Training Camp Preview
Arizona’s linebackers report to Tucson on Aug. 5 to begin the 2026 preseason camp, a session that will set the tone for a unit that finished the previous year at 9‑4. The coaching staff is eager to translate that success into a more aggressive, adaptable front.
Veteran presence anchors the group, but the roster also welcomes several newcomers who could reshape the rotation. The blend of experience and fresh talent reflects a deliberate effort to sustain momentum.
Key Returners and Impact Additions
Taye Brown stands out as the most seasoned option, having logged 38 games since 2024 and starting 24 of them. His durability provides a steady foundation, while Chase Kennedy’s 2025 production — four sacks, seven quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles — highlights his pass‑rushing threat. Adding to the mix, Everett Roussaw Jr. brings a three‑season track record of 189 tackles at UAB and Memphis, positioning him as a potential immediate contributor.
Scheme Flexibility Under Gonzales
Defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales, now overseeing the linebackers after his own promotion, favors a versatile 3‑3‑5 alignment that can shift between multiple fronts. This flexibility aims to disguise pressures and create mismatches against opposing offenses.
The scheme also accommodates new roles, such as the recent move of Coleman Patmon from safety to linebacker, reinforcing the second line and adding depth against the run.
Coaching Continuity
Josh Bringuel, a former San Diego State defensive lineman, returns to the program as the linebackers coach. His background as a player and prior work under Gonzales give him a unique perspective to develop the group’s technique and discipline.
With Myron Robinson still recuperating from a knee injury sustained in November, the staff will monitor his recovery closely, while Cooper Blomstrom’s 15 sacks at Georgetown add another layer of pass‑rush depth.