The Arizona Wildcats will be without two projected rotation players for the 2020 season, and a third is away from the team indefinitely.
Tailback Bam Smith and defensive end JB Brown have opted out because of COVID-19 concerns, UA coach Kevin Sumlin announced after the first practice of fall camp Friday night. Meanwhile, receiver Jalen Johnson has been suspended for a violation of team rules.
Smith, a redshirt sophomore, rushed for 203 yards and a touchdown last season, averaging 6.0 yards per attempt. He also caught 12 passes for 181 yards and two scores.
Even without Smith and 2019 leading rusher J.J. Taylor, who’s with the New England Patriots, Arizona goes as many as five deep at running back. Returning veterans Gary Brightwell, Michael Wiley and Nathan Tilford combined for 724 rushing yards last season. Freshmen Frank Brown Jr. and Jalen John joined the group this summer.
JB Brown was entering his senior season. He appeared to be on the verge of a breakout after recording 7.5 tackles for losses, including 3.5 sacks, as a sophomore. He wasn’t as impactful as a junior (five TFLs, three sacks), and it was unclear where the 6-3, 267-pounder would fit in new defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads’ 3-4 scheme.
Johnson, a sophomore, appeared in 10 games last season. He caught seven passes for 79 yards and a touchdown. He was a candidate to break into the receiver rotation this year and still could become a factor if/when he is reinstated from suspension.
Sumlin said walk-on tight end Jack Koceman also has opted out.
Sumlin couldn’t participate in the first practice because of a recent positive test result for COVID-19. But he could be back soon.
Sumlin said he would know more after an assessment Saturday morning, but he anticipates being back Monday “at the latest.” Arizona is set to practice Saturday afternoon before taking Sunday off.
“I don’t sound terrible,” Sumlin said. “It’s not as bad as it could be. I’ll know more in the morning. Basically, I’m right on the edge to get back from a 10-day period (of isolation).”
Photos: Arizona Wildcats football practice during pandemic
Arizona Wildcats
Running back Gary Brightwell eyes the pitch form quarterback Grant Gunnell as the Wildcats continue their preparation for the upcoming season, Tucson, Ariz., October 23, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Arizona Wildcats
Linebacker Chandler Kelly hones his blocking technique on Jeremiah Fletcher as the special teams workout and the Wildcats continue their preparation for the upcoming shortened Pac-12 season, Tucson, Ariz., October 23, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Arizona Wildcats
Grant Gunnell drops a pass to running back Gary Brightwell as the Wildcats continue their preparation for the upcoming season, Tucson, Ariz., October 23, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Arizona Wildcats
Linebacker Parker Henley muscles his way through the line during special teams drills the University of Arizona Wildcats continue their preparation for the upcoming season, Tucson, Ariz., October 23, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Arizona Wildcats
Quarterback Will Plummer takes a shotgun snap during the Wildcats practice at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 23, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Arizona Wildcats
Michael Wiley bobbles the ball while fielding a punt with a towel pinned under his arms as the Wildcats special teams work on their skills and continue preparations for the upcoming season, Tucson, Ariz., October 23, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Arizona Wildcats
Receiver Stanley Berryhill III turns up field after taking a toss in the backfield on a misdirection play during the Wildcats preparations for the upcoming COVID10 shortened season, Tucson, Ariz., October 23, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Arizona Wildcats
Defensive back Jaydin Young and linebacker Mike Saliba work on fighting through the line on special teams drills at the Wildcats practice session in Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 23, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Arizona Wildcats
Receiver Tre Adams follows a blocker upfield after taking a pitch in the backfield during the Wildcats practice at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 23, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Arizona Wildcats
Christian Roland-Wallace keeps his concentration on the incoming ball while fielding punts at the Wildcats workout in Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 23, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Arizona Wildcats
Matthew Stefanski Jr. blocks teammate Donovan Laie as the offensive line gets in their reps at the Wildcats practice for the upcoming Pac-12 season, Tucson, Ariz., October 23, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
University of Arizona football
Running back Jalen John is moving on the snap while working on handoffs with the quarterbacks during the University of Arizona practice session at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
University of Arizona football
Receiver Jaden Mitchell keeps his concentration as he brings down a throw during a drill at the University of Arizona practice session at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
University of Arizona football
Defensive lineman Myles Tapusoa slaps a dummy out of the way while running drills during the University of Arizona's pre-season workout at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
University of Arizona football
The throw is just a bit too tall for receiver Stanley Berryhill III to bring down at the University of Arizona's practice at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
University of Arizona football
Defensive lineman Kyon Barrs, left, gets limbered up while the Wildcats stretch out for their evening practice at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
University of Arizona football
Defensive lineman Aaron Blackwell concentrates on his movement while the Wildcats run through their warm-up drills at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
University of Arizona football
Christian Roland-Wallace follows his lead blocker as the U of A practices kick-off returns at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
University of Arizona football
D-lineman Dion Wilson Jr. and the Wildcats go through their pre-practice routine as Arizona continues preparing for the upcoming season at Arizona Stadium on Oct. 21, 2020.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
University of Arizona football
Gary Brightwell cradles a kick-off as the Wildcats work on special teams in the early going os the the University of Arizona's practice at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
University of Arizona football
Regen Terry gets loose with the other defensive linemen during the University of Arizona's practice session at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
University of Arizona football
David Watson, left, and Paiton Fears comes face-to-face while the offensive linemen drill at the University of Arizona practice at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
University of Arizona football
University of Arizona offensive lineman Matthew Stefanski Jr. stays low blocking on a teammate during a drill at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
University of Arizona football
Leif Magnuson, right, stiff arms his way into teammate Sam Langi while the offensive line works out at the University of Arizona's session at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
University of Arizona football
Darrell Branch, left, and Jamari Williams jockey for a hold as the offensive line goes through their drills during the University of Arizona's practice session at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
University of Arizona football
Woody Jean, left, and Jordan Morgan grapple as the offensive line practice their technique as the University of Arizona continues preparing for the upcoming season at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
University of Arizona football
