Pac-12 Conference – South Division
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WRs Samajie Grant / Cayleb Jones – Arizona Wildcats
After a Week 6 defeat over Pac-12 rival Oregon and only losing to the 2014 offensive powerhouses of USC and UCLA, the Wildcats seemed destined for great things. Those aspirations were ended abruptly after they were manhandled by Oregon in the Pac-12 Championship and surrendered 21 points in the first quarter in an eventual loss to Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl. QB Anu Solomon will return to drive co-OC Rod Smith's spread option offense along with both of last seasons leading receivers.
After sitting out the 2013 season following a transfer from Texas, Jones exploded onto the scene last year after being peppered with 140 targets. Considering his grand total of two career receptions during his freshman season at Texas, growing pains were expected, and those assumptions were realized after Jones dropped 12 passes, fumbled once, and allowed 3 intended targets to be intercepted (-2.0 receiving-specific CFF grade and 89.0 WrR). At 6’3”, 215 pounds and a long-line of NFL familial pedigree, Jones secured 74 receptions for a strong 1.82 YPRR. With an excellent relative-to-size 4.62-speed and 29.0” vertical, he flagged down 7/10 catchable 20-plus yard throws with 5 TDs, and a solid 23.6 20+T%.
Occupying the slot and absorbing a good share of the secondary attention away from Jones, Grant (5’9”, 177 pounds) has the privilege of being of the most dynamic athletes every time he steps onto the field. During his senior season at Colony High School in 2012, Grant dominated from the running back position by rushing for 1,495 yards, 13.3 yards/attempt, and 24 TDs. Provisioned with blazing 4.47-speed and a 34.5” vertical, Grant ‘s true sophomore season ended with an +0.6 receiving-specific CFF grade (one INT, 3 drops). He posted the 10th-highest WrR in the country (134.2), secured 45 catchable targets, and burned defenders with a 1.91 YPRR. Taking 78.5 percent of his routes out of the slot didn't prevent the speedster from getting behind the defense on seam routes to pull in all ten 20-plus yard catchable throws for 5 TDs, and a 27.0 20+T%.
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