FORT HUACHUCA – It’s unwise to draw any definitive conclusions from one training-camp practice — especially when that practice is conducted without pads or helmets.
But Arizona’s workout here Saturday morning at least provided a glimmer of hope that progress is being made on the side of the ball where it’s needed most.
Safety Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles and linebacker Cody Ippolito were among the standouts on a day when the defense generally got the better of the offense. Considering the state of both units at the end of last season, that’s noteworthy.
Flannigan-Fowles, a sophomore who attended both Tucson High and Mountain View, had a pair of interceptions, both at the expense of quarterback Anu Solomon. The first came during a drill — the very first interaction between the offense and defense. The second came during 11-on-11 play farther down the field.
Flannigan-Fowles is building on a freshman season in which he played in every game and started one. He’s a virtual lock to start this season, barring injury.
“He’s bigger and stronger and obviously more in tune with what college football is all about now,” UA coach Rich Rodriguez said. “It’s a new system for him, but he has all the stuff that we’re looking for in a safety in our defense.”
Ippolito was among several Arizona linebackers who got hurt last year, missing the entire season because of a knee injury. He returned in a limited capacity in spring and has been a full participant in training camp.
At least twice Saturday, the senior shot through gaps to put pressure on the quarterback.
“Cody looks good,” Rodriguez said. “We’re cautious of having too much wear and tear on (his knee), but he wants to take every rep. He’s a competitive guy.”
Rodriguez said Ippolito’s intelligence and studiousness make him an invaluable on-field leader for a defense that’s learning a new scheme under a new staff. Arizona finished 114th in the nation in total defense last season, prompting Rodriguez to turn over the entire defensive staff.
Water break
At the end of a long, difficult week, Rodriguez gave his players a welcome break.
Instead of conducting a walk-through practice Saturday afternoon, the Wildcats went swimming and played water polo. They were scheduled to have dinner with soldiers Saturday evening.
The week began with tragedy: the shocking death of senior offensive lineman Zach Hemmila. It also included a rained-out practice, a trip to Tempe, a viewing of Hemmila’s body and a funeral service Friday afternoon. Arizona squeezed in practice every day except Tuesday, when rain made it impossible.
“It’s been a grind,” junior tailback Nick Wilson said. “It’s been tough on us. Honestly, though, Coach Rod has done a good job getting us through it and preparing us for it. So we’ve been able to push through, kind of keep our minds off things but still keep him (Hemmila) in our memory.”
Wilson and kicker Josh Pollack said Saturday that the Wildcats are playing this season for Hemmila.
“That’s in the back of my head when I’m going out to kick,” Pollack said. “I’m going out there thinking, ‘This is for him. Make him proud, make him happy.’ ”
Nickname game
The defense taunted Pollack during field-goal attempts with chants of “Booger.”
It’s actually a term of endearment.
Pollack, a redshirt sophomore, earned the nickname shortly after arriving on campus. Defensive line coach Vince Amey, who was working as a strength coach at the time, observed that Pollack looked like the character “Booger” from “Revenge of the Nerds.” The moniker stuck.
“I’ve been Booger since my first week,” Pollack said. “I like it. It’s fun.”
Extra points
- Freshman defensive tackle
- Justin Holt
- practiced for the first time in camp. He broke a fibula in November while at Salpointe Catholic High School. His conditioning is not where it needs to be as of yet.
- Sophomore cornerback
- Sammy Morrison
- is not currently part of Arizona’s 105-player training-camp roster because of an undisclosed injury. Morrison missed time in spring as well.
- Offensive lineman
- Christian Boettcher
- , who had missed the past several days because of an undisclosed injury, practiced in a green jersey (limited) and did some snapping.
- Three players were in yellow jerseys and limited to working on the side: receiver
- Tony Ellison
- , defensive lineman
- Calvin Allen
- and safety
- Gavin Robertson
- .
- Wilson said fellow tailback
- J.J. Taylor
- , the impressive freshman from Corona, California, has the best feet on the team, regardless of position.
- The coaches are still trying to figure out the kicking and punting assignments. As they’d hoped, newcomer
- Edgar Gastelum
- is providing legitimate competition for Pollack.
- Offensive play of the day, Part 1: Solomon to
- Trey Griffey
- down the right sideline for a 90-plus-yard touchdown. Griffey beat
- Jace Whittaker
- on the play.
- Offensive play of the day, Part 2:
- Brandon Dawkins
- to
- Samajie Grant
- for a long TD during a two-minute drill. Grant got past
- DaVonte’ Neal
- on what looked like a slant-and-go.
- The Wildcats return to Tucson on Sunday, when they have the day off. T
- hey will resume practice Monday on campus.
