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Arizona Football: Kevin Sumlin faces major pressure in 2019

By Jake Mitchell

TUCSON, AZ - NOVEMBER 24: Quarterback Khalil Tate #14 of the Arizona Wildcats throws a pass against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the first half of the college football game at Arizona Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
TUCSON, AZ - NOVEMBER 24: Quarterback Khalil Tate #14 of the Arizona Wildcats throws a pass against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the first half of the college football game at Arizona Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /
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BERKELEY, CA – OCTOBER 21: Colin Schooler #7 and Jarvis McCall Jr. #29 of the Arizona Wildcats celebrates after they defeated the California Golden Bears in double overtime 45-44 at California Memorial Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
BERKELEY, CA – OCTOBER 21: Colin Schooler #7 and Jarvis McCall Jr. #29 of the Arizona Wildcats celebrates after they defeated the California Golden Bears in double overtime 45-44 at California Memorial Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Defense has plenty of room to grow

The Wildcat defense has a lot of room to grow in 2019. They gave up 432 yards per game last year, good for 10th in the conference and 92nd nationally. Against the pass, they finished 12th in the Pac-12, and 121st in the country.

The foundation of the defense is the linebacking group. They start three junior returners across the board, with Tony Fields, Colin Schooler, and Kylan Wilborn. As the groups around them grow and transition, the linebackers will clean up a lot of the mess.

There is size and athleticism in the defensive line, it just needs to gain experience. JB Brown is the lone starter that returns in 2019, but senior Finton Connolly has gotten significant snaps in relief. Newcomers Myles Tapusoa and Nahe Sulunga have the talent, and that should reveal itself as they play more and more snaps.

In the secondary, the return of Jace Whittaker will be vital. He missed 2018 with an elbow injury, but he’ll be healthy to start this season. Opposite him, senior cornerback Tristan Cooper has proven to be a solid defender. Junior safeties Lorenzo Burns and Scottie Young now have a season under their belts as starters, and should really emerge as they enter year two in their respective roles.

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