Quick hits from Arizonaโs media availability after the teamโs second training-camp practice Friday night:
* I asked Wildcats coach Rich Rodriguez about quarterback Anu Solomonโs comments Thursday that he should have โpushed throughโ two concussions last season. Said Rodriguez: โIf weโre going to err on any side, (weโre) going to err on the side of caution. And thatโs the way it should be.โ
*ย Rodriguez said he'd like to see better execution and timing from the passing game. He has been a bit disappointed in that area so far.
*ย Senior safety Tellas Jones said he has learned a lot after being suspended for spring practice because of an off-the-field incident. Heโs determined to be a leader. The coaches like his playmaking ability.
*ย Rodriguez told the defensive players that there's no one to blame but themselves for the unitโs 2015 struggles. "Weโve got to look inward first," he said.
*ย Coaches and players continue to praise walk-on defensive end Justin Belknap. He has a high motor and a knack for rushing the passer. Belknap got first-team reps Friday, according to the redshirt freshman and his position coach, Vince Amey. Belknap has a chance to contribute this season.
*ย Freshmen Jalen Cochran and Francisco Nelson are working with Amey and are being groomed as pass rushers. Both are listed as linebackers.
*ย Rodriguez said freshmen will play if they appear to be ready to play. "I donโt want talent to be standing on the sidelines,โ he said.
*ย I continued to hear good things about freshman cornerback Lorenzo Burns. Consider him a definite newcomer to watch for the Wildcats.
*ย Rodriguez said freshman offensive lineman Michael Eletise is big and strong enough to play but still has much to learn. Heโs getting looks at center and guard. Others who snapped during the period open to the media: Zach Hemmila, Nathan Eldridge and Levi Walton.
*ย Several players got reps at punt returner, including Nate Phillips, Shun Brown, Tyrell Johnson, Tony Ellison and Darick Holmes Jr.
*ย Rodriguez working closely with the field-goal unit during the open period. He wasn't particularly happy with the snapping operation.
*ย The start of practice was delayed by about 15 minutes because of lightning near the UA campus.
