Arizona Defensive Coordinator Emphasizes Physicality and Resilience in Fall Camp
TUCSON, AZ – Arizona’s defensive coordinator, Danny Gonzales, is instilling a culture of physicality and resilience within the Wildcats’ squad during fall training camp. A key drill designed to foster these traits involves defensive players tackling a dummy, then a donut-shaped object, and finally pouncing on a loose ball. Gonzales believes this exercise allows players to remain physical while maintaining focus throughout a play.
Senior safety Dalton Johnson highlighted the drill’s effectiveness in honing pursuit angles and the ability to “run through the tackle” and quickly recover. Gonzales further explained that the drill teaches players the importance of getting back up after being knocked down, emphasizing that while being knocked down is acceptable, “it’s a sin to stay down.” This focus on resilience is crucial for making plays and staying alert.
The emphasis on violence and physicality is a nod to Arizona’s defensive past, particularly the “Desert Swarm” era. While replicating those days is challenging, Gonzales is confident that improvements in the defense can bring them closer. He pointed to the team’s strength, noting that 34 players can power clean over 300 pounds, indicating an explosive and physically imposing unit.
Despite perhaps low public expectations for the defense this season, senior defensive lineman Tre smith views this as added motivation. Smith, who comes from a background that values this mindset, believes that both returning players and new additions share a collective drive to achieve success.
The coaching staff prioritized increasing the team’s size and depth along the defensive line during the offseason, through both portal additions and internal growth. Redshirt sophomores Julian Sawainiea and Anderson Jug are among those who have been working on strength and technique. Smith noted that both players bring unique styles and have been dedicated to improving their physical capabilities with the help of coach Joe.
With 30 days remaining until their season opener against Hawaii, the Arizona defense has ample time to continue developing the physicality and violence that Gonzales is cultivating.
