With all the movement around college football with the transfer portal, players leaving for the NFL draft in the off season, and injuries causing changes in the depth chart, it can be difficult to keep up with what’s going on, on opposing teams’ rosters.
Realdawg’s Kaila Olin provides three names to know on the Arizona Wildcat’s roster heading into Washington’s first road game of the season.
Jayden de Laura – Sophomore Quarterback #7
Washington is no stranger to hosting Jayden de Laura on Montlake, except last time it was during the Apple Cup in 2021 when de Laura led the Cougars to their first win over the Huskies since 2012. De Laura was picked up by the Wildcats from the transfer portal after off-field issues at WSU despite being the 2021 Pac-12 Offensive Freshman Player of the Year. This season, he’s thrown for over 1,800 yards, 15 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. His yardage through the air is good enough for 8th overall in the nation and tied for 9th in touchdown passes. Expect de Laura and his receivers to take advantage of a struggle Husky secondary.
Jacob Cowing – Junior Wide Receiver #2
Cowing, former UTEP star receiver, might be an even bigger addition to the Wildcats roster from the transfer portal than de Laura. Prior to joining Arizona, in his first three seasons with UTEP, Cowing accounted for 2,595 yards from 141 receptions and 13 touchdowns. He’s de Laura’s go-to guy this season with 643 yards and seven touchdowns from 46 receptions, that’s an average of 14 yards per catch. Cowing has had three standout performances so far this season, ranging from a 180-yard reception day, a three-touchdown day, and one with an average of 19 yards per catch. Jacob finished ninth nationally among all FBS players last year with 1,354 yards last season and he’s picking up right where he left off.
Jalen Harris – Senior Edge #1
Jalen Harris is one of the most veteran players on the Arizona Wildcats roster, currently in his sixth season with the team. He decided to return to the team instead of electing to go to the NFL draft after coming off of a career-high season with 47 total tackles, six tackles for a loss, four sacks and eight QB hurries. While Arizona isn’t known for their stellar defensive play, Harris makes his presence on the field known. He was named Pac-12 Defensive Lineman of the week following the Wildcats’ win over San Diego State where he notched eight tackles, four of them solo, and one sack. We’ve seen Michael Penix Jr. be less of a threat with his arm while being under pressure, so expect Harris’ number to get called on QB rushes.
