Arizonaβs first training-camp practice Thursday was open for media observation. (From this point forward, most will be open for only the first 20 minutes). Here are my top 10 takeaways:
1. Remember what defensive lineman Luca Bruno said the other day about the defense moving around before the snap and throwing different looks at the offense? That was readily evident during 11-on-11 drills, and it was extremely effective. The defensive front generated consistent pressure, often forcing the quarterbacks to flee the pocket. Linebackers DeAndreβ Miller and Jake Matthews registered sacks. The defense βwonβ the practice by a score of 62-56. The offense, including UA coach Rich Rodriguez, did pushups afterward.
2. Matthews (foot) was among a handful of players who participated fully in the no-pads practice after sitting out spring ball while recovering from injuries. The group also included tight end Trevor Wood (shoulder) and offensive lineman Freddie Tagaloa. Wood was part of an active TE corps that caught a lot of balls. Tagaloa said he felt rusty, but he appeared to be moving quite well.
3. My initial take on the quarterback battle: In individual drills, Brandon Dawkins is the more impressive passer. In team drills, Solomon is more effective. Heβs able to read the defense quicker and get rid of the ball, whereas Dawkins still hesitates at times. Solomon connected with Trey Griffey on a deep ball down the left sideline and also hit Samajie Grant while navigating a muddled pocket. Dawkinsβ most impressive play during team drills featured him rolling to his left and connecting with Griffey downfield.
4. The UA has asked us not to report specifics about personnel usage, so I canβt reveal who the Day 1 βstartersβ were. I can tell you that there werenβt any significant changes since spring aside from the return of Bruno, who missed spring drills because of a foot injury.
5. Some notes on the freshmen: Michael Eletise worked at center. The UA might be grooming up as the future long-term starter at that position. β¦ Lorenzo Burns has the long arms coaches like in a cornerback. β¦ Khalil Tate has the strongest arm among the quarterbacks but needs the longest to process what the defense is doing. Heβs a project, but the upside is intriguing.
6. Transfer notes: Receivers Shawn Poindexter (6-foot-5) and Zach Benjamin (6-4) look the part and made some nice plays along the sideline. Whether Benjamin will be eligible to play this season remains to be seen. β¦ Linebacker Michael Barton was active in pass defense, nearly intercepting Dawkins on a checkdown during 7-on-7 drills.
7. Converted cornerback Cam Denson still has work to do to become a polished receiver, but he flashed his potential on one catch-and-run, snagging a short pass and shaking multiple defenders for a long gain. Arizona has no shortage of pass catchers despite losing three of its top four receivers from 2015.
8. Nick Wilson had the longest run of the day. Branden Leon also charged through the heart of the defense during team drills. The Wildcats did not run the ball often with the players not wearing pads and the defense not being allowed to tackle.
9. Josh Pollack was the first man up for field goals and punts. Newcomer Edgar Gastelum β whoβs built like a linebacker at 6-2, 255 β also worked with the FG unit. I suspect he will have some role, even if itβs limited to kickoffs.
10. The UA has installed therapeutic cold pools on the north end of the practice field, and itβs a really nice addition for the players. Almost all of them used the pools, which are chilled between 55 and 60 degrees, after practice. Guard Jacob Alsadek lamented the absence of size-16 flip-flops and accused the defensive backs of absconding with them.
