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Arizona hasn't had a winning season since 1998. It's been a turbulent period in which the school has fired two head coaches and absorbed attendance shortfalls that put the athletic department under significant financial duress.
In an attempt to overhaul a once-strong program, Arizona hired a rookie head coach, Mike Stoops, architect of Oklahoma's dominant defenses. Stoops makes just one promise. "We will work hard," he said. "It doesn't take any talent to work hard."
Taking over a team that yielded a school-record 429 points in 2003, Stoops began with unprecedented off-season conditioning. He hired two full-time strength coaches. "We have to get bigger and we have to get faster," said Stoops. "Speed is where it all starts. When we went to Oklahoma, we didn't have any real team speed, so we developed it. We'll do the same thing here."
The Wildcats aren't as desperate as their 4-20 conference record (2001-2003) would appear. UA has a promising offensive line, a star-level tailback and two young quarterbacks with considerable experience. The defensive line is capable. But otherwise, Stoops will have to fortify a program in serious need of upgrades in the kicking game, the secondary, at linebacker and depth everywhere.
"What we need to do is identify a quarterback and take it from there," said Stoops. "We're still a young offense. We can do much better."
Bell gained 920 yards as a sophomore and will be incorporated more into the passing game of coordinator Mike Canales. Tailback Chris Henry, a high school sprint champion who redshirted in '03, makes it a promising situation. Depth and speed among receivers are worrisome.
Sophomore quarterback Kris Heavner, a starter in the final eight games of 2003, is being challenged by sophomore Ryan O'Hara. Both have exceptional arm strength. The difference is that Heavner is a thick 6'2", 230, and exhibited toughness in his rookie season.
The line revolves around senior right tackle Brandon Phillips, given a sixth year by the NCAA because of injury problems. Center Keoki Fraser, left tackle Chris Johnson and guard Kili Lefotu lead a veteran offensive line.
The defensive line has been encumbered by depth issues for two seasons, and it will be no different this year. Defensive tackles Paul Philipp and Carlos Williams are capable Pac-10 players. Ends Andre Torrey and Marcus Smith have not played well for extended periods.
"This new defense is about attacking. It's all downhill," said senior linebacker Kirk Johnson. "I think people will be surprised at how much better we are." Johnson joins freshman linebacker Dane Krogstad and senior Pat Howard among the starters. Again, depth isn't a strength.
The cornerback situation improved in spring drills when junior college transfer Keil McDonald took command of one spot. Redshirt freshman Wilrey Fontenot is a possible starter on the other side, although incoming freshman B.J. Dennard will be given an opportunity to play immediately.
Nicholas Folk returns as the field goal kicker but will be challenged by freshman Jason Bondzio. Junior punter Danny Baugher, inconsistent in his first two seasons, is unopposed.
But Stoops faces considerable problems on defense, especially at cornerback and linebacker. Arizona's offense isn't one that inspires high-scoring shootouts, but it is one with a sound foundation. The offensive line is useful. Bell, Ealy and Fleming are big-play performers.
Heavner is the key. He made far too many mistakes as a freshman quarterback, throwing 15 interceptions. His growth and the development of Stoops' first defense will be the biggest variables for this club.
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