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By Craig Sanders
Arizona Daily Wildcat
August 30, 1996
Arizona's defense has many questions to answer this season, but the most important one is: Can this unit continue the tradition of Desert Swarm? The Wildcats are young all around, but they still have the size up front and the team speed overall to run the double eagle-flex scheme that has made Arizona such a dominant force in recent years. Gone are Tedy Bruschi, Chuck Osborne and Brandon Sanders. Players like Joe Salave'a, Armon Williams and David Fipp need to play above themselves. Who will step up for t he Wildcats remains to be seen, but it is certain that defense is not dead at Arizona.
- Defensive Line: Van Tuinei (6-4, 255, senior) and Tyron Gunn (6-5, 270, junior-JC transfer), Joe Salave'a (6-4, 280, senior) and Daniel Greer (6-2, 26 5, sophomore). The heart of Arizona's defense has been the defensive line. Tedy Bruschi and Chuck Osborne are gone, but the Wildcats' have the size, speed and talent to continue the tradition. Salave'a is expected to take on the leadership duties this sea son. The big defensive line should be solid against the run, but need to prove they can pressure the quarterback. Every season it is asked if Desert Swarm is dead. If this line doesn't produce, it will be.
- Linebackers: Chester Burnett (5-10, 22 3, junior), Jimmy Sprotte (6-2, 237, junior), Armon Williams (6-1, 227, junior). This group played solidily last season and should continue to make impacts. Williams will take the responsibility as the outside linebacker, a position that is key to the dou ble eagle-flex defense. Arizona's defense relies on speed linebackers who have a nose for the ball. They will need to show consistency against the run.
- Cornerbacks: Chris McAlister (6-2, 185, sophomore-JC transfer) and Kelly Malveaux (5-9, 179 , junior). This position is thin but talented. Malveaux is a proven leader who has played extensively the last few years. McAlister is a talented transfer who made his way into the defense with only two weeks of practice. Arizona's defense also relies on man coverage by the secondary so these guys will have to be solid. McAlister's height may be a huge factor, as the Wildcats were continually burned by tall receivers last season. Former UA basketball player Kelvin Eafon (6-1, 190, junior) may see some ti me at this position. Redshirt freshman Kelvin Hunter (5-9, 156) is the other reserve. Expect some shifting at cornerback this season.
- Safeties: Mikal Smith (5-10, 166, sophomore) and David Fipp (6-0, 179 junior). The Wildcats are much deeper a t this position. Both players are good cover men and hard hitters. Backups Rafell Jones (5-10, 197, sophomore) and Chuck Rich (5-10, 187, junior) will likely see as much time as the starters. The position will flip-flop starters throughout the season. The safeties will need to play well against both the pass and the run. Both this unit and the cornerbacks need to make a concerted effort to cause more turnovers. They intercepted six passes last year.
- Kicker/Punter: Matt Peyton (6-2, 180, senior). He will handle all of Arizona's kicking duties this season. Peyton started at punter last season and led the league in net punting (38.8 yards per punt). Will replace graduate Jon Prasuhn as field goal kicker and has overtaken Mark McDonald (6-2, 187, sophomore) as the kick off man. Peyton has the physical ability to do all three, but must stay mentally focused. The kicking game is something Arizona head coach Dick Tomey is always emphasizing.
Chris McAlister will replace graduate Cary Taylor at kick returner. Richard Dice and Armon Williams will be back returning punts.
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