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By Sam Saig, August 8, 2009 11:37 am

Ask anyone involved with the Arizona football program about the linebackers for 2009 and you will hear the same word: speed. Head coach Mike Stoops has assembled one of the fastest defenses in the conference (if not the country) at all three levels, and the philosophy in Tucson will be predicated on swarming to the football. That’s right Tucsonans, the “Desert Swarm” defense that defined the ‘Cats in the mid-90’s looks like it may be back.

While the Wildcats LB’s are fast, the group is one of the smallest in the Pac-10 with most of the major contributors measuring below six-feet tall. In order for all of that speed to work, the unit will have to gang-tackle and rally (or swarm) to the ball carrier as a group. Depth is also a concern at the position, so it is crucial that the starters stay healthy.

The Wildcats must replace middle linebacker Ronnie Palmer (graduation), who was their defensive MVP from last season with 85 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. While it won’t be easy, Palmer’s successor at MLB has displayed exciting ability in the off-season and could emerge as a breakout player in 2009.

Senior Vuna Tuihalamaka seems poised and ready to take control of the middle linebacker spot this season. He is the eldest of three Tuihalamaka’s on the Arizona defense, and he will be counted on to solidify the inside position at LB.

Vuna Tuihalamaka wraps up the ball carrier

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