Notes and takeaways from the Arizona Wildcats’ media availability after practice Wednesday morning as they continue preparations for Saturday’s opener against Northern Arizona:
* Tuesday, Houston announced that its week one game against UTSA was postponed to focus on Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. The cancellation means that Houston's season-opener will instead be their Sept. 9 game at Arizona. UA coach Rich Rodriguez said that athletic director Dave Heeke reached out to Houston to see if there was anything the Wildcats could do to help not only next week, but this week as well.
* The full Rodriguez quote on Houston: "That’s a tragic situation down there. You turn on the news and it’s affected so many people’s lives and, I think, obviously it’s tough because a lot of their players are from there, their families are from there. We’re reaching out. I know Dave (Heeke) has reached out and asked if there’s any way we can help at all. We want to help them."
* The Wildcats awarded scholarships after Tuesday's practice to two walk-ons: linebacker Carrington Vaughn and running back Branden Leon. We'll have more on Vaughn online later today and in tomorrow's print edition.
* Rodriguez said Wednesday's practice was "OK" and that he can tell the Wildcats are ready to stop practicing and start playing in actual games. He said the defensive energy was good on Wednesday, though the offense was a little sluggish. Arizona will have a light practice on Thursday and walk-through on Friday.
* About ex-Arizona QB Anu Solomon winning the quarterback job at Baylor, Rodriguez said: "Good for him. I love Anu. He’s a great young man, a talented guy and sounds like it’s working out for him. We’re rooting for him."
* Rodriguez said he's happy that the Pac-12 is testing out shortening games in non-conference play this week. The conference will include a shorter halftime as well as shorter (and less) commercial breaks. Arizona-NAU is one of the Pac-12's games this week that will be shortened. "That's probably better for everybody, especially the fans," Rodriguez said.
* Brandon Dawkins, Arizona's likely starting quarterback, has said he needs to work on adjusting on the fly and not looking to the sideline as frequently. Rodriguez said he's much-improved in that regard. "I think he’s got enough confidence and knows th offense well enough that he can make several checks himself," Rodriguez said.
* Defensive coordinator Marcel Yates, who also coaches the "Spur" safety position, said the decision to move senior Dane Cruikshank from corner to Spur was to get the best possible five defensive backs on the field. Redshirt freshman Lorenzo Burns replaced Cruikshank at cornerback.
