Arizona’s secondary looks to continue elite status despite lots of NFL departure

The Arizona Wildcats went 9-4 last season, and their star-studded secondary was a big reason why.

Unfortunately, that secondary will look worlds different this season after losing five members of the room to the NFL.

Their “Big 3” last season of Treydan Stukes (Las Vegas Raiders), Genesis Smith (Los Angeles Chargers) and Dalton Johnson (Las Vegas Raiders) all were drafted in the first five rounds. Michael Dansby (Seattle Seahawks) was drafted in the seventh round and Ayden Garnes (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) went undrafted.

Despite all of the turnover, Arizona defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales isn’t worried about how the new-look group will perform.

“I think they’ve done some great things in practice,” Gonzales said. “Like I’ve been preaching since last year, I think Jay’Vion Cole is the best corner in the league.”

After spending the previous two seasons with Texas and San Jose State, Cole is going into his second season with the Wildcats. He’s turned himself into one of the premier ballhawks in college football after last season when he recorded 23 tackles and four interceptions, one being returned for a touchdown.

“We’ll see how much they test him,” Gonzales said. “I keep saying they aren’t going to throw at him, to convince people to throw at him and prove me wrong.”

Besides Cole, other guys with high expectations on the secondary are Dwight Bootle II, Malcolm Hartzog Jr, Gavin Hunter and Quinn Olson.

“I am so excited to watch Quinn Olson play in a live football game,” Gonzales said. “He does a great job with command back there. I’m super excited to see the first time that they run a ball between the A gaps, and what he does when he gets there, because I can promise you this: he’s not going to stop.”

After only recording one tackle last season, Gonzales expects Olson to have a large impact on the revamped secondary.

Playing opposite of Cole, Bootle II will see a lot of targets come his way, but Gonzales is confident that he’ll be able to handle his own.

Hartzog Jr. is coming into his first season with the Wildcats after spending the previous four with Nebraska. While last season he was limited to just two games before undergoing season-ending surgery, he’s totaled 108 tackles and eight interceptions in his career so far.

“Malcolm Hartzog will be one celebrating (after being drafted) next April,” Gonzales said. “Him and Cole both, so we’ll figure out what teams we need to cheer for next year.”

Hunter is another name who will see increased action this season. After backing up Stukes last year, Hunter will see a consistent role this season as well as be one of the vocal leaders in the secondary.

ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg even mentioned his name as one of his sleeper players for this upcoming season.

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