
Arizona quarterback Will Plummer, left, is chased by UCLA defensive lineman Datona Jackson during the first half of last weekend’s loss to UCLA. Plummer replaced the injured Grant Gunnell on the game’s second play, and completed 17 of 35 passes for 151 yards.
The NCAA declared freshmen eligible in 1972, and by 1976 Arizona was starting a true freshman quarterback. Talk about a rush job. Eight months removed from leading Amphitheater High School to the state championship, Jim Krohn became his hometown’s quarterback.
Ready or not.
Krohn completed three passes in his starting debut. Arizona lost to BYU, 23-16.
The genie was out of the bottle, although starting a freshman quarterback at Arizona hasn’t been a genie at all. It has often been a goblin.
Since Krohn’s debut 44 years ago, Arizona has started six more true freshman quarterbacks.
The truth? All seven started because of (a) injuries or (b) desperation or (c) both.
Arizona has gone 26-50-3 in the seasons it started a true freshman QB. If you can correctly name Krohn’s six freshman QB successors, I will do my best to get you a ticket to the UA’s Rose Bowl debut in 2043 or maybe 2062.
I bring this to your attention because true freshman QB Will Plummer looks to be Arizona’s starter Saturday night against Colorado.
His not-so-super six predecessors:
• Tom Tunnicliffe, 1980, a starting debut loser to No. 4 Notre Dame
•Ronald Veal, 1987, a debut blur, running for 134 yards and three touchdowns against Bowling Green
•Kris Heavner, 2003, a debut loser to TCU, after which coach John Mackovic was fired
•Willie Tuitama, 2005, a debut upset winner at Oregon State
• Khalil Tate, 2016, a debut loser to his hometown USC Trojans, 48-14
• Grant Gunnell, 2019, a debut winner over a bad UCLA team.
Between Krohn’s debut and Gunnell’s star-is-born type-performance against UCLA, the UA’s well-documented history of QB trouble has necessitated starting two receivers (Kevin Ward, 1980 and Anthony Johnson, 2006); two walk-ons (Billy Prickett, 1991 and Adam Austin, 2006); and a tailback (Chuck Levy, 1991) at quarterback.
Can any school match this type of desperation? Kansas, maybe? Rutgers? Duke?
When Plummer walked onto the field at a moment’s notice last week, he had no time to warm up and no time to get nervous. Maybe that was a good thing.
Only Krohn and Veal, both starters in the third games of their seasons, were rushed into the UA lineup so soon. But Veal and Krohn both had a full week of practice knowing — or suspecting — they would start.
To be fair, UCLA’s defensive coaches must have been equally perplexed when Plummer took the field last week.
“Who is No. 15? What does he do well? Is he a shotgun QB or a scrambler? We prepared a game plan built around Rhett Rodriguez being the emergency QB. Where did this kid come from?”

Gilbert High School’s Will Plummer picked Arizona over offers from Oklahoma State, Colorado and others. Saturday, he could make his first career start.
To his credit, Plummer did not play like a freshman, or even a redshirt freshman. He produced and handled himself like a guy who can be a winner in Power 5 conference football over the next four years.
But the book on Will Plummer, Gilbert High School’s Class of 2020, is a thick mystery that’ll take months to read.
Will he leave the pocket prematurely when under pressure? Or does he have the willingness to stand tall and tough? Are his mechanics sound? Is he reckless? Can he hit a tight window? Does he have the patience to let his receivers’ routes develop?
Does he know the game plan — the full system — and does he have intangibles that few UA freshmen were able to exhibit?
Indeed, there are so many complicated variables to being a successful quarterback that Arizona fans could write a book about why freshmen — redshirt freshmen as well as true freshmen — such as Richard Kovalcheck, Nic Costa, Brandon Dawkins and Ryan O’Hara ended up benched, transferring.
As full-time, first-time starters, the most accomplished Arizona QBs of the last 20 years were older, such as junior-college transfer B.J Denker in 2012, Michigan State transfer Nick Foles from 2009-11, and fifth-year senior Matt Scott in 2012.
Only Anu Solomon, who was surrounded by the most talented Arizona starting lineup since 1999 — including All-American linebacker Scooby Wright, future NFL defensive players Reggie Gilbert and Will Parks, standout kickers Drew Riggleman and Casey Skowron, 1,000-yard rusher Nick Wilson, steady offensive linemen Steven Gurrola, Mickey Baucus and productive receivers Cayleb Jones, Nate Phillips and Samajie Grant — was part of a winning season as a freshman QB. And that comes with an asterisk: Solomon was a redshirt freshman. So was Ortege Jenkins, who in 1997 started the majority of UA’s games in a winning season.
Maybe we shouldn’t tell Plummer what he’s getting into. Or maybe Gunnell, who is basically a freshman in terms of experience, will return this week and use his “abundance” of game time — he has started five college games — to salvage a game or two from what to this point has been a bumpy ride.
Colorado will arrive at Arizona Stadium with an undefeated QB, the 3-0 Sam Noyer, but that’s a bit deceptive. Noyer is the opposite of Arizona’s young QBs: a bench-sitting fifth-year senior who was turned into a defensive back a year ago.
So how about it: Noyer vs. Plummer on Saturday?
In a season overflowing with unusual and unexpected developments, Noyer vs. Plummer would be near the top of the list.
Arizona Wildcats

