The quarterback shuffle: Looking at Arizona football’s standout spring performances

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Kohichiro Yamada

Arizona Wildcats linebacker Justin Flowe (10) smiles wide at the spring game at Arizona Stadium on April 15. The blue team won 23 -19.

Jason Dayee

The Arizona football team had its annual spring football game on Saturday, April 15, at 3:30 p.m. The conclusion of this annual game would bring spring football to an end for the Wildcats as they now look forward to strength training before fall camp begins.

Before we move forward and look at what’s next for this team, let’s first take a look at how the offense and quarterback play under head coach Jedd Fisch have progressed during his second year of spring football.

Here are some takeaways from their time in spring football.

Jayden de Laura 

With the conclusion of spring football, Jayden de Laura has now completed his second spring camp with the Arizona Wildcats. In De Laura’s time on the field, he went 6 of 6 for 79 yards and a touchdown. Throughout spring football there has been a vast improvement in his understanding of the scheme, and this has allowed for a more efficient offense when he’s on the field. Along with his improvement in understanding the offense, his chemistry with players like Jacob Cowing, Jonah Coleman, Tetairoa McMillan, Tanner McLachlan and others has also taken another huge step forward.

On top of his on-field improvement, Fisch was asked what has impressed him the most from the 15 practices.

“Jayden de Laura’s maturity is probably the most impressive part of the whole thing,” Fish said.

De Laura also spoke about his play during spring football.

“I feel way more comfortable compared to last season,” De Laura said. “I’ve been buying into what coach [Jedd] Fisch, Jimmie Dougherty and Brennan Carroll just laid out for me. They laid out a framework to follow step-by-step so I can be as successful as the team can be.”

 

Arizona's Jayden de Laura (7) takes a selfie with some kids on April 15 at Arizona Stadium during the annual spring game. The spring game offers a great opportunity for fans to interact with players. 
Arizona’s Jayden de Laura (7) takes a selfie with some kids on April 15 at Arizona Stadium during the annual spring game. The spring game offers a great opportunity for fans to interact with players.

 

Noah Fifita 

Redshirt freshman Noah Fifita has had an outstanding spring football camp. He displayed remarkable improvement in reading defenses and making accurate passes. He also led the Red Team with 11 of 16 passing for 105 yards in the first half. During spring football camp he demonstrated impressive accuracy both in and out of the pocket.

Additionally, he has formed strong connections with players like Kevin Green Jr., Jackson Holman and AJ Jones, which will likely benefit the team in the future. Although he may not be the starting quarterback, Fifita’s progress during spring football is promising, and he may have a bright future with the team.

 

Arizona Wildcats Noah Fifita (11) throws the ball to his teammate during the spring game on April 15, at Arizona Stadium. During the annual spring game, the Wildcats split into two teams and face off head to head.  
Arizona Wildcats Noah Fifita (11) throws the ball to his teammate during the spring game on April 15, at Arizona Stadium. During the annual spring game, the Wildcats split into two teams and face off head to head.

 

Brayden Dorman 

Freshman Brayden Dorman was impressive during his first spring football camp. During his last time on the field, he led the Blue team on a scoring drive during the spring football game, demonstrating his confidence and improvement throughout the program. Dorman is committed to learning and following coaching instructions and always focuses on improving one aspect of his game each time he steps onto the field. Although he has room for growth, Dorman’s intangibles, such as his work ethic and drive, make him a valuable asset to the team’s talented quarterback room.

Cole Tannenbaum 

Redshirt freshman Cole Tannenbaum made the most of his limited playing time during the spring football game, connecting with Malachi Riley for a 75-yard touchdown pass. Tannenbaum has been working hard in practice and absorbing knowledge from his coaches. With more time in Fisch’s offense, his confidence and ability to throw the ball all over the field will continue to grow.

Overall, the offense is in great hands with De Laura at the helm. However, Arizona has many more young talents at the position behind him, which will only improve the longer they are in Fisch’s offense.

 

The Wildcat pom line poses with captain Gronk with Arizona Pomline on April 15 at Arizona Stadium. The two Gronk head coaches for this year's game were Chris and Rob Gronkowski.
The Wildcat pom line poses with captain Gronk with Arizona Pomline on April 15 at Arizona Stadium. The two Gronk head coaches for this year’s game were Chris and Rob Gronkowski.

 


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