Notes and takeaways from the Arizona Wildcats’ media availability after their eighth practice of training camp Tuesday night:
* It sounds like Cam Denson is a little behind some of the other receivers in terms of reps because of the foot injury he suffered in spring. He wasn’t with the first team during the open practice Saturday, and Tony Ellison was the fourth receiver. But Arizona needs Denson to emerge as a big-play threat, and there’s plenty of time for him to make up ground.
* Denson is among the candidates to return kicks. The others UA coach Rich Rodriguez mentioned were Shun Brown, Ellison and Tyrell Johnson. Rodriguez also said some freshman defensive backs and running backs could be in that mix.
* Safeties coach Jahmile Addae on freshmen Scottie Young Jr. and Troy Young: “They’re both aggressive kids, and they’re also both headsy enough to where they’re able to make the checks and adjustments. At that age, it’s tough, especially in this defense.”
* Arizona defensive line coach Vince Amey on junior-college transfer Dereck Boles: "He’s just a plugger. He’s a big body. He moves well. He uses his hands well."
* Boles is one of five defensive linemen expected to be part of the rotation at the two inside spots. The others, presumably, are Luca Bruno, Parker Zellers, Finton Connolly and Larry Tharpe Jr. But freshman Kurtis Brown, whom Amey described as a “pleasant surprise,” also could crack the rotation. Tharpe, meanwhile, has been getting some run at defensive end, where he’d provide a different look at 6-5, 275. Also, Amey remains hopeful that Sione Taufahema will be able to return from his knee injury and contribute this season.
* More from Amey: "I really wish Parker Zellers was 6-4, 280. He’d be a first-round draft pick. He’s my guy until the day I die." Zellers is listed at 6-1, 250.
* I came away really impressed with Arizona defensive end/linebacker Lee Anderson III after we talked to him Tuesday night. He’s another hard-working walk-on who’s making a move up the depth chart. I’ll have more on Anderson (and Boles) later today.
* Anderson said the offensive tackle who gives him the most trouble is Layth Friekh. “He has really good hands,” Anderson said. “Once he gets them on you, it’s really hard to get them off.” I’ve heard center Nathan Eldridge is the interior lineman who pops out the most on film.
* I asked safety Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles which receiver or tight end has stood out the most in camp. “Trevor Wood,” Flannigan-Fowles said. “Jesus. He’s been outstanding so far. It’s great. I hope it translates to the season.”
* Quarterback Donavan Tate looked like he was in a lot of pain as he limped from the practice field to the locker room. I couldn’t tell what was ailing him, but this is an important period for Tate. He needs to fight through the bumps and bruises if he wants to make a career out of football.
