Pac-12 Networks’ training-camp tour swung through Tucson on Tuesday. A one-hour special aired on the Wildcats later that night.
The show didn’t cover a ton of new ground for those of us who follow Arizona football on a daily basis. But it’s always interesting to hear other perspectives. And you never know what coaches or players will say when the cameras are rolling.
So here are some highlights from “Pac-12 Football Training Camp: Arizona,” which will re-air several times today (see bottom of post):
* Analyst Glenn Parker, who played at the UA, said the tight ends could play a bigger role this season, particularly as blockers in the run game. He described 6-5, 258-pound reshirt sophomore Trevor Wood as “an absolute beast.”
* Parker said the Wildcats defense will play with more emotion and energy this season. But he’s unsure about the defensive line, particularly whether the UA can go two-deep there. Fellow analyst Curtis Conway said Arizona could use more beef up the middle, where 6-1, 247-pound Parker Zellers is slated to start at nose tackle.
* UA coach Rich Rodriguez explained the mid-camp switch from evening to morning practices: “I got tired of waiting around until 6 o’clock to practice.” RichRod and I are completely in sync on that front.
* Regarding expectations for this season, Rodriguez said that subject is broached only once, during the first meeting of the season. The goals are the same every year: win the South Division, beat Arizona State and win the Pac-12.
* Rodriguez said quarterbacks Anu Solomon and Brandon Dawkins are “more similar than different.” Rodriguez did say that Dawkins is a “more willing” runner and that Solomon is more accurate and has a “quicker” grasp of the offense at this point.
* Solomon and Dawkins appeared on set together and spent much of the time talking about their close friendship. “We talk to each other every day,” Solomon said. “We make jokes about everything. We’re pretty tight.”
* Conway did an on-field segment with receiver Nate Phillips in which Phillips explained how he reacts to the defender in front of him. My main takeaway from that: There are a lot of option routes in Rodriguez’s offense, and the receiver and quarterback need to be in sync.
* Defensive coaches Marcel Yates and Donté Williams also appeared together on set. Yates said he wants the UA to become “the most physical team in our conference.”
* Conway said senior Paul Magloire Jr. is “one of the best athletes in the Pac-12.” Magloire is listed as a safety but is playing linebacker after making that switch last season. (Update: Magloire is now listed as a linebacker on the UA roster.)
* The show included a feature on tackle Gerhard de Beer, whom I wrote about Tuesday. De Beer had several good lines about his journey from South African discus thrower to American football player, including: “People say life is too short to take seriously. I say life is too short to breeze through it.”
* Parker said his biggest takeaways from Tuesday’s practice were the powerful running of Nick Wilson and the intensity of Rodriguez.
“Pac-12 Football Training Camp: Arizona” is scheduled to re-air on Pac-12 Network at the following times today: 9 and 11 a.m., and 2, 4 and 6 p.m. Replays are scheduled on Pac-12 Arizona at noon, 4, 6 and 8 p.m.
One other note: Rodriguez canceled this morning’s practice after the Wildcats worked twice Tuesday. They will conduct an “active walk-through” this afternoon. There will be no media availability.
