Arizona football is hoping to preserve receiver depth.

Tetairoa McMillan and Jacob Cowing combined for 2,250 yards and 23 touchdowns last season, with each player hauling in 90 receptions, making Arizona’s wide receiver duo one of the strongest 1-2 punches in the NFL. It should come as no surprise that both spent the majority of the plays on the field.

McMillan played all but 54 of the 892 offensive snaps the UA had in 2023, with Cowing sitting fewer than 15% of the time the Wildcats possessed the ball. Montana Lemonious-Craig, the third-ranked receiver, also participated in about 70% of the plays.

The remaining receivers in Arizona weren’t given many chances because of that, but that should change this season.

In stark contrast to Jedd Fisch’s tight rotation, Brent Brennan stated on Thursday that he like to often play six or seven receivers.

Late in the game, Brennan stated, “I want those guys fresh and I want our best guys to be able to play their best football.” “I believe we’ve done a fantastic job over my career of getting a lot of guys on the field because you want to expedite the growth of those younger kids by putting them in games to play. I therefore consider the receiver position constantly. The more football they play, the quicker and better they become.

The UA’s other wideouts, particularly redshirt sophomores Kevin Green Jr. and AJ Jones as well as sophomore Malachi Riley, must be thrilled to hear that. Together, they managed just 248 offensive snaps and 17 catches on 18 targets in the previous campaign.

Jones, who caught five passes for 27 yards in 2023, expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of getting more playing time this year, saying, “Sounds great. Get an opportunity to play, play more this year.”

This opportunity is expected to motivate Jackson Holman, Devin Hyatt, and true freshman Brandon Phelps, who all sat out last year. However, the depth of the receiver rotation hinges on the performance of these younger players during spring practice, over the summer, and in preseason camp.

According to receivers coach Bobby Wade, having a solid group of six or seven players is essential. He emphasized that the number of players who see the field depends on their readiness and preparation. Wade stressed the importance of leadership within the group, stating that senior players must both push their teammates to excel and be willing to share playing time.

Lemonious-Craig, a fifth-year senior, is heading into his second season with Arizona after a successful 2023 campaign. He praised the camaraderie within the team and believes that the decision of many players to stay with the program after a coaching change bodes well for the upcoming season.

Wade, the UA’s career receiving leader, acknowledged the challenge of coaching alongside Brennan and Babers, both of whom have receiver backgrounds. However, he also sees it as beneficial, as they provide additional perspectives and reinforce his teachings.

Green, a player, appreciates the coaching staff’s involvement with the receivers, particularly Wade’s insights gained from his playing days in college and the NFL.