Arizona football releases depth chart ahead of Utah opener

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As promised by coach Kevin Sumlin a day ago, the Arizona Wildcats have released an official depth chart ahead of Saturday’s 2020 opener at Utah.

Based on who is listed first, Arizona will have at least six players making their first start with the Wildcats, all on defense. The entire defensive line would be new starters, highlighted by graduate transfers Aaron Blackwell and Roy Lopez at defensive end and nose tackle, respectively, while sophomore Kyon Barrs is listed as the starter at defensive tackle.

Redshirt freshman Kwabena Watson is listed as the starter at SAM linebacker, one of two outside LB spots, with true freshman Derick Mourning on tap to start at Mike LB inside.

Sophomore Jaxen Turner is listed as one of the starting safeties, while the other spot will either go to senior Jarrius Wallace, who has nine career starts but none since 2018, or redshirt junior Rhedi Short, who has yet to appear in a game in three seasons.

The linebacker corps is as thin as advertised, with walk-ons listed as the backups at two of four spots.

There are no real surprises on offense among listed starters, with Grant Gunnell and Gary Brightwell making up the starting backfield and Brian Casteel, Boobie Curry and Jamarye Joiner starting at receiver. Donovan Laie, as expected, moves from left tackle to left guard to make room for Jordan Morgan at LT.

All told, Arizona has 14 newcomers on its depth chart, seven on defense and six on offense plus one on special teams.

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