Jerry Roberts’ return helps solidify Arizona Football defense

Arizona Football received great news as linebacker Jerry Roberts will return for another season, which should help further solidify the Wildcats’ defense. 

Jedd Fisch and Arizona Football have had a pretty successful off-season thus far as they have signed the current, No. 23 recruiting class and added some valuable pieces to the team. But the good news didn’t stop there as just days ago, linebacker Jerry Roberts announced his return for 2022.

Making news via social media, the transfer linebacker from Bowling Green State announced he will be returning to Arizona for another season, and this is a huge win for the Cats.

As we all saw this past season, Roberts immediately came in and made an impact for the Wildcats, and even saw his role increase as the season went on as well.

Appearing in six games before an injury abruptly ended his season, Roberts finished the year with 34 tackles (13 solo), 4.0 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks.

Overall, he was a big part of what the Wildcats did on defense, and while it may not have shown in the win-loss column, he significantly helped improve a defensive group that was ranked nearly dead last in every major statistical category the year prior.

In 2022, with a healthy Jerry Roberts returning, he will help solidify an Arizona Football defense that needs playmakers and veteran leaders.

As we all saw this past season Arizona had a few playmakers; however, it was clear that based on their 1-11 record, they did not have pieces to deliver wins.

For 2022, things still look pretty bleak for Arizona but the hope is that the Wildcats can make significant progress next year, and to me, it starts with the veterans stepping up. They are the ones who are going to have bigger roles, and with Roberts coming back, he should help the Wildcats significantly.

As we are all aware, Anthony Pandy is graduating, and that will leave a huge gap, a gap that Jerry should be able to fill from day one.

In 2022, Jerry will be the presumptive leader of this defense, and with him having a bigger role, that should be an exciting thing for us fans to watch.

Here’s a lengthy interview that was done with Jerry, his family, and special guest, Jamarye Joiner!