Every week, Arizona Daily Wildcat football beat reporters Zack Rosenblatt, Cameron Moon and Kyle Johnson will vote on the top 10 players on Arizona’s roster. The rankings will take into account the full-season performance, with fluctuations based on week-to-week performance.
**offensive line statistics are not available
1. Matt Scott, quarterback, Last Week: 1
Week 4: 22-of-44, 210 yards, 3 interceptions, 9 rush yards
Season totals: 1,205 yards, 7 touchdowns, 4 interceptions, 65.9% completions, 199 rush yards, 2 touchdowns
It’s pretty well-known how much Scott struggled against Oregon. He had his worst game since 2009 when he struggled against Iowa and permanently lost his starting job to Nick Foles. That doesn’t take away from his great performance in weeks 1-3, though.
2. Jared Tevis, safety; LW: 5
Week 4: 12 tackles, 2 forced fumbles
Season totals: 39 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 2 interceptions, 7 pass deflections, 3 forced fumbles
Easily the biggest surprise on the Wildcats’ roster so far. A former walk-on, Tevis has become arguably the defense’s MVP with his big hits and ability to force turnovers.
3 (tie). Jake Fischer, linebacker; LW: 3
Week 4: 7 tackles, 1 fumble recovery
Season totals: 40 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 2 fumble recoveries, 2 forced fumbles
Fischer has been a stabilizing force in the middle of the defense, and he still leads the team in tackles. He wasn’t as much of a presence against Oregon, but he is still the Wildcats’ leader on defense.
3 (tie). Ka’Deem Carey, running back; LW: 2
Week 4: 79 rush yards, 4 catches, 37 yards
Season totals: 80 attempts, 423 rush yards, 6 total touchdowns
Carey struggled for most of Saturday’s game. As has been the case, he has given little-to-nothing in the first half of games. He did gain 70-plus yards in garbage time, though.
5. Jonathan McKnight, cornerback; LW: 5
Week 4: 8 tackles, 1 interception
Season totals: 17 tackles, 3 interceptions, 1 touchdown, 4 pass deflections
McKnight continues his shutdown play at corner week-in and week-out. His interception streak extended to three games after one against Oregon.
6. Tra’Mayne Bondurant, safety, LW: Unranked
Week 4: 10 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss
Season totals: 25 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 2 pass deflections
He has surprisingly flown under the radar so far, but the 5-foot-10, 200 pound safety has arguably given the wildcats their most consistent pass rush. He had three tackles for loss on Saturday alone.
7. Austin Hill, receiver; LW: 4
Week 4: 6 receptions, 50 yards
Season totals: 23 catches, 369 yards, 1 touchdown
Hill had a quiet 50 yards against Oregon, and he really didn’t make the same impact he has in recent weeks. He’s still the Wildcats’ most dangerous weapon at receiver.
8. Kyle Quinn, center; LW: 7
Week 4: 1 sack allowed by O-Line
Season totals: 4 games played
The offensive line as whole struggled, particularly in the run game as there were no holes for Carey or Daniel Jenkins at all in the first half. Quinn is still solid, but the line needs to tighten up.
9 (tie). Marquis Flowers, linebacker; LW: 8
Week 4: 4 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 forced fumble
Season totals: 27 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 2 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble
Flowers’ name wasn’t called very much, with just four tackles, but he did force a fumble.
9 (tie). Sir Thomas Jackson, linebacker; LW: Unranked
Week 4: 10 tackles, 1 tackle for loss
Season totals: 29 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, 2 pass deflections
Jackson has been a pleasant surprise for the Wildcats. Not even mentioned throughout spring or fall camps, Jackson is third on the team in tackling and stood out on Saturday with 10 tackles. Who would have thought before the season that three linebackers would be three of the UA’s best players?
Honorable mentions: receiver Dan Buckner, fullback/defensive end Taimi Tutogi
