Arizona football: 5 players to watch in spring

2015 season is here — sort of

The clock for Arizona’s Fiesta Bowl loss to Boise State will finally expire this week.

If the eight-point New Year’s Eve loss to the Broncos was still bugging Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez or any of his players, it can’t be the case any longer.

The 2015 season is here — sort of.

UA will open spring drills Wednesday at Kindall/Sancet Stadium and practice 14 times leading up to the spring game on April 10 at Arizona Stadium.

Like every year, the Wildcats enter spring practice with plenty of holes to fill.

Arizona lost three starting offensive linemen off the 10-4 2014 team, as well as four starters in the defensive backfield.

There’s Austin Hill to replace on offense and multiple-year starter Dan Pettinato to find a replacement for on defense.

Jobs can’t be won in the spring, but they can surely be lost.

Who will step up?

Here are five players with a chance to be in the spotlight this spring: 

DaVonte' Neal 

Position: Cornerback

In 2014: He played wide receiver and had 27 catches for 214 yards and two touchdowns.

He also led the Wildcats with 12 punt returns.

Why he’s important: The former Gatorade Arizona High School Player of the Year, Neal has speed and talent that has interested every coach he’s had. He began his career at Notre Dame before transferring to Arizona.

He figured to be a big-time talent at slot receiver for the Wildcats, but that never materialized. Then on signing day, Rodriguez announced Neal had requested a move to cornerback. Rodriguez approved the move, especially with the Wildcats shallow at that position.

Neal will be given a real chance to earn playing time at corner. The UA would like to get his speed on the field in some way.

The big number: 12 — The number of pass breakups Neal had as a senior cornerback at Scottsdale Chaparral High School in 2011. 

Nate Phillips 

Position: Wide receiver

In 2014: He had 25 catches for 272 yards in nine games before suffering a season-ending injury at Washington State.

Why he’s important: It wasn’t that long ago when Phillips was the UA’s most reliable and consistent receiver. He had a stellar season as a true freshman with 51 catches for 696 yards and seven touchdowns, including a breakout performance in the AdvoCare V100 Bowl. Phillips took more of a back seat last year before he got hurt. Neal and Samajie Grant often started in the slot, with Phillips coming in as a reserve. With Neal going to defense, look for Phillips to regain that starting spot. He was starting to get healthy at the end of the season, and should be good to go for the spring.

The big number: 193 — The number of yards Phillips had in the AdvoCare V100 Bowl, the most ever by a UA freshman. 

Jordan Poland 

Position: Offensive tackle

In 2014: He redshirted.

Why he’s important: The Wildcats lost both their starting tackles and have two spots to fill on the line. Poland should get a chance to fill one of those tackle positions. Like potential left tackle Freddie Tagaloa, Poland is large — 6 feet, 7 inches, 343 pounds — but also athletic. A high school basketball player, Poland also offers athleticism. The lineman got into better shape throughout his redshirt season, and will be a player the coaches watch closely. Mickey Baucus and Fabbians Ebbele both took over as redshirt freshmen, as did current right guard Jacob Alsadek. This could be that time for Poland.

The big number: 141 — Poland’s ranking in Rivals.com’s top 300 for the class of 2014. 

Freddie Tagaloa 

Position: Offensive tackle

In 2014: He sat out after transferring from Cal.

Why he’s important: Tagaloa seems like the most realistic replacement for Baucus at left tackle. Listed at 6-8 and 316 pounds, Tagaloa brings similar size to the position and is known for having quick, athletic feet. This will be his second spring with the Wildcats, but the first where he’s in the mix for playing time.

If he ends up being the guy, the Wildcats will be able to replace the reliable Baucus with another experienced player with high upside. The coaches have been intrigued by Tagaloa since he arrived on campus from Cal and also see him as a leader.

The big number: 23 — The number of games Tagaloa played at Cal. He was named a team captain before his sophomore season. The lineman transferred after the 2013 season — Sonny Dykes’ first as head coach. 

Trevor Wood 

Position: Tight end

In 2014: He played as a reserve. Wood started the season on offense before being moved to defensive end halfway through the year.

Why he’s important: Wood has all the tools Rodriguez and his coaching staff want in a player. He’s big, physical and can make plays in the open field with his athletic ability.

Rodriguez seems determined to add a tight end element to his offense and Wood could still be the player who fills that void.

He will move back to offense this spring after spending the back end of last season on defense.

Wood played a lot on various special teams units last year and seems to be a player the coaches trust. Rodriguez has said several times he believes Wood has a bright future at the UA. They would like to get him going this spring.

The big number: 939 — The number of receiving yards for Wood as a high school senior at Chaparral.