily Arizona’s best edge rushers and their production in 2010 is justification enough to have the both of them on this list! Now if only Arizona can find some players like Elmore and Reed that can possibly play to their level.
Defensive Tackles – PJ Johnson & Sione Tuihalamaka. Seems like an easy choice for us here. Unfortunately while the Wildcats haven’t been too dominant this decade along the defensive line, however these two were easily were the most productive players for the Wildcats and are the reason why they both make the list for the all-decade team!
Linebackers – Scooby Wright, Colin Schooler and Marquis Flowers. These have been the most dominant Arizona linebackers this decade, with two of them playing in the NFL.
Colin may have a chance to do so as well, but the high production from these three players make them easy choices to be on the all-decade team for Arizona!
Cornerbacks – Dane Cruikshank & Trevin Wade. Even with all the struggles and inconsistencies in the Arizona secondary this past decade, these two players were easily the best corners the Wildcats had this past decade. Both were highly productive and were also NFL Draft selections, and for that, they are on our list for the all-decade team.
Safeties – Will Parks & Tra’Mayne Bondurant. Arguably Arizona’s most productive safeties from the last decade, they are also perhaps two of my favorite defensive players from the last decade.
Parks and Bondurant had terrific careers for Arizona and to me were easy choices for the all-decade team. Although, I must say leaving Jared Tevis off this list was incredibly difficult.
Honorable Mention – Jared Tevis, Reggie Gilbert, Shaquille Richardson, Robert Golden and Tony Fields II.
At Zona Zealots, this is just our list and it was certainly fun putting this together. Do you have any different selections? Let us know! As always, Bear Down, Arizona!