Cam Denson’s once-promising football career appears to be over.
The Arizona Wildcats senior and former Salpointe Catholic standout is expected to medically retire because of a foot injury, UA coach Rich Rodriguez said Wednesday.
Denson hurt his foot during spring practice and missed much of the offseason. He was a limited participant in training camp and appeared in only one of Arizona’s first four games.
Rodriguez described the situation as “really unfortunate, because he’s a really good player, a good athlete. It’s just something that could not heal. He wasn’t going to be able to play this year.”
Rodriguez said Denson’s decision is “pretty much official at this point.” He has had several conversations with doctors and with Rodriguez, who also has spoken with Denson’s father.
“He’s a great young man,” Rodriguez said, “and now he’s going to focus on getting that U of A degree, hopefully by May.”
Denson came to Arizona as a four-star recruit after earning all-state and All-America recognition at Salpointe. Denson excelled as a multipurpose player for the Lancers and began his UA career as a cornerback. He recorded 60 tackles and five interceptions in his first two seasons.
Denson switched to wide receiver in the spring of 2016. He caught 15 passes for 242 yards and two touchdowns last year, with most of that production coming late in the season.
Denson got off to a promising start this past spring and appeared to be in line for a starting spot before the foot injury sidelined him.
Additional notes and takeaways from Arizona’s post-practice media availability:
* DE-LB DeAndre’ Miller (foot) has been practicing and is expected to make his 2017 debut at Colorado on Saturday. Don’t expect Miller to displace Kylan Wilborn at the "Stud" position. But Miller should rotate into the game. Wilborn, a freshman, has played well.
* Rodriguez said he would like to get tailback J.J. Taylor "as many touches as we can." Taylor’s touches so far: 9, 19, 14, 12. He is averaging 4.8 yards per carry.
* Colorado's defense is still good post-Jim Leavitt, who left for Oregon in the offseason. Rodriguez cited having experienced veterans (if not starters) back and the Buffaloes basically keeping scheme the same.
* Asked what jumped out on film about Colorado's defense, Rodriguez noted the athleticism of its linebackers and called cornerback Isaiah Oliver "an NFL guy. He's made some unbelievable plays in press man."
* Snapper update: Donald Reiter will focus on punts. Center Nathan Eldridge will handle placements. Tight end Trevor Wood will be his backup.
* Unlike seemingly most of the country, Arizona hasn't had a targeting foul yet. Avoiding them was a point of emphasis in training camp.
* Rodriguez said "some" Arizona freshmen who haven't played yet could play at some point this season. None ascended to rotation spots during the bye week.
* Five years ago against Colorado, Arizona’s Ka'Deem Carey set the Pac-12 record with 366 rushing yards. "He just went off," Rodriguez recalled. We’ll have more on Carey’s historic performance later this week.
