Fisch: Gunner Cruz, Will Plummer to split QB reps for Arizona vs. BYU

Arizona Wildcats head coach Jedd Fisch has announced his first game as head coach will be quarterbacked by a two-man system.

The coach announced Tuesday that redshirt freshman and Washington State transfer Gunner Cruz will split reps with returnee Will Plummer against BYU to open the season on Sept. 4.

“I don’t believe that will remain all year long. I would be surprised,” Fisch told reporters on the two-QB system.

The Wildcats held an open quarterback competition throughout training camp between those two quarterback, plus USF transfer Jordan McCloud.

The 6-foot-5, 227-pound Cruz went to Casteel High School in Queen Creek, Ariz. and joined the Wildcats quarterback battle after transferring from Washington State this past year.

Cruz’s college experience includes completing 5 of 7 passes for 34 yards and a touchdown last season for the Cougars.

Cruz was a decorated Arizona high school player, winning All-State Player of the Year as a junior after throwing for 3,185 yards and 40 touchdowns. He was also named to All-State and All-Region.

His senior season at Casteel High School, Cruz threw for 3,598 yards with 30 touchdowns and added 14 scores on the ground.

As a recruit in 2019, Cruz was the No. 16 overall player in the state of Arizona, according to 247Sports.

Plummer appeared in three total games for the Wildcats in 2020, starting one as a true freshman.

He went 43-of-80 with three interceptions and no touchdowns.

From Gilbert High School, Plummer had a prolific career as a passer, throwing for more than 6,800 yards and 58 touchdowns. He did it with his legs as well, rushing for 1,016 yards and 13 scores in his prep career.

A 3-star recruit in the class of 2020, Plummer was the No. 21 overall player in the state of Arizona, according to 247Sports.

McCloud transferred from South Florida and brought the most experience of the three players challenging for the starting role, having started 20 games for the Bulls over the past two seasons.

In 2020, McCloud started seven games and threw for 1,341 yards and nine touchdowns. In his collegiate career, McCloud has thrown for 2,770 yards with 21 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

As a recruit, McCloud had a 3-star rating in 2018 but did not receive an offer from Arizona’s previous coaching staff, according to 247Sports.

The Wildcats kick off the Fisch era on Sept. 4 against BYU in Las Vegas.

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