There’s no question that the size of Arizona’s defensive linemen is a concern moving forward, and for a team that is gradually improving on defense, the men in the trenches are only getting smaller—nay worse.
Arizona football Head Coach Rich Rodriguez can’t help how the defensive line looks now—he has to use the deck of cards that were dealt to him over the years of recruiting. The Wildcats were so accustomed to the 3-3-5 defense that the main emphasis was always recruiting players that can defend the pass.
Rodriguez should focus on defensive backs and linebackers, because in a pass-happy Pac-12 Conference, players equipped with athleticism and speed to defend the pass are more likely to put their teams in a better position to win.