Arizona’s first Big 12 conference win and Brent Brennan’s first win over a top 10 ranked team did not come without suffering a tough blow. Following tests, Arizona senior defensive back Treydan Stukes suffered a partial tear to a ligament in his right knee during the Wildcats’ 23-10 win over No. 10 Utah, and will miss the remainder of the season, per a source.
Stukes suffered the injury at the 11:55 mark of the second quarter attempting to tackle Utah quarterback Isaac Wilson, who was scrambling on a third and goal at the Arizona six-yard line. Stukes returned from the locker room later in the game, standing on the sidelines without his pads and a large brace around his right knee. Prior to the injury, he had appeared in every game this season for the Wildcats. Through his three games and the first quarter at Utah, he tallied 18 total tackles, including eight solo tackles and 10 assists. Stukes also recorded 2.5 tackles for loss for four yards, as well as an interception in the season opener against New Mexico.
Sources indicate that Stukes is intending to seek a medical redshirt this season, and is expected to return to Arizona for his sixth year next season. With Stukes sidelined for the remainder of the year, sophomore defensive back Genesis Smith will take over starting duties at the STAR position. Treydan Stukes will remain involved with the program this season, serving as a mentor for younger members of the secondary, including Smith.
Throughout both spring ball and the start of the season, Arizona defensive coordinator Duane Akina referred to Treydan Stukes as the “best kept secret in college football.” It looks like Akina will get to hold on to that secret for one more year.