Arizona football has received a significant boost under Brent Brennan, as the Wildcats secured a commitment from a highly sought-after five-star tight end. This exciting development comes as the team enters training camp, with plans to implement a tight-end-by-committee approach to replace the production of former star Tanner McLachlan.
On Saturday, McLachlan made his professional debut, and his first career reception was a reminder of the substantial impact he had during his two seasons at Arizona. While filling his shoes may seem daunting, the Wildcats are embracing a collective effort rather than relying on a single player.
Tight ends coach Matt Adkins, who joined Brennan from San Jose State, highlighted the versatility within the group. “The great thing about my position is that I don’t have to be locked into just one player,” Adkins explained. “We have a diverse skill set among our tight ends, which allows us to rotate and keep everyone fresh.”
Adkins has six scholarship tight ends on the roster, including three with significant experience in the program. Juniors Keyan Burnett and Roberto Miranda are leading candidates for the starting role, while San Jose State transfer Sam Olson, redshirt sophomore Tyler Powell, and redshirt freshman Dorian Thomas are also in contention.
While the tight ends focused on the passing game during spring practices, the preseason has emphasized their role in the ground game. Adkins, who doesn’t display a “No Block, No Rock” sign like running backs coach Alonzo Carter, nonetheless shares the same philosophy.
“Every day, we start by watching run-blocking film,” Adkins said. “This group is incredibly athletic, with many coming from receiver backgrounds, so I’m concentrating heavily on their blocking technique. We’re building muscle memory so that their run-blocking becomes second nature.”
Last season, Burnett, Miranda, and Powell combined for 142 run-blocking snaps out of 251 total snaps, and they’re benefiting from Adkins’ meticulous coaching style. “Coach Matt is extremely detailed,” Burnett noted. “In the run game, one mistake can lead to bigger issues, so we focus on perfecting each aspect.”
Adkins emphasized the importance of footwork, a lesson he learned from his father, Doug Adkins, a former head coach at Division II Humboldt State. “My dad always taught me that the first two steps are everything in blocking,” Adkins said. “Getting the block started and positioning yourself correctly are the first phases, and now we’re starting to excel at that. Next, we’ll focus on fitting and finishing blocks.”
McMillan Nears Full Strength
Tetairoa McMillan, another key player for the Wildcats, is nearing full health as he recovers from a foot procedure following an injury sustained at the end of spring practice. McMillan made his first significant contribution to team drills during a red zone period on Thursday, catching a touchdown pass from quarterback Noah Fifita.
While McMillan didn’t participate fully in Friday night’s scrimmage, he was active in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills on Sunday, often going head-to-head with defender Tacario Davis. McMillan, wearing a red “no-contact” jersey, looked close to being fully back in action.
“It felt good having him back out there,” Burnett said of McMillan, his longtime teammate. “He’s an X-factor, someone you always have to account for.”
All signs indicate that McMillan will be ready for Arizona’s season opener on August 31 against New Mexico, adding to the optimism surrounding the Wildcats as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Leave a Reply