We’re drunk with optimism right now… but it’s August 5th, who isn’t?

But while we have visions of Tuitama doing the Heisman and Money Mike Thomas with roses in his mouth, there are still some definite questions that need to be answered in this Fall Camp. Who will fill up the defensive line? Who will step up at corner? Who’s the backup at quarterback? Could we have a two running back system that people are so fond of these days? Well, here is our take on the positional battles going on in camp.

Defensive Ends: (D’Aundre Reed vs. Ricky Elmore vs. Brooks Reed vs. Apaiata Tuihalamaka)

Tedy Bruschi is not walking through that door, so these guys really need to step up.

The front runners as of now seem to be B. Reed and Elmore, but D. Reed is not far behind. (Note: If you’re looking for a chance to put your foot in your mouth, refer to Brooks and D’Aundre as “the Reed Brothers”) The dark horse in the race is redshirt freshman Apai Tuihalamaka (Is that Polynesian for partyawesome?), a highly touted, converted linebacker.

Gone is mythical beast-turned-let down, Louis Holmes. (4 sacks in two years!?! I haven’t been more disappointed since the Matrix sequels). So Arizona is replacing the buzz-word “potential” with buzz-words like “heart” and “motor.”

Defensive Tackles: (The sweetest Battle Royale ever imagined: Earl Mitchell vs. Lolomana Mikaele vs. Donald Horton vs. Kaniela Tuipulotu vs. Hans Phillip vs. Solomon Koehler)

Lots of bodies here. Little experience. The front runners here look to be Mitchell and Mikaele. Mitchell, a converted full back, has been praised heavily by the coaches who are loving the speed and size he is bringing to the line, but he played offense last year. Can he be considered a lock at this spot? Should that scare us?

True freshman Solomon Koehler (6′3″, 305 lbs.) could contribute immediately. He and Tuipulotu are Hawaii’s number one prospects for the past two classes.

Cornerback: (Marquis Hundley vs. Robert Golden)

Given Cason’s departure, this might be the most interesting battle in camp. Senior vs. freshman vie for a spot opposite Devin Ross. Hundley likely has a stronger grasp of the defense. In Golden, provides athleticism, bravado, and Antoine Cason. To be honest, the only thing that will prevent Golden from winning the Thorpe award is Devin Ross. Don’t worry, Robert. Your day will come.

Backup Running Back: (Nick Booth vs. Keola Antolin)

This battle features a big Booth (6′2, 221 lbs with 1000 yards rushing at the JC level) vs. a small Antolin (5′8, 183 lbs with a 1000 yards at the high school level). Booth came out of nowhere, while Antolin’s high school highlights make his seem a good fit for this spread offense.

As of now we hope Booth’s power can provide a complement to Grigsby’s speed, but expect to see Antolin breaking out on special teams.

Backup Quarterback: (Bryson Beirne vs. Matt Scott vs. Tyler Lyon)

Two years ago, Tui went down, and our backup situation was horrendous (Adam Austin Ahh!). This year we have guys. Guys are good. But we don’t feel like getting to know them that well.

It seems like a two-horse race between Beirne (a Tui clone) and Scott (the playmaker). Beirne has a year in the offense, Scott has raw talent. Beirne might get the first shot, but expect Scott to see some Tim Tebow goal line action before the year is through.

DJ

This might not be the most interesting battle, but considering the decision to blaring music during a 6 AM practice, who’s on the ones and twos?

(Photo: Training Camp/Tucson Citizen)