Quick hitters from the Arizona Wildcats’ first spring practice Saturday afternoon on campus:
* Defensive tackle Justin Holt from Salpointe Catholic has medically retired from football and is no longer on the roster, UA coach Rich Rodriguez said. Holt redshirted as a freshman last season.
* Redshirt freshman Gavin Robertson, who came to Arizona as a safety, has moved to “Will” linebacker and worked with the first team at that spot.
* Brandon Dawkins took the first snaps at quarterback but basically split time with Khalil Tate. We’ll have more on the QB situation later today.
* All four scholarship running backs practiced. Nick Wilson had a brace on his right knee and J.J. Taylor a sleeve on his left leg, but neither seemed impaired in any way.
* Joining Shun Brown as the first-team wide receivers were Cam Denson and Shawn Poindexter. Tony Ellison was the fourth receiver, Trevor Wood the first-team tight end.
* Redshirt freshman Kahi Neves played at the “Stud” position with the second defensive unit.
* The Wildcats practiced for about 2 hours and 15 minutes amid intermittent rain and gusty winds. Rodriguez cut practice about five minutes short when the rain increased a little after 2 p.m.
* Arizona spent only about 10-12 minutes apiece doing 7-on-7 and “team” drills.
* Florida graduate transfer Cameron Dillard visited campus and attended practice. Dillard is a center who would be eligible right away.
* Arizona also hosted K'Hari Lane, a 2017 quarterback from Montezuma, Georgia. He has offers from several FCS schools. Bleacher Report wrote this lengthy profile of Lane.
* Arizona newcomer numbers: LB Tony Fields II 1, TE Bryce Gilbert 12, LB Jose Ramirez 24, RB Nathan Tilford 33, DT Sione Taufahema 94.
* The following players worked on the side in yellow jerseys: TE Brion Anduze, OL Michael Eletise, OL Gerhard de Beer, WR Cedric Peterson, DL Parker Zellers, DL Jalen Cochran, LB Jacob Colacion.
* About 50 ex-players were on hand as part of an alumni weekend event, including current New York Giants cornerback Trevin Wade.
* Former Arizona TE-WR Terrence Miller shadowed Rodriguez (who worked with the wide receivers) and is hoping to join the staff as a graduate assistant.
