Here are some highlights from the Arizona Wildcats’ media availability after their second practice of training camp Tuesday night:
* As expected, the offense responded after the defense won the day in the first practice Monday. This sort of back-and-forth is typical in training camp and a good sign for future team success.
* UA coach Rich Rodriguez is seeking more quick stops by the defense, whether that’s three-and-outs or takeaways. He wants the defense to play aggressively and not be afraid to make mistakes.
* Rodriguez is adamant about using more players on both sides of the ball. “We’re going to force ourselves to,” he said. Not only would that help the Wildcats stay fresh during games, it would help prepare players for bigger roles in case of injuries.
* Don’t be surprised if redshirt freshman Jacob Colacion ends up starting – or at least splitting time – at “Mike” linebacker. Colacian is fully healthy after spending most of last season recovering from a major knee injury suffered in high school.
* Freshman tailback Gary Brightwell approached the coaches about learning to play from the slot. You always like to see that sort of ambition from young players.
* Rodriguez isn’t sure what to expect from defensive end Jalen Cochran, who returned to the program after announcing earlier in that year that he would transfer. Cochran has the requisite measurable at 6-3, 249. “He certainly looks the part when he walks through the door,” Rodriguez said.
* Arizona is expected to play a number of younger players, especially at linebacker, and that’s OK with defensive coordinator Marcel Yates. “I don’t care about their age,” he said. “I look at what they can do on the football field for us.”
* Yates was surprised to learn that new director of player development/defensive analyst Chuck Cecil was a walk-on at Arizona. “He earned everything that he achieved,” Yates said, adding that Cecil already has proved to be a helpful addition to the staff.
* Yates on the new remote-control tackling dummies: “Whatever works. We’re going to use donuts, tackling dummies, bags, live bodies. If they need to tackle me, they can use me.”
* Defensive end Justin Belknap told a great story about Rodriguez calling him and his mom on Mother’s Day to let them know Arizona was putting him on scholarship.
* Belknap has gained about 10 pounds and is listed at 259. He said he’s consuming about 8,000 calories per day to help keep the weight on.
