Rodriguez — who was fired Tuesday amid allegations that he created a hostile workplace and sexually harassed a former employee — said from the moment the 2017 recruiting class officially signed that those players were expected to have an immediate impact. It wasn’t just talk; freshmen populated and energized the Arizona defense.
Linebacker Tony Fields II and “Stud” Kylan Wilborn started every game. Linebacker Colin Schooler and safety Scottie Young Jr. started nine apiece.
Fields led the team in tackles (105) and ranked second in sacks (five). Wilborn led the team in sacks (9.5) and the Pac-12 in forced fumbles (four).