• Graduate assistant Kyle Quinn and staff analyst Glenn Parker will coach Arizona’s offensive line in the wake of Jim Michalczik’s departure for Oregon State. The UA was granted a waiver so Parker could participate in on-field coaching.
• Rodriguez wants to hire an offensive line coach before the bowl game if he can. Quinn and Parker, both former UA players, will be considered. Rodriguez is not looking for a coordinator type for this job. “I need a line guy,” he said.
• Rodriguez doesn’t anticipate much more staff movement but said he has to be ready for it now, after the bowl games and after the NFL season ends. He said he has an idea for what he wants to do with the new 10th assistant job but remains flexible.
• Defensive tackle Luca Bruno, who sat out the Territorial Cup because of a concussion, said he’ll back for the Foster Farms Bowl.
• Defensive end Justin Belknap, who missed the ASU game because of a knee injury, did not have a brace on his leg as he left the locker room.
• What did the Pac-12 say about the so-called block-in-the-back penalty that cost Arizona a touchdown against ASU? “I believe they agreed with our assessment,” Rodriguez said. He’d like coaches to have one challenge per game on a “subjective call” such as pass interference or holding.
• Arizona will use the first week and a half or so of practices to evaluate scout-team players, in addition to prepping for Purdue. It’s hard to accurately assess those guys in season because they aren’t running Arizona’s scheme, Rodriguez said. He added that this time is more important for vets who haven’t played much than freshmen. “It’s time for them to make their mark,” he said, “or they’re going to get passed up.”
• Rodriguez said he expects to sign 15-17 players during the new early signing period Dec. 20-22. Recruiting experts say that number might be a little high.
