If you’ve heard a huge sigh of relief emanating from the Southwest portion of college football country, there’s a very good reason behind it.
Arizona head coach Mike Stoops told the Arizona Daily Star Monday that all-conference wide receiver Juron Criner has returned to campus and will likely be with the team -- participating fully -- when the Wildcats open summer camp early next month.
In late June, it was reported that Criner might not be available for the start of camp due to “undisclosed medical reasons”, and that his status for the 2011 season was uncertain as well. A subsequent report noted that Criner’s medical condition is “[n]ot an injury, but [a] serious situation.”
According to Stoops, however, it was a family situation that seemed to be the genesis of the speculation swirling around Criner. Regardless of the actual reason -- Stoops, obviously, would not disclose any specifics -- it appears Criner will be on the field both for the start of camp as well as the regular season.
“We anticipate having Juron,” the coach said. “He had some family issues that were concerning over the summer, and those are personal. We anticipate him being the same player - or a better player - than he was a year ago.”
The paper writes that Stoops added that Criner is “fine” and “here and ready to go.”
The senior was far and away UA’s leading receiver in 2010, posting 82 receptions for 1,233 yards and 11 touchdowns during a season that ended with first-team All-Pac-10 honors.