It won’t be long until the Arizona Wildcats strap up and go head to head with the BYU Cougars from University of Phoenix Stadium over Labor Day weekend. Before then, fall camp will get started in a few weeks and there are some players that have stood out during offseason workouts who could stand out during camp and ultimately make a big impact in 2016.
Here are three players to keep an eye out for:
Paul Magloire: Scooby Wright is off to the NFL and Magloire expects to now be the leader of this Wildcat defense from the line backer position. Last season was his first in Tucson, coming over from Arizona Western. He stepped up big in the absence of Scooby last season as he began season working with the spur/bandit safety positions, but shifted to linebacker the second half of year. He would ultimately start in eight games and play in all 13. Now Magloire expects to be one of the top playmakers for this new look defense under new defensive coordinator Marcell Yates. For that reason he was named to the 2016 The Bednarik Award watch list. It’s worth noting that Magloire became a Dad this offseason as well!
Shawn Poindexter: This 6-6 wide receiver is an interesting story. The Wildcats just hours before signing day were still looking for a bigger wide receiver to their class. That’s when a coach on Coach Rod’s staff said “Hey there’s a 6-6 guy up the road’ and Coach said ‘really?’ That was Poindexter who then signed on short notice out of Glendale Community College. Since arriving on campus, the word being used in regard to him is impressive. The Wildcats aren’t short on depth at the receiver position with players like Trey Griffey and Nate Phillips returning but the way the Cats like to spread it out, Poindexter could end up playing a big role with this time with his combination of size and athleticism.
Tellas Jones: At 6-0 and 206 pounds, Tellas Jones has a presence about him that would lead you to believe he is a great player on the field. This season, Jones will have every opportunity to really show it. At hasn’t come without adversity. Jones was forced to miss all of spring practice due to pleading guilty to two misdemeanors. But from the sounds of things, he is working himself back into good standing with the coaching staff with his work ethic this summer. Jones was a playmaker on special teams the last three seasons while his reps as a starting safety were limited playing behind now Denver Bronco, Will Parks. Last season especially, there were multiple times he made impressive tackles on kick-off coverage and has a blocked kick to his name as well from the 2014 season. Now Marcell Yates will be able to turn Jones loose as an every down safety to quarterback the back end of the Wildcats defense and the team expects him to have a big year.
