The heart and soul of football is now gone from the barren highlands of the desert. In a few careless public statements at the tail end of last season, head coach John Makovic alienated half of his team. Following Murphy's Law, three of the best players in Wildcat history were lost to graduation. QB Jason Johnson, WR Bobby Wade and LB Lance Briggs represented more than just excellence in football, but provided grandur leadership and held Arizona together through difficult times. Challenges will include establishing a starting quarterback and solidifying a porous defense. If Mackovic can pull things together by September, the �Cats have a chance to win a game or two.

QB Nic Costa, So.- With the loss of Jason Johnson and backup John Rattay, Costa is now the man to lead Arizona�s offense. A duplicate of former Wildcat QB Keith Smith, the only doubt surrounding this talent is whether or not he has the toughness to endure a full season taking hits.

OL Tanner Bell, So.- Three words �look at below� describe this mountain of a man. As a frosh Bell came into the program at 6�8 and 325 pounds, with mobility. Scary for Pac-Ten opponents.

The 'Cats feature a solid group of outside linebackers and strength in the middle of the defensive line. Overall, big shoes need to be filled in the secondary and at middle linebacker. New MLB Joe Siofele can be a factor if he loses weight and can adjust to pass coverage duties.