WR Devaughn Cooper returns to Arizona Wildcats; DT Sione Taufehma returns to practice

Notes and takeaways from the Arizona Wildcats’ media availability after their 13th practice of training camp Monday morning:

* UA coach Rich Rodriguez announced that receiver Devaughn Cooper has returned to the program. Cooper, a freshman last year, left the team earlier in the offseason. We’ll have more on Cooper’s situation later today.

* Defensive tackle Sione Taufahema (knee) has returned to practice. He and Cooper must go through an acclimatization period before they can do full contact work. Taufahema underwent a knee scope earlier in the offseason.

* While much praise has been heaped on Arizona's defensive newcomers, Rodriguez said the new guys on offense – especially at the skill positions – have advanced "beyond our expectations" through two-plus weeks of camp.

* Rodriguez continued to laud freshman Gary Brightwell, who's playing tailback and slot receiver. He has picked things up even quicker than J.J. Taylor did as a freshman – according to Taylor, who’s about as sharp as they come.

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* The Arizona coaches met Sunday to discuss the depth chart. More time will be spent this week zeroing in on a two-deep and figuring out who will play on special teams.

* No quarterback announcement is coming anytime soon for Arizona. But Rodriguez did say he'll pare the competition down to four by the end of this week and divvy up the practice reps accordingly. Veteran Brandon Dawkins remains a heavy favorite to start Week 1 vs. Northern Arizona.

* Senior receiver Cam Denson said he feels like his usual self again after missing a ton of time in the offseason. Denson said he spent almost three months in a boot because of a stress fracture in his foot.

* Rodriguez said the punting job is still up in the air, and he listed three competitors: Jake Glatting, Matt Aragon and Josh Pollack. The guess here is that Glatting wins the job. He’s the only one of the three who’s been punting full time during camp, and he’s also been Pollack’s holder.

* The Wildcats practiced in shorts and shells on a warm, muggy morning. The defense rallied late to win the practice.