Quick spring summary

Arizona was a good team with a lousy defense in 2012. Ergo, even a decent defense would presumably make UA a contender in the PAC 12 South. Almost the entire starting defense returns, and the starters were adequate.

Establishing depth on defense was the top priority in the spring. Some youngsters took on more responsibility and should be better prepared to supplement the starting 11.

Another big offseason theme is finding a replacement for Matt Scott at quarterback. B.J. Denker was and still is the front runner, but it’s a close race that the end of spring practices further complicated with Jesse Scroggins showing some promise in the spring game.

Name a fewplayers who could have breakout seasons

The loss of wide receiver Austin Hill to an ACL tear leaves No. 1 duties to a new player. I suspect Terrence Miller becomes that guy. He started to have his breakout in the fourth quarter of the New Mexico Bowl. He’s of similar size and skill set to Hill.

Arizona Wildcats head coach Rich Rodriguez (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)

Position group grades

QB: C+   After two record-setting passers in a row (Tuitama, Foles) and a standout dual-threat (Scott) the newbies have a high bar to meet.

RB: A-   Returning the nation’s leading rusher makes the running back corps an automatic A, but the position lost depth with the departures of Daniel Jenkins and J.T. Washington.

WR: B-   Losing Austin Hill, one of the nation’s best receivers, is a huge detriment. Tyler Slavin, Garic Wharton and Terrence Miller are talented, but one needs to develop as the primary target in Hill’s absence.

OL: A   An experienced and talented offensive line, one of the best in the Pac-12. Fabbians Ebbele and Mickey Baucus are both All Pac-12 caliber and each have two years of starting experience.

DL: C-   Arizona has struggled to establish a consistent pass rush in the last few seasons. Last year was better than 2011, though not by much. The defensive front is experienced with Tevin Hood, Justin Washington and Sione Tuihalamaka back in the fold. But highly touted 2012 recruit Kyle Kelley needs to meet his potential to add depth.

LB: B   Jake Fischer and Marquis Flowers are studs, but need more help from young players like C.J. Dozier.

DB: B+  The most talent and depth on Arizona’s defense is in the secondary. Tra’Mayne Bondurant is a hard-hitter, Jonathan McKnight has a nose for the ball and Jourdon Grandon gained invaluable experience down the stretch last year.

Shaq Richardson was among the nation’s leaders in interceptions in 2011, but he has a tendency to take risks that leave him susceptible to exposure. If another offseason improves his awareness, he could be All-Conference caliber. And last season, rover Jared Tevis was a surprise, breakout performer. He ranked near the nation’s best in forced fumbles.

ST: C   Arizona’s kicking game improved tremendously in 2012, though that was hardly much of a feat considering how bad it had been in 2010 and 2011. UA needs a dangerous returner to emerge. Richard Morrison handled most of the duties last season, but was prone to fumbling.

What “surprises” can we expect from this team?

Theoretically, the defense only has room to improve. With a year working under Jeff Casteel’s 3-3-5 and more experience in general, I anticipate the defense making huge strides and surprising some people.

The Pac-12 South is wide open. Arizona State is my pick to win it, but what bigger surprise (or more exciting turn of events for the Grand Canyon State) could there be than the Territorial Cup also deciding who plays in the Pac-12 Championship?

Kyle Kensing, who covers Arizona football for the Rivals network at GOAZCATS.com and is the PAC 12 blogger for Saturday Blitz provided the information for our Arizona Football 2013 Spring Wrap Up. For more Arizona football information, commentary and analysis, you can follow Kyle on Twitter @KyleGOAZCATS, @kensing45 or @SaturdayBlitz.