One of the fastest offenses in the nation is about to get faster this season. Last year, Arizona ran an average of 84 plays per game, ranking 6th in the nation. This year, there’s no reason why Rich Rodriguez and gang can't up the tempo even more.
A not-so-bold prediction here, but Anu Solomon will remain the starting quarterback in 2015. With Anu comes experience and chemistry. His ankle injury certainly doesn’t affect his decision making, but that all comes with time. With all but two receivers returning, albeit Austin Hill and DaVonte' Neal switching to defense, Arizona will still have one of the deepest groups in the nation.
Led by 6-3 215lb Cayleb Jones (R Jr.) and 6-4 205lb David Richards (Sr.), adding 6-3 200lb Trey Griffey (R Jr.) rounds out the height advantage, giving Arizona three large vertical threats. The height of those three alone will make it tough for any defense to cover downfield or in the red zone. But when you add 5-7 180lb Nate Phillips (Jr.), 5-8 190lb Samajie Grant (Jr.), 5-6 170 Tyrell Johnson (So.) and it’s the speed that will make secondary coaches cringe.
The running game will be led by freshman sensation Nick Wilson, who finished with over 1,375 yards, good for 4th in the Pac-12. Plagued by injuries (hamstring, concussion, shoulder), Wilson took a beating this past season as the workhorse. With Terris Jones-Grigsby gone, Jared Baker and Jonathan Haden will be battling to be the two in the one-two punch running back system.
The offensive line is where Arizona lost the most, with Mickey Bacus, Fabbians Ebbele, and Steven Gurrola all leaving. Arizona can make up for it with Jordan Poland and Freddie Tagaloa, Pac-12 transfers who are now eligible. Add Freshman All-American Jacob Alsadek and redshirt junior Cayman Bundage in the mix and this line has potential to be one of the biggest in the Pac-12.
With a returning quarterback, six receivers that could start anywhere in the Pac-12, and record-breaking running back as a freshman, this offense is on the up and up in Rich Rod’s system. With a little more consistency, Arizona could be unstoppable next season.