Previewing the 2015 season for the Arizona Wildcats:
2014 record: 10-4
Final grade for 2014: A-
Key losses: The offensive line -- Mickey Baucus, Fabbians Ebbele and Steven Gurrola
Key returnees: QB Anu Solomon, RB Nick Wilson, WR Cayleb Jones, LB Scooby Wright
Most important player: Wright, who has a big-time motor and a nose for the ball.
Impact newcomer: Cal offensive line transfer Freddie Tagaloa
Best-case scenario for 2015: 10-2. The Wildcats cruise through the schedule, beating Utah and Arizona State, while picking up an upset win against UCLA, Stanford or USC (the best chance for an upset from those three would likely be UCLA because Arizona is hosting the Bruins).
Worst-case scenario for 2015: 6-6. Welcome to the story of the South -- high ceilings, low basements. Yes, the Wildcats could go 10-2 and represent the South in the Pac-12 title game or, because of the depth of the South, they could find themselves just barely becoming bowl eligible and finishing fifth in the deepest division in America. A 6-6 season would be the worst-case scenario, meaning they’d lose every close game while also dropping an unexpected one to Oregon State, Colorado, Washington State or Washington. We don't see this happening, but it's within the realm of possibilities.
Biggest remaining question mark: The offensive line. The Wildcats knew they needed to replace a lot on the offensive line, but a few of the spots started to come into focus. Then it was announced that Carter Wood -- who looked like he’d win the spot at center -- would be out for the season. With first-year starters at both tackle spots and this recent shuffle, the offense, which could be wildly potent if all goes well, has a few question marks that really, really need to be answered.
Breakout player: WR Cayleb Jones. Kind of weird to think of a 1,000-yard receiver as a breakout player, but not many people really talked about Jones -- or knew who he was -- a season ago. This year, he’ll be the Pac-12 headliner at receiver.
Most important game: Arizona State, always Arizona State.
Upset watch: Arizona State (see previous response).
Class of 2015 signee to watch: While there might not be an obvious open starting spot along the defensive line, junior college signee Anthony Fotu could prove too good to keep off the field this season. So much attention will be focused on Wright, the linebacker, that generating some punch from the line -- whether it’s from one player or the entire group -- will be necessary. -- Erik McKinney
Class of 2016 storyline: A slow start gave way to Arizona’s usual hot summer, as the Wildcats are up to 17 commitments, thanks to 11 coming in July alone. The quarterback position appears set, with commitments from four-star prospects Devon Modster and Khalil Tate, while ESPN 300 offensive guard Michael Eletise is the nation’s No. 127 player and the jewel of the class. Unless there is a position change somewhere, the Wildcats didn’t sign a linebacker this February, which means that spot will be one to watch with the 2016 class. Inside linebacker Jacob Colacion is onboard, but Arizona will likely look for more at that position. Cornerback Byron Murphy and running back Chase Lucas -- both ESPN 300 prospects -- are in-state recruits to watch, as Arizona is in on both and would love to start keeping most of its local targets from leaving the state. -- Erik McKinney
Projected 2015 finish: Fourth or fifth in the Pac-12 South. The Wildcats and Utes will be in a battle for fourth in the division, so look for that Nov. 14 matchup to be crucial. Utah finished behind Arizona in the media poll, but that front seven for the Utes is looking nastier and nastier and could wreak havoc across the conference. Fourth or fifth is certainly going to sound disappointing to Wildcat fans, considering they won the South in 2014, but this season is going to be much deeper and more competitive, and we’re all hoping for a lot more #Pac12AfterDark.
