By Scottie Bricker
Arizona Daily Wildcat
September 3, 1997

Oregon game should answer important questions

Leigh-Anne Brown Arizona Daily Wildcat Alex Hughes, 9, anxiously waits as Wildcat cornerback, Chris McAlister (11) signs his poster. McAlister headlines a veteran defensive backfield for this season's squad.

As the Arizona football team enters it's 20th year in the Pacific 10 Conference, many questions exist on both offense and defense. Here is how they look going into Thursday's opening game against Oregon.

QUARTERBACK-This position is not in question as sophomore Keith Smith, the conference's third most efficient passer last season, will be running the offense. Offensive coordinator Homer Smith promises to keep Smith in the pocket more often this year attempting to limit the scrambling that got Smith in some trouble during his freshman campaign. At 5-foot-11, Smith is easily the shortest signal caller in the Pac -10, but has the ability to take over a game with his speed and quick release. Also look for senior Brady Batten to get some snaps from time to time to keep opposing defenses guessing.

RUNNING BACK-Sophomore Trung Canidate has emerged as the favorite to start at tailback, although junior Jay Hinton may challenge for significant playing time. Canidate won the job in spring practice but has shown a tendency to fumble the ball too frequently. Hinton has impressed the coaching staff this fall with his speed and agility, and may well take over the starting spot within the first few games. Junior Kelvin Eafon has solidified his hold on the starting fullback spot. Eafon, who had just 16 carries last season, will share time with Charles Myles, last year's starter at that position.

WIDE RECEIVER-With the decision of Jeremy McDaniel to redshirt due to his hamstring injury, the offense will look to senior Rodney Williams to lead the corps of receivers. Williams, who caught 23 passes for 275 yards last year, will start along with sophomore Dennis Northcutt, who spent most of last season at running back and defensive back. Also, senior Jeff Nadeau returns to the team one year after being dismissed from the team for violating team policy. Sophomore Brad Brennan will also see significant time at wideout as well.

Katherine K. Gardiner Arizona Daily Wildcat Head Coach Dick Tomey takes notes during practice. He hopes the first game against Oregon will answer key position questions for the rest of the season.

TIGHT END-Mike Lucky has the potential to be a an All-American as he enters his junior season. Lucky caught 14 balls for 168 yards and two touchdowns last year, and figures to get many more passes thrown to him with the departure of Mike Metzler. At 6'6" and 275 pounds, Lucky is the biggest target at tight end in the Pac-10 and will provide quarterback Keith Smith with a solid go to pass catcher. Paul Shields will also see some time as Lucky's backup.

OFFENSIVE LINE-The Wildcats have an improved front five this year in both experience and size. Seniors Ryan Turley at left guard, Jose Portilla at right tackle and Rusty James at center saw significant playing time last season and sophomore right guard Yusuf Scott started three games at the tackle spot. Junior Ewin Mulitalo will start at left tackle this year after transferring from Ricks College in Idaho. The offensive line averages 316 pounds and should provide Smith with the protection he needs to guide the Arizona offense.

DEFENSIVE LINE-New graduate Joe Salave'a returns for Arizona under newly passed NCAA legislation to lead the Wildcats defensive front four. Salave'a was the leading tackler among down lineman for Arizona last season with 47. Junior Daniel Greer returns from a serious ankle injury he suffered in the season finale against Arizona State. Greer did not participate in spring practice but has performed well thus far in preseason workouts and promises to form, with Salave'a, one of the most formidable pairs of defensive tackles in the Pac-10. They are joined by senior defensive ends Mike Szlauko and Jimmy Sprotte. Szlauko started eight games for the Wildcats last season and if he stays healthy he will be a key to the defensive line's success. Sprotte makes the move from inside linebacker to defensive end, which he played in 1995. Sprotte recorded 94 tackles in 1996.

LINEBACKERS-Senior Chester Burnett stands out in a talented trio of linebackers. Burnett led Arizona in tackles last season with 96, and was a second team all Pac-10 selection. Burnett has a legitimate shot at All-America honors and should be among the leaders in the conference in tackles again this year. Sophomores Dashon Polk and Marcus Bell join Burnett to form the rest of the young but talented trio of linebackers. Polk saw significant playing time in freshman season, but then sat out last year to spend more time in the weight room. Bell was a starter on the special teams last year and also saw time at inside linebacker. He recorded a career high 14 tackles against Illinois last year.

CORNERBACKS-Junior Chris McAlister returns alongside senior Kelly Malveaux to form one of the conference's best combinations at cornerback. McAlister led the conference with six interceptions and was a member of the All Pac-10 first team as well as being an honorable mention All-American. This year could be McAlister's last as he contemplates the option of turning pro at the end of the year. In Malveaux the Wildcats have a talented but slightly undersized defensive back. Malveaux will be assigned to the second receiver in most passing situations. Look for sophomore Kelvin Hunter to also see time at cornerback.

SAFETIES-With the indefinite suspension of junior Mikal Smith, Arizona will now rely upon seniors David Fipp and Rashee Johnson at the safeties. Fipp provides the Wildcats with experience as he started all 11 games in 1996. Fipp recorded 88 tackles and had two interceptions. Johnson returns to the lineup after redshirting last season. Arizona will also use juniors LaChaux Rich and Scooter Sprotte at safety.

SPECIAL TEAMS-Junior kicker T.J. Rodriquez has won the starting job and will be handling extra point and field goal duties. Rodriquez was three for three in field goals in the fall scrimmage, connecting from 37, 43 and 42 yards. Sophomore Mark McDonald will take care of kickoffs. Junior college transfer Ryan Springston replaces Arizona's third leading punter of all time Matt Peyton, who graduated. Spingston averaged 44 yards per kick last season at Butler Community College in Kansas, and kicked for an average of 49.8 yards in spring practice. Dennis Northcutt will handle punt and kickoff returns and will be joined by Rodney Williams and Chris McAlister. McAlister returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown last season against UCLA.