Arizona spring football: Danny Gonzales wants Wildcat defense to be best in school history

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Danny Gonzales set high expectations for his defense last season. He had high expectations for the team as a whole. To no one’s surprise, the expectations are higher going into the fall.

In his eyes, it all comes down to two words: opportunity and potential.

“I sat up here in August and said, ‘We’re playing for an opportunity to go to the CFP,’ and everybody thought I was out of my mind,” said Gonzales. “We were one fumble recovery away from playing in the conference championship again against Texas Tech.”

The second word, potential, is something he does not want his unit to hear. If his players are hearing the word potential associated with the program, then they are not meeting the ‘Redline’ standards.

“If somebody keeps telling you have potential, that means you haven’t been doing what they think you can do,” he said.

Looking at the defensive line, Gonzales believes it’s the deepest part of the defense. With a mix of guys like Leroy Palu, Mays Pese, Dominic Lolesio, and others, the run defense should be improved from last season.

The only two games where Arizona gave up more than 200 yards rushing came in close losses to BYU and Houston. Stopping the run is going to be an emphasis this season and it’s going to start with the front wall.

“Where we screwed up last year was on the run defense, the two games that we allowed people to run the football we lost,” said Gonzales. “Leroy Palu is going to be one of the best nose guards in the Big 12. Mays Pese played as a true freshman, he’s a violent, twitchy, strong, really good football player. Dom Lolesio is the most improved football player on our team, and it ain’t even close.”

The biggest name on the defensive front is Tre Smith. Returning from a season ending injury, he is becoming the new voice of the defense.

“Tre had a big voice last year, but when he got hurt, that voice disappeared,” Gonzales said. “Guys that don’t play can lead from the side in certain things, but when it comes down to actually winning games, that guy better be on the field. Tre has done a phenomenal job.”

Three players from last year’s secondary are NFL-bound, which means someone new is going to have to step up. Gavin Hunter and Quinn Olson are starting to show signs of being those leaders.

“Gavin has been just so good in the secondary leading that way,” Gonzales said. “Quinn Olson has been great with how to do it, and not necessarily vocally, but he’s made four or five interceptions in spring practice so far that have been a really pleasant surprise.”

The Wildcats also bring back one of the best corners in the Big 12 in Jay’Vion Cole. He had 23 tackles, four interceptions, and a pick-six. Following him is a young group of defensive backs in Dwight Bootle II, Daylen Austin and more.

“Cole is the best corner in the Big 12, and I would put him against anybody,” said Gonzales. “We’re young in the secondary, Tyrese Boss has three years, Dwight Bootle has two years, Daylen Austin has two years, Zuri Watson has three years, Xaier Hiler has four years.”

The secondary is young, but the linebacker room is in a good spot. Led by Taye Brown, Gonzales thinks he is ready to make his mark in the Big 12.

“Taye Brown is one of the best linebackers in the big world, if not the best,” he said. “He’ll probably lead our team in tackles, or be in the top three this year. He’ll be in the top five in the Big 12, and if we can stay healthy, we’ll have all those great things that we had last year.”

With his defense finishing within the top 25 in the country in 2025, Gonzales wants his unit to be the best in the nation this time around. It doesn’t come down to having the best players in the world, it’s about having the best players for your program.

“We want team 123 to be the best team there’s ever been at the University of Arizona, and you don’t have to have the most talent to do that, you have to have enough talent,” said Gonzales.