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Wildcat newcomer ready to rush the opponent

Scott Andrew Taras Arizona Summer Wildcat Junior defensive end Austin Uku stands and waits for a play to begin during Thursday night's scrimmage. Uku was a pleasant sight at Camp Cochise for the UA coaching staff and earned a roster spot on the defensive line.

It took a videotape and a little help from a friend, but Austin Uku is here.

A junior college transfer entering his first year at the UA, Uku has impressed coaches with his versatility and commitment and has turned some heads this summer at Camp Cochise.

"He's an extremely hard worker," defensive line coach Marty Long said. "We feel that he can add something to our package this year."

Uku went to Narbonne High School in Torrance, Calif. He played football and was friends with Arizona junior tight end Brandon Manumaleuna before heading to Long Beach (Calif.) City College. He was first-team All-Mission Conference defensive end, who also showed his versatility at the running back position, rushing for 330 yards and four touchdowns.

"I knew him in high school, we were good friends," Manumaleuna said. "I thought he would fit in well here with the system we play, so I told the coaches about him."

Manumaleuna, who still kept in touch with Uku while at the UA, urged defensive line coach Marty Long to take a look at some tape of Uku's junior college games. When Long watched the tape, he realized that Uku would be a perfect fit in the UA defensive scheme.

"He's exactly what we thought we were getting," Long said. "He's right now a pass-rush specialist and he's shown he can also play the run well."

Uku says it has helped having a friend around to get settled in Tucson.

"I've known Brandon for four years now and he gave them the tape. They liked it and I came out here," Uku said. "I couldn't have made a better decision."

Uku came to Camp Cochise in good shape, having ran all summer with Manumaleuna in California. He knew that he had a great deal to learn about the UA defense.

"Camp was a real learning experience," Uku said. "I trained hard and became physically ready because when I went to camp I knew it would be more of a mental process."

At Camp Cochise, Uku excelled at assimilating himself into the defense and catching the eye of Long.

"He's a very hard worker," Long said. "He's done good and we are proud of him."

This season, Uku will most likely be a pass-rush specialist for the Wildcats, coming in on third-downs to put pressure on the quarterback.

"As far as what kinds of freshman will make an impact, Austin is really the only one that is going to add something to the package," Long said.

Uku will be put to the test immediately when the Wildcats travel to State College, Penn., to battle No. 3 Penn State in the Pigskin Classic.