This year Arizona has a new Head Coach in Rich Rodriguez, a new offense, and a new starting quarterback whose talents are very different from those of departed starter, Nick Foles.  The Wildcats don’t have a ton of NFL talent on their roster, but there are a few players worth watching closely this season.  Underclassmen are designated with an asterisk…
Dan Buckner WR 6’4 214 – Buckner ran into some legal troubles, and transferred from Texas after a sophomore season in which he was the Longhorns’ third leading receiver.  That season, he accounted for 45 receptions, 442 yards and four TDs.  Last year, in his first with the Wildcats, he caught 42 balls for 606 yards (14.4 yards per catch) and two TDs.  He’s not a burner but he can cover a lot of ground quickly with his strides; and because of his size, he’s an intriguing red zone prospect.
Shaquille Richardson* CB 6’1 188 – Richardson’s college career got off to a rocky start after he was arrested for suspicion of theft, and dismissed from UCLA.  As a true freshman at Arizona, he picked off two passes and broke up seven others.  Last season, Richardson intercepted four passes – returning one for a touchdown – and breaking up five more.  He was also ejected during a bizarre brawl against UCLA that started when a streaker ran out onto the field.  Richardson is only a junior, but cornerback is a valued position in the NFL, so he’s worth keeping an eye on this season.
Matt Scott QB 6’3 197 – In 2011, Scott redshirted so that he could take over as a senior starter after the prolific Foles moved on to the NFL.  Foles has gone on to become a third round draft pick of the Philadelphia Eagles, and Scott’s time is now.  His on field experience is limited, but he has shown flashes of passing and running ability.  In 2010, Scott completed 71% of his 93 passes for 8.3 yards per attempt, four touchdowns and two interceptions.  In his Arizona career, he’s also rushed for 632 yards, averaged 6.4 yards per carry, and scored a pair of TDs.  His running ability figures to be instrumental in new coach Rich Rodriguez’s offense, but his NFL prospects are not going to benefit from that system.
Willie Mobley DT 6’2 270 – Mobley originally went to Ohio State, but ultimately transferred to Arizona after UCLA denied him admission.  He played sparingly as a sophomore in 2010, and was on his way to earning some playing time before injuring his knee and missing the entire 2011 season.  Now a senior, Mobley will compete for a job on the defensive line.  He’s undersized for his listed position of defensive tackle, but he has experience at end.  Mobley is a fringe prospect right now, but may be able to gain momentum if he shows that he can be versatile and stay healthy.