It takes every inch Tristen D'Angelo has to make the one-handed grab during a pass catching drill at the University of Arizona's practice session at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
University of Arizona football
Running back Nazar Bombata makes a hopping course adjustment while running hand off drills with the University of Arizona at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
University of Arizona football
Running back Frank Brown Jr., left, has entered the NCAA transfer portal after only one season at Arizona.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
University of Arizona football
Quarterbacks Will Plummer, left, Rhett Rodriguez and Grant Gunnell work on their arms and aim as the University of Arizona gets ready for the upcoming season with a practice session at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
University of Arizona football
Receiver Tre Adams contorts a bit to try to bring down a high throw on his route running drill during the University of Arizona's workout at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
University of Arizona football
Tight end Bryce Wolma runs the gauntlet of pads while woking on ball security during the University of Arizona's practice session at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
University of Arizona football
Tight end Connor Hutchings pulls in a catch during a drill at the University of Arizona's practice session at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
University of Arizona football
Head coach Kevin Sumlin talks with president Robert Robbins just before the University of Arizona gets into their practice session at Arizona Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., October 21, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
UA football
Receiver Tre Adams watches the ball into his hands while running routes during the opening practice for the upcoming shortened season for the University of Arizona football team, October 9, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
UA football day two
Running back Frank Brown Jr., hones his pass catching eye on day two of practice for the University of Arizona football team on Dick Tomey Fields, October 10, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
UA football day two
Nazar Bombata chases down a high throw while working out with the running backs on day two of practice for the University of Arizona football team on Dick Tomey Fields, October 10, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
UA football day two
Roy Lopez lines up for a rep on special teams during the second day of practice at the University of Arizona on Oct. 10, 2020.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
UA football day two
Lineman Jordan Morgan works with the special teams unit as the Wildcats go through day two of practice for the University of Arizona football team on Dick Tomey Fields, October 10, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
UA football day two
Gary Brightwell runs the gauntlet while working on his ball security on day two of practice for the University of Arizona football team on Dick Tomey Fields, October 10, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
UA football day two
Linebackers Derick Mourning, left, and Anthony Pandy run through a drill on day two of practice for the University of Arizona football team on Dick Tomey Fields, October 10, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
UA football day two
Grant Gunnell cocks to throw while working with the running backs on day two of practice for the University of Arizona football team on Dick Tomey Fields, October 10, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
UA football day two
Rhett Rodriguez hands off to Nathan Tilford at day two of practice for the University of Arizona football team on Dick Tomey Fields, October 10, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
UA football day two
Quarterback Grant Gunnell hands off to running back Gary Brightwell on day two of practice for the University of Arizona football team on Dick Tomey Fields, October 10, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
UA football day two
Frank Brown Jr., grabs some water as the Wildcat running backs take a hydration break on day two of practice for the University of Arizona football team on Dick Tomey Fields, October 10, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
UA football day two
Quarterback Will Plummer dumps a pass to Jamarye Joiner during day two of practice for the University of Arizona football team on Dick Tomey Fields, October 10, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
UA football day two
Nathan Tilford backs up Michael Wiley as the running backs work on pass blocking during day two of practice for the University of Arizona football team on Dick Tomey Fields, October 10, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
UA football day two
Receiver Jaden Mitchell hops his way to a catch while running routes during day two of practice for the University of Arizona football team on Dick Tomey Fields, October 10, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
UA football day two
Running back Nazar Bombata collides with Jason Butler while working on pass blocking for the University of Arizona football team on Dick Tomey Fields, October 10, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
UA football
Malik Hausman goes airborne while running punt blocking drills in the opening practice for the upcoming shortened season for the University of Arizona football team, October 9, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
UA football
Quarterback Grant Gunnell throws while running drills during the opening practice for the upcoming shortened season for the University of Arizona football team, October 9, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
UA football
Offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone directs his troops as drills get underway during the opening practice for the upcoming shortened season for the University of Arizona football team, October 9, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
UA football
Defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads paces the field as things get underway during the opening practice for the upcoming shortened season for the University of Arizona football team, October 9, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
082623-tuc-spt-uafb-joiner-P3
Tucson natives Stanley Berryhill III, left, and Jamarye Joiner get into the music being piped into the fields during a 2020 practice.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star
UA football
Punter Jacob Meeker-Hackett limbers up his leg as the Wildcats run through stretches in the early going of the night's at the University of Arizona,, October 9, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
UA football
Defensive back Rhedi Short jumps through the line while the special teams work on punt blocking during the opening practice for the upcoming shortened season for the University of Arizona football team, October 9, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
UA football
Receiver Thomas Reid III can't make the catch as the ball slams into the dummy while running drills during the opening practice for the upcoming shortened season for the University of Arizona football team, October 9, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
UA football
Nathan Tilford runs under a big throw as he runs routes with the offense during the opening practice for the upcoming shortened season for the University of Arizona football team, October 9, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
UA football
Nathan Tilford and the Wildcats head into the Cole and Jeanie Davis Sports Center as the University of Arizona football team returns to the field, October 9, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
UA football
Stanley Berryhill III draws a bead on a long looping throw on his route during the opening practice for the upcoming shortened season for the University of Arizona football team, October 9, 2020.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Contact sports reporter Michael Lev at 573-4148 or mlev@tucson.com . On Twitter @michaeljlev
Be the first to know
Get local news delivered to your inbox!