Most people consider the 1998 University of Arizona Football team the best in school history. And that is largely based off the unprecedented amount of game breakers on the offensive side of the ball.
In the backfield you had a first round pick and arguably the best running back in school history in Trung Canidate. Flanking him was fullback touchdown machine, Kelvin Eafon.
But the pass catchers were arguably the highlight of the team in Dennis Northcutt, who graduated as the school’s all time leading receiver before playing 10 years in the NFL, future NFL wide receiver Jeremy McDaniel, slot man Brad Brennan and two future long-time NFL tight ends in Brandon Manumaleana and Mike Lucky.
There has certainly been talent at those positions in the years since but nothing that struck fear into the hearts of defenses.
If the rankings and stats of this incoming recruiting class mean anything, Arizona fans are about to witness the most talented receiving/tight end core that this program has fielded in more than twenty years.
So let’s take a look at the newcomers and returnees and see where they all fit.
Newcomers
Tetairoa McMillan Anaheim (Calif.) Servite 6-5 200 lbs. McMillan is likely a starter on the outside. Not a burner but he possesses a huge frame with great hands and runs precise routes. Would likely start for any team in the conference.
Jacob Cowing (UTEP transfer) 5-10 175 lbs. Cowing is still a bit of an unknown because of the competition level UTEP played at but stats are stats and when one averages almost 20 yards per catch while accumulating 1300 yards and possessing offers from almost every school in the country, they likely project as a starter almost anywhere.
Keyan Burnett Anaheim (Calif.) Servite 6-5 225 lbs. Yes, Burnett is a four star prospect. But his ranking seems a little low as he has great size, above average speed and productivity to match. If he’s not starting at tight end, it would be a surprise..
Rayshon Luke Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco 5-8 170 lbs. Two things were readily apparent during the Army All American bowl: Luke is one of the most explosive players in the country and with his size he will be used in a variety of roles much the way De’Anthony Thomas was used at Oregon. Every offensive coach loves to have a player like Luke at his disposal.
Kevin Green Mission Hills (Calif.) Bishop Alemany 5-11 170 lbs. In maybe the best testament to the infusion of talent coming to Arizona, the ex-USC commit is one of the more difficult ones to project a steady role for next season.
Recruiting ratings can obviously be on or off but there is no doubt Green has a great deal of talent and if he shows out he’ll obviously hit the field.
Returners
Dorian Singer Soph. 6 foot 195 lbs. The freshman wide receiver started to turn some heads towards the end of last season and by the end of the year he was arguably Arizona’s second best offensive player. He clearly is a Power 5 level player but his work is going to be cut out for him with this infusion of talent.
Jamarye Joiner Jr. 6-2 210 lbs. There isn’t a bigger fan of Joiner than me. He’s big, fast and physical. But all-too-often he’s been injured or moved around from position to position.
The receiver everyone saw in the last game of his freshman season against Arizona State is the type of player Joiner can be.
He has two years of eligibility but this is the year things need to come together. He’s talented enough to make it happen. Now it’s time to produce.
Majon Wright Soph. 6-2 200 lbs. The much-transferred underclassman clearly has ability otherwise Arizona wouldn’t have welcomed him back but like Joiner it’s time to make that move.
Once can easily make the case this is the most talented receiving unit in school history and the most talented 2022 group in the entire conference.