Running back Gary Brightwell eyes the pitch form quarterback Grant Gunnell as the Wildcats continue their preparation for the upcoming season, Tucson, Ariz., October 23, 2020.
Arizona Wildcats

Linebacker Chandler Kelly hones his blocking technique on Jeremiah Fletcher as the special teams workout and the Wildcats continue their preparation for the upcoming shortened Pac-12 season, Tucson, Ariz., October 23, 2020.
Arizona Wildcats

Grant Gunnell drops a pass to running back Gary Brightwell as the Wildcats continue their preparation for the upcoming season, Tucson, Ariz., October 23, 2020.
Arizona Wildcats

Linebacker Parker Henley muscles his way through the line during special teams drills the University of Arizona Wildcats continue their preparation for the upcoming season, Tucson, Ariz., October 23, 2020.
Arizona Wildcats

Quarterback Will Plummer takes a shotgun snap during the Wildcats practice at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 23, 2020.
Arizona Wildcats

Michael Wiley bobbles the ball while fielding a punt with a towel pinned under his arms as the Wildcats special teams work on their skills and continue preparations for the upcoming season, Tucson, Ariz., October 23, 2020.
Arizona Wildcats

Receiver Stanley Berryhill III turns up field after taking a toss in the backfield on a misdirection play during the Wildcats preparations for the upcoming COVID10 shortened season, Tucson, Ariz., October 23, 2020.
Arizona Wildcats

Defensive back Jaydin Young and linebacker Mike Saliba work on fighting through the line on special teams drills at the Wildcats practice session in Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 23, 2020.
Arizona Wildcats

Receiver Tre Adams follows a blocker upfield after taking a pitch in the backfield during the Wildcats practice at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 23, 2020.
Arizona Wildcats

Christian Roland-Wallace keeps his concentration on the incoming ball while fielding punts at the Wildcats workout in Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 23, 2020.
Arizona Wildcats

Matthew Stefanski Jr. blocks teammate Donovan Laie as the offensive line gets in their reps at the Wildcats practice for the upcoming Pac-12 season, Tucson, Ariz., October 23, 2020.
University of Arizona football

Running back Jalen John is moving on the snap while working on handoffs with the quarterbacks during the University of Arizona practice session at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
University of Arizona football

Receiver Jaden Mitchell keeps his concentration as he brings down a throw during a drill at the University of Arizona practice session at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
University of Arizona football

Defensive lineman Myles Tapusoa slaps a dummy out of the way while running drills during the University of Arizona's pre-season workout at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
University of Arizona football

The throw is just a bit too tall for receiver Stanley Berryhill III to bring down at the University of Arizona's practice at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
University of Arizona football

Defensive lineman Kyon Barrs, left, gets limbered up while the Wildcats stretch out for their evening practice at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
University of Arizona football

Defensive lineman Aaron Blackwell concentrates on his movement while the Wildcats run through their warm-up drills at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
University of Arizona football

Christian Roland-Wallace follows his lead blocker as the U of A practices kick-off returns at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
University of Arizona football

D-lineman Dion Wilson Jr. and the Wildcats go through their pre-practice routine as the University of Arizona continues preparing for the upcoming season at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
University of Arizona football

Gary Brightwell cradles a kick-off as the Wildcats work on special teams in the early going os the the University of Arizona's practice at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
University of Arizona football

Regen Terry gets loose with the other defensive linemen during the University of Arizona's practice session at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
University of Arizona football

David Watson, left, and Paiton Fears comes face-to-face while the offensive linemen drill at the University of Arizona practice at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
University of Arizona football

University of Arizona offensive lineman Matthew Stefanski Jr. stays low blocking on a teammate during a drill at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
University of Arizona football

Leif Magnuson, right, stiff arms his way into teammate Sam Langi while the offensive line works out at the University of Arizona's session at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
University of Arizona football

Darrell Branch, left, and Jamari Williams jockey for a hold as the offensive line goes through their drills during the University of Arizona's practice session at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
University of Arizona football

Woody Jean, left, and Jordan Morgan grapple as the offensive line practice their technique as the University of Arizona continues preparing for the upcoming season at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
University of Arizona football

It takes every inch Tristen D'Angelo has to make the one-handed grab during a pass catching drill at the University of Arizona's practice session at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
University of Arizona football

Running back Nazar Bombata makes a hopping course adjustment while running hand off drills with the University of Arizona at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
University of Arizona football

Running back Frank Brown Jr., left, has entered the NCAA transfer portal after only one season at Arizona.
University of Arizona football

Quarterbacks Will Plummer, left, Rhett Rodriguez and Grant Gunnell work on their arms and aim as the University of Arizona gets ready for the upcoming season with a practice session at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
University of Arizona football

Receiver Tre Adams contorts a bit to try to bring down a high throw on his route running drill during the University of Arizona's workout at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
University of Arizona football

Tight end Bryce Wolma runs the gauntlet of pads while woking on ball security during the University of Arizona's practice session at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
University of Arizona football

Tight end Connor Hutchings pulls in a catch during a drill at the University of Arizona's practice session at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
University of Arizona football

Head coach Kevin Sumlin talks with president Robert Robbins just before the University of Arizona gets into their practice session at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
UA football

Receiver Tre Adams watches the ball into his hands while running routes during the opening practice for the upcoming shortened season for the University of Arizona football team, October 9, 2020.
UA football day two

Running back Frank Brown Jr., hones his pass catching eye on day two of practice for the University of Arizona football team on Dick Tomey Fields, October 10, 2020.
UA football day two

Nazar Bombata chases down a high throw while working out with the running backs on day two of practice for the University of Arizona football team on Dick Tomey Fields, October 10, 2020.
UA football day two

Roy Lopez III lines up for a rep on special teams during the second day of practice at the University of Arizona, October 10, 2020.
UA football day two

Lineman Jordan Morgan works with the special teams unit as the Wildcats go through day two of practice for the University of Arizona football team on Dick Tomey Fields, October 10, 2020.
UA football day two

Gary Brightwell runs the gauntlet while working on his ball security on day two of practice for the University of Arizona football team on Dick Tomey Fields, October 10, 2020.
UA football day two

Linebackers Derick Mourning, left, and Anthony Pandy run through a drill on day two of practice for the University of Arizona football team on Dick Tomey Fields, October 10, 2020.
UA football day two

Grant Gunnell cocks to throw while working with the running backs on day two of practice for the University of Arizona football team on Dick Tomey Fields, October 10, 2020.
UA football day two

Rhett Rodriguez hands off to Nathan Tilford at day two of practice for the University of Arizona football team on Dick Tomey Fields, October 10, 2020.
UA football day two

Quarterback Grant Gunnell hands off to running back Gary Brightwell on day two of practice for the University of Arizona football team on Dick Tomey Fields, October 10, 2020.
UA football day two

Frank Brown Jr., grabs some water as the Wildcat running backs take a hydration break on day two of practice for the University of Arizona football team on Dick Tomey Fields, October 10, 2020.
UA football day two

Quarterback Will Plummer dumps a pass to Jamarye Joiner during day two of practice for the University of Arizona football team on Dick Tomey Fields, October 10, 2020.
UA football day two

Nathan Tilford backs up Michael Wiley as the running backs work on pass blocking during day two of practice for the University of Arizona football team on Dick Tomey Fields, October 10, 2020.
UA football day two

Receiver Jaden Mitchell hops his way to a catch while running routes during day two of practice for the University of Arizona football team on Dick Tomey Fields, October 10, 2020.
UA football day two

Running back Nazar Bombata collides with Jason Butler while working on pass blocking for the University of Arizona football team on Dick Tomey Fields, October 10, 2020.
UA football

Malik Hausman goes airborne while running punt blocking drills in the opening practice for the upcoming shortened season for the University of Arizona football team, October 9, 2020.
UA football

Quarterback Grant Gunnell throws while running drills during the opening practice for the upcoming shortened season for the University of Arizona football team, October 9, 2020.
UA football

Offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone directs his troops as drills get underway during the opening practice for the upcoming shortened season for the University of Arizona football team, October 9, 2020.
UA football

Defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads paces the field as things get underway during the opening practice for the upcoming shortened season for the University of Arizona football team, October 9, 2020.
UA football

Stanley Berryhill III, left, and Jamarye Joiner get into the music being piped into the fields during the opening practice for the upcoming shortened season for the University of Arizona football team, October 9, 2020.
UA football

Punter Jacob Meeker-Hackett limbers up his leg as the Wildcats run through stretches in the early going of the night's at the University of Arizona,, October 9, 2020.
UA football

Defensive back Rhedi Short jumps through the line while the special teams work on punt blocking during the opening practice for the upcoming shortened season for the University of Arizona football team, October 9, 2020.
UA football

Receiver Thomas Reid III can't make the catch as the ball slams into the dummy while running drills during the opening practice for the upcoming shortened season for the University of Arizona football team, October 9, 2020.
UA football

Nathan Tilford runs under a big throw as he runs routes with the offense during the opening practice for the upcoming shortened season for the University of Arizona football team, October 9, 2020.
UA football

Nathan Tilford and the Wildcats head into the Cole and Jeanie Davis Sports Center as the University of Arizona football team returns to the field, October 9, 2020.
UA football

Stanley Berryhill III draws a bead on a long looping throw on his route during the opening practice for the upcoming shortened season for the University of Arizona football team, October 9, 2020.
Contact sports columnist Greg Hansen at 520-573-4362 or ghansen@tucson.com.
On Twitter: @ghansen711