Arizona wide receiver Nate Phillips trotted out to midfield for the opening coin toss Saturday. Trey Griffey and Sani Fuimaono went with him, carrying Zach Hemmila's No. 65 jersey.
Hemmila, a UA offensive lineman who was projected to start at center, died in his sleep a few days into training camp. The UA vowed to honor him throughout the season, starting with Saturday.
The University of Phoenix Stadium video board showed a video honoring Hemmila before kickoff. UA coach Rich Rodriguez, offensive line coach Jim Michalczik and athletic director Greg Byrne stood alongside Hemmila’s parents and girlfriend, and presented them with a framed jersey.
Arizona's players and coaches all wore patches with the No. 65 on their hats, and Arizona’s helmets included decals that read “ZH” and “65”. Arizona is expected to wear the decals and patches all season long.
