When a new coach takes over a program, there is always talk of renewed attention to detail, better work habits, more accountability and better character and better attitudes. It’s the sort of hyperbole boosters, alumni and fans expect, yet crave as they search for signs of hope.
Rich Rodriguez came to Arizona with all the requisite catch phrases in tow, but he brought something else that could make a difference in a program that has come close to turning the corner, but never has: He brought impressive coaching credentials from his time at West Virginia and Michigan.
Time will tell if his credibility and coaching acumen will make a difference in the lone Pac-12 program outside newcomers Utah and Colorado never to play in a Rose Bowl. Here are five questions the Wildcats hope to answer at fall camp
1. Is QB Matt Scott the real deal?
Arizona’s fifth-year senior quarterback has been getting lots of hype in Tucson. But will the transition to Scott from now-graduated Nick Foles be as fluid as many anticipate? Rodriguez’s read-option, spread offense is similar to the one Scott ran in high school in Corona, Calif., so that’s a plus. But this isn’t high school and Scott isn’t exactly long on experience. He has completed 114 of 176 passes in his UA career with six TDs and five interceptions, but he redshirted last season, a move Rodriguez noted at Pac-12 Media Day was the best move the previous coaching staff made.
2. Can this team play defense?
Arizona starts the season with just five scholarship linebackers and standout safety Adam Hall will likely miss the season as he recovers from knee surgery. His replacement, Jared Tevis, is a former walk-on -- and Arizona's defensive players are mostly on the smallish size with nobody weighing in at more than 282 pounds. Oh yeah, did we mention Arizona couldn’t play a lick of defense last season (460.5 yards and 35.4 points per game) with personnel that, at least on paper, appeared better equipped than this season’s cast?
3. Can the Cats’ safety tandem become elite?
Tra'Mayne Bondurant moves from rover, linebacker -- whatever it was he was playing last year -- to safety opposite hard-hitting Marquis Flowers, who should flourish in the new 3-3-5 defensive scheme. This tandem has a chance to be very good and they’ll need to be. Given the Wildcats shortcomings in the front seven, this duo, along with cornerback Shaq Richardson, may have to make a lot of plays.
4. Can running back Ka'Deem Carey break out?
The Tucson Canyon del Oro product has special written all over him. Carey came on strong in the second half of last season, topping six yards per carry in three of his last five games (425 yards overall). He’ll be used more frequently in the zone read this season. Greg Nwoko and Taimi Tutogi are solid power options and Daniel Jenkins is still competing with Carey for the feature back role, but Carey is the best option to relieve pressure on QB Matt Scott.
5. Can Rich Rod make a difference all by himself?
Rodriguez’s ability to out-scheme defensive coordinators can be a game-changer. His spread-zone-read-option attack could be particularly effective in what is traditionally a defensively challenged conference. It also helps to have an experienced offensive line returning, but they didn’t run-block well last year and Rodriguez can’t play the game for them, or his thin crop at the skill positions.
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