VITALS:
Name: Jonathan Hollins
Position: Defensive Tackle
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 280
Speed: 4.85
High School: Transfer from College of the Canyons (Santa Clarita, California)
Rivals: Three out of five stars
Recruited By: Sonny Dykes and Dave Nichol
STRENGTHS:
Hollins enters the 2009 season with the Cats as Junior transfer from the College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita, California. Hollins is currently listed on the depth chart at defensive tackle and should push for playing time immediately. Earl Mitchell, Dominique Austin, and Sione Tuihalamaka will all play as well, giving Arizona a huge advantage on the defensive line. Hollins will be a good compliment to Earl Mitchell (All Pac-10 Honorable Mention) because of his 280 lb frame and his playing time at defensive end in high school. Hollins should be an immediate asset to the Cats in the middle.
WEAKNESSES:
Hollins versatility at 280 lbs is also his weakness. The Pac-10 promises to have enormous offensive linemen from every school who will be formidable opponents and may be able to take advantage of his 280 lb. frame. Hollins needs to focus on his leverage and be able to plug holes or take on multiple blockers to free up his linebackers. Arizona's defense is returning 10 players who had significant playing time last year and Hollins must step up in order to get playing time.
VERDICT:
Look for Hollins to compete with Dominique Austin for a starting role this fall. We'll see how the defense wants to mold Hollins: hole plugger or shifty pass rusher on the inside. If Hollins is to be the former, he needs to put on more weight and hopefully will enter the fall at more than 280. If Arizona chooses the latter, look for Hollins to use his speed and be a solid stunt guy up front to create havoc in the middle.