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Arizona Wildcats' first-year players have assumed key roles en route to first place

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The Arizona Wildcats wouldn’t be where they are right now — 4-1 overall, 2-0 in the Pac-12 — without critical contributions from a handful of promising freshmen.

Michael Wiley’s emergence has helped offset injuries at running back. The development of cornerbacks Christian Roland-Wallace and Bobby Wolfe, and defensive tackle Kyon Barrs, has added much-needed depth to the defense.

“We’ve done a nice job of rotating guys,” UA coach Kevin Sumlin said Monday, “giving guys experience all over the field.”

No performance by a freshman is likely to garner more headlines than quarterback Grant Gunnell’s against UCLA two Saturdays ago.