Notes and takeaways from Arizona coach Kevin Sumlin’s weekly Monday news conference as the Wildcats prepare to face Utah:
* Sumlin said the short week leading into a Friday game is particularly challenging on two fronts: recovery and preparation. It’s also harder for the road team; the Wildcats will leave for Salt Lake City on Thursday, further disrupting their usual routine. Additionally, the players have classwork to juggle.
* Sumlin indicated that Arizona will continue to take advantage of the redshirt rule by using a second quarterback to relieve Khalil Tate, who still isn’t 100 percent (ankle). Sumlin also said it might not necessarily be freshman Jamarye Joiner, who played one series vs. Cal. We’ll have more on this topic later today.
* Sumlin said the offense can get even more out of the zone-read game than it has in recent games. Tate has 21 rushes for 78 yards the past two games; in the first four, he had 23 rushes for 32 yards. Sumlin also noted that RPO passes to the flats consistently yielded positive yardