Rich Rodriguez is known as an offensive mastermind. The Arizona Wildcats ran 83 plays per game last year, good for the 6th fastest offense in the nation. We will move just as quick, as it's time to look at who the key guys are going forward at each position.
Quarterbacks
The last two games of the season were not Anu Solomon's best. Yes, he was hurt down the second half of the season, but as quarterbacks coach Rod Smith said after practice Wednesday, "Your brain is sometimes your biggest asset, and his brain wasn't hurt... he just has to get smarter." Nothing is guaranteed this year for Anu Solomon and he's fully aware. Both redshirt senior Jerrard Randall and redshirt freshman Brandon Dawkins have the opportunity to unseat him. Rod Smith told his quarterbacks that "it's their job to take [Anu's] job. Make him feel uncomfortable." to push Anu to get better.
Brandon Dawkins is a big guy. The 6-3 200lb redshirt freshman has potential and needs to gain command of the offense. Jerrard Randall is the fastest and has the velocity, but lacks the consistent accuracy needed in the offense. It is Anu Solomon's job to lose, but don't be surprised if either Dawkins or Randall give him a run in going through the fall.
Running Backs
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All Pac-12 freshman Nick Wilson will be the go-to guy this season in the backfield should he be 100% healthy this season. Gone is Terris Jones-Grigsby, the compliment to Wilson's run game last year. But Arizona gets Jared Baker back for his 5th year and will also be able to utilize redshirt freshman Jonathan Haden.
Now, Rich Rodriguez hasn't given three running backs 30+ carries in a season since he's been here, so it's up to Baker and Haden to fight for those additional carries when Wilson isn't on the field. But with Nick Wilson being a limited participant in practice, it gives more touches to guys like redshirt freshman Omar Boyd and redshirt sophomore Zach Green.
Wide Receivers
This is the first year Arizona returns their starting quarterback since Rich Rodriguez has arrived. That gives the deep group of receivers more familiarity. And it definitely helps the group having a returning quarterback as "there's no learning curve of who's going to be the guy. Anu isn't slotted into being the starter, but you kind of have the idea that he's going with the one's" according to Nate Phillips.
Arizona has a lot of returning size as well. David Richards 6-4 215lbs, Cayleb Jones 6-3 215, Trey Griffey 6-3 195lbs, all of which provide big, downfield targets for the quarterbacks. Speedster sophomore Tyrell Johnson will be able to get more reps this season with DaVonte' Neal switching to defense. Nate Phillips is back after suffering a broken bone in his foot mid-season and Samajie Grant looks like a veteran leader, pulling aside the younger wideouts to work on their footwork and route running.
Offensive Line
Arizona will be without three starters on the offensive line, but there are a few who are set to fill those gaps left by big veteran leadership. The line will undoubtedly be led by freshman all-american Jacob Alsadek, with guard Cayman Bundage being the other returning starter. Connor Wood filled in for Steven Gurrola at center a few times last year, but the competition is open with redshirt freshman Levi Walton and redshirt junior T.D. Gross.
Cal transfer Freddie Tagaloa will be eligible and ready to take on the tackle spot. At 6-8 318lbs, there are definitely smaller guys than him. Redshirt freshman transfer from USC, Jordan Poland, will also be able to find his way into the rotation, standing in at 6-7 343lbs.
With a projected offensive line averaging 6-4 300lbs, defensive linemen are going to have to go up against some big dudes to get in the backfield.
Arizona only lost four starters on offense, albeit four of the most influential leaders. But playmakers and specialists all make a return