Four Wildcats that will benefit from Arizona hiring Kevin Sumlin
MORE: Arizona expected to hire Kevin Sumlin
News broke on Sunday afternoon that former Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin had been hired to take over the head coaching job at Arizona, succeeding Rich Rodriguez, who was surprisingly fired earlier this month. Despite the on-field struggles that led to the exit of Rodriguez, Sumlin inherits a Wildcats roster with a fair share of talent. Today we look at four former elite recruits whose careers should benefit from a second chance to make a first impression.
As a recruit: Many schools viewed Tate as an athlete rather than a quarterback and it was Arizona’s commitment to keeping him at his natural position that led to the school landing his commitment during the winter of his junior year. Despite a late push from a few programs, Tate elected to stick with his commitment.
What he’s done: After playing mostly as a backup during his true freshman season in 2016, Tate burst onto the national scene during the second half of the 2017 season. He finished the year with 1,411 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns, along with 1,591 yards passing with 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
Why Sumlin will help: This list is usually full of players who have yet to live up to their expectations and Tate definitely isn’t in that group. The highest-ranked recruit on the Wildcats roster showed why he had such a lofty ranking in 2017, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be even better under Sumlin in 2018. Tate’s touchdown-to-interception ratio during his career (17-12) has plenty of room for improvement and Sumlin is known for his ability to tutor quarterbacks. Tate will enter 2018 as a Heisman contender and considering what Sumlin was able to do with former signal-callers like Case Keenum and Johnny Manziel it’s not out of the question that Tate can take the next step under his new coach.
As a recruit: Tilford collected a handful of offers but didn’t wait long before making a commitment, pledging to the Wildcats during the spring of his junior year. He never wavered from his commitment and only officially visited Tucson during his recruitment.
What he’s done: The big-bodied back was mostly a reserve in 2017, but when he did get the ball he showed flashes of his talent. He finished the year with 13 carries for 121 yards and two touchdowns.
Why Sumlin will help: While Sumlin’s first few years at Texas A&M featuring mostly the quarterback as a runner, over the second half of his time with the Aggies the running backs played an increasingly important role. The Aggies has 1,000-yard rushers in Tra Carson and Trayveon Williams in 2015 and 2016 and Williams and Keith Ford each had more than 500 yards in 2017. If Tilford can turn the flashes he showed in 2017 into consistent play in 2018 he should have a chance to shine.
As a recruit: Eletise received offers from programs all over the country, including Alabama, Florida, LSU and Michigan but it was his relationship with the Wildcats' staff that helped him land in Tucson. He committed to Arizona during the summer prior to his senior season and never wavered from that pledge.
What he’s done: Eletise redshirted in his first year on campus in 2016 and worked his way into the lineup, mainly as a reserve in 2017. He appeared in 10 games, both at right and left guard, and also played on special teams.
Why Sumlin will help: Sumlin is known for his offensive prowess and most people associate that with elite skill position players. But a look back at his resume at Texas A&M shows plenty of productive players on the offensive line as well. From 2013-17, six Aggies offensive linemen were drafted, including first round picks Germain Ifedi (2016), Cedric Ogbuehi (2015), Jake Matthews (2014) and Luke Joeckel (2013). Eletise’s future is likely at guard, but with his size and athletic ability he should fit nicely into Sumlin’s offense and could have a chance to play at the next level.
As a recruit: Despite his four-star ranking, there weren’t as many schools that came calling for Dixon, likely because it was always bound to stay close to home and play for the ‘Cats. He ended his recruitment at the end of his junior year, committing to the Wildcats and only officially visiting Arizona.
What he’s done: Dixon redshirted his first year on campus.
Why Sumlin will help: Sumlin’s offenses have a history of featuring big wide receivers and the 6-foot-3, 203-pound Dixon certinaly fits that role. Obviously the most prominent success story under Sumlin is former first round pick Mike Evans, but players like Damion Ratley and Jhamon Ausbon also had their fair share of success under Sumlin. With a year of development already under his belt, Dixon should have a chance to contribute in 2018 and beyond.
