Trio of Wildcats Impress During Spring Football Without Reescano, Craig

"They know what the standard is as a running back at Arizona because of those guys that have done it this past year," running backs coach Lyle Moevao told the media this week. "It's cool because every now and then, you'll see one of those young guys take charge, and it's a proud moment for me because now I know they're starting to feel that confidence."

Up-and-Comers

Two young backs in particular have impressed Moevao so far during his first season as the Wildcats' running backs coach: redshirt freshman Cornelius Warren III and sophomore Wesley Yarbrough. The two have a combined 109 yards on 28 carries in their careers, but the spring has brought both valuable reps as they help build and prepare for the future

In the absence of Reescano and Craig, Warren and Yarbrough have risen to the top, along with senior transfer Antwan Roberts, giving them an early edge as the heirs apparent to the current backfield duo.

"There's so much we're learning every day as a position group, especially with those three guys, that it's just been awesome," Moevao said. "You can see it, too. They're starting to lead by the example of what Ked and Quincy have done."

The Experienced Newcomer

Roberts is the most experienced veteran back of the group, transferring from Marshall for his final year of college football. He appeared in just four games as a freshman in 2023, earning two carries. He missed the following season with an injury, but returned in 2025 to become a heavy contributor for the Thundering Herd. He finished the year with 512 yards and four touchdowns, placing second on the team in both categories.

His play on the field is the main selling point, but it's the toughness and perseverance in dealing with and returning from that injury that Moevao and the Wildcats love because it makes him a great example of what they want to see out of their players.

"There's something to some of those guys that you're able to get on your roster that have faced some big-time adversity," Moevao added. "They were able to find their way through it and get back to the field. I think there is something to that as far as building a culture. I believe that's the type of culture we're creating; being able to look adversity in the face and overcome it."

So far, it appears Roberts has done much more than face and overcome it. He's embraced it and fit in perfectly in his new home with his new teammates.

"It's as if he's been here for three years in a row as far as the chemistry that they've built in a short time," Moevao said. "He's a smart kid. He cares a lot. ... You just know that he's a natural-born leader."

That leadership comes in handy as a mentor for the young guys in the spring, and adding it to the group with Reescano and Craig will set Arizona up for great potential in the backfield, with reinforcements waiting in the wings.