Quick hitters from the Arizona Wildcats’ post-practice media availability Thursday morning:
* UA coach Rich Rodriguez said Samajie Grant and Matt Morin – the tight end-turned-quarterback – practiced “almost exclusively” at running back this week. The Wildcats are seeking reinforcements there with Nick Wilson, among others, banged up.
* Grant had been taking reps at running back but hasn’t been 100 percent lately, therefore limiting him to receiver work. Tyrell Johnson isn’t 100 percent either, Rodriguez said. “It's quite the adventure," he said of tailback situation as a whole.
* Rodriguez didn't rule out looking at freshman Khalil Tate at running back in the future, but the plan remains to keep him at quarterback for now. “Our quarterback situation, you never know how quickly it could turn, right? I know first-hand,” Rodriguez said.
* The players are off Friday and Saturday before resuming their “regular schedule” Sunday, Rodriguez said. Coaches were headed out on recruiting trips immediately after practice. Rodriguez also is hitting the road to recruit. The UA couldn't do that last year with no midseason bye.
* Keys to improvement over the last five games, per Rodriguez: Staying healthy, executing better and creating turnovers. The latter has been a huge issue. Arizona hasn’t had a takeaway in the past three games.
* The Wildcat have been very aggressive on defense under Marcel Yates but aren’t "getting home" nearly enough when blitzing, Rodriguez said. Through seven games they have 13 sacks and six forced fumbles (four of which the UA has recovered).
* Despite Stanford’s 2-2 Pac-12 record, Rodriguez sees the same ol' Cardinal on film: "Big, physical, play hard, well-coached. They’re the same dudes."
* Rodriguez on the Arizona offensive line's performance to date: "It’s been OK. It hasn’t been dominating."
* Defensive linemen Luca Bruno had a boot on his left foot as he made his way from the practice field to the locker room. Fox Sports reported during the USC game that Bruno had a foot injury. Foot issues kept him out at the end of last season and all of spring.
* The players participated in a half-hour yoga session at the end of practice.
