UA’s Criner expected to be ready for season
Arizona Wildcats fans can breathe a sigh of relief Tuesday as it appears star receiver Juron Criner will be ready for the 2011 season.
According to the Arizona Daily Star, Arizona Head Coach Mike Stoops said Criner is “fine” and “here and ready to go.”
“We anticipate having Juron,” he said. “He had some family issues that were concerning over the summer, and those are personal. We anticipate him being the same player – or a better player – than he was a year ago.”
Rumors of whatever ailed Criner circulated, though neither the player nor school ever confirmed anything. Tuesday’s news is good not only because of what Criner means to the team, but also for the 21-year-old’s life going forward.
On the field Criner, who is one of the best receivers in the conference — if not the nation — led the Wildcats last year with 82 catches for 1,233 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Projected to be an NFL Draft pick, Criner elected to return for his senior season and will team with fellow senior Nick Foles to form one of the conference’s best passing attacks.
