Opening kickoff is just a few days away and the Arizona Wildcats have released their first depth chart for the upcoming season. While minor injuries will change a few things for their game against Northern Arizona, these will be the primary starters for the 'Cats this weekend. Let's take a look at the projected starters on both sides of the ball.
QB - Nick Foles, Sr.
RB - Keola Antolin, Sr.
FB/HB - Taimi Tutogi, Jr.
WR #1 - Juron Criner, Sr.
WR #2 - Dan Buckner, Jr.
IR/WR #3 - David Roberts, Sr.
TE - Drew Robinson, Jr.
LT - Mickey Baucus, Fr.
LG - Chris Putton, So.
C - Kyle Quinn, Jr.
RG - Trace Biskin, Jr.
RT - Fabbians Ebbele, Fr.
The offense will have a nice mix of both veterans and first-time starters, though improvements will need to be made in multiple areas if the unit hopes to be successful. While the starting quarterback, running back and wide receivers all return, the offensive line has undergone a lot of turnover the last two seasons. All eyes will be on the front five in the first few games of the season.
DE - C.J. Parish, Sr.
DT - Justin Washington, So.
NT - Sione Tuihalamaka, So.
DE - Mohammad Usman, Sr.
LB - Paul Vassallo, Sr.
LB - Rob Hankins, Fr.
LB - Derek Earls, Sr.
SS - Marquis Flowers, So.
FS - Robert Golden, Sr.
CB - Trevin Wade, Sr.
CB - Shaquille Richardson, So.
Again, there should be a nice mix of both veterans and up-and-comers in 2011. The injuries to Adam Hall and Jake Fischer will hurt in September, but both should return by October to sure up the unit. The defensive line will have to perform despite the losses of both of last year's starting defensive ends.
K - Jaime Salazar, Jr.
P - Kyle Dugandzic, Jr.
There will be a new punter and new kicker for the Wildcats this season. I'm as terrified as you are.
For more Wildcats coverage, check out Arizona Desert Swarm.