August 24, 2004

The Pac-10: Part 1-Arizona Wildcats

Everywhere you look, the media has been talking about Matt Leinart and Aaron Rodgers. The two quarterbacks of the future. One at USC and one at Cal. They are both solid, both have unbelievable accuracy, and both are learning under the best QB coaches in the nation (Norm Chow and Jeff Tedford.) But there has to be other players in the Pac-10. Leinart and Rodgers can't hold the spotlight forever. So I am going to run you through a variety of other Pac-10 players that deserve the spotlight, as much as those two stars.

We begin at the University of Arizona. A team that has been plagued with numerous problems over the past few years. Horrible offense and a so-so defense. However, they went out and hired one of the top young prospective coaches in the country, with the signing of Mike Stoops (so there is still hope for this team to resurrect the once feared Desert Storm.)

RB Mike Bell: At 6-1 218, Bell is a solid back that would make an immediate impact on any offensive unit. Last year, Bell averaged 5.5 yards per carry, 870 total rushing yards and 6 touchdowns, in an offense that was considered to be one of the worst in the nation (scoring only 181 points.) Bell is only a junior, so he has plenty of time to mature into one of the premier backs in the Pac-10.

C Keoki Fraser: Most of you have never heard of Keoki Fraser, or "Oki" as he is known by his teammates. So let me be the first to introduce him to you: Fraser is a 6-3, 300 pound center that has helped keep this team together. Starting 28 games for the Wildcats, Oki will be a quintessential piece in the turnaround of this team. Oki was a Pac-10 Team Honorable Mention last year, and is a candidate for the Outland Trophy this year. Though he is a fifth-year senior, Oki will be a leader of this young offensive unit.

DE Marcus Smith: During the late 80's and early 90's, UofA had one of the top defensive units in the nation. Nicknamed Desert Storm, the defensive units dominated the playing field. However, for the past few years, UofA's defense has shown some weakness. Last season, the defense allowed 35.8 ppg and 460 ypg. Now that Arizona has a Stoops (was the former defensive coordinator for the Oklahoma Sooners), there should definitely be a change. Marcus Smith is a name to remember. Last season, Smith led the Wildcats with 40 tackles, 6 tackles for a loss and 4 Quarterback sacks. Though his stats might not be comparable to the former USC DE Kenechi Udeze, he is on his way to become a premier defensive end. At 6-5, 249 pounds Smith has a chance to shine. If Stoops is able to work his magic with the Wildcats, #55 will become everyone's new favorite number.

Other names to remember:

Richard Kovalcheck: QB
Chris Henry: RB
Biren Ealy: WR
Ricky Williams: WR
Kili Lefotu: G
Chris Johnson: T
Andre Torrey: DE
Randy Sims: LB
Lamon Means: SS