Tony Ellison (9) and Shun Brown (6) will lead Arizona's receiving corps at heights of only 5-foot-9 and 5-11, respectively.
On football signing day in the Pac-12, two new coaches, UCLA’sÌýChip KellyÌýand ASU’sÌýHerman Edwards, both used the terms “length and size†when discussing the immediate needs of the Bruins and Sun Devils.
³§¾±³¾¾±±ô²¹°ù±ô²â,ÌýKevin SumlinÌýsaid Arizona needs “to get longer and rangier.â€
The coaches are talking about wide receivers. Much like the NFL, college football has become more of a game about the size and playmaking skills of receivers.
More than any team in the Pac-12, Arizona is size-challenged. The best UA receiver isÌýShun BrownÌýwho is 5 feet 9 inches on a good day. The school’s No. 2 receiver (in production),ÌýTony Ellison, is 5-11 and maybe 170 pounds.
Arizona signed three receivers who are at least 6-3, but on the surface they aren’t realistically expected to be Pac-12 ready in 2018.
Zach Williams, a 6-3 Georgia prospect, narrowed his choice of schools to Akron, Arkansas State and Bowling Green.
Tre Adams, 6-3, of Texas, was offered scholarships by Boise State, Bowling Green and Air Force.
Thomas Marcus, 6-3, of San Diego, chose ÃÛÌÒÓ°ÏñAV over Utah State.
In the change fromÌýRich Rodriguez’s run-oriented offense that was blessed by smaller slot receivers,ÌýÌýSumlin must overhaul the dimensions of those to play in offensive coordinatorÌýNoel Mazzone’s arms-first, legs-second approach.
The reality is that it may take two or three years to encourage game-changing receivers to sign with Arizona. The last time Arizona had an All-Pac-12 first-team receiver was 2010.ÌýJuron CrinerÌýwas 6-3 and about 220 pounds when he caught 209 passes, most of them fromÌýNick Foles.
The UA can use another Juron Criner as soon as possible.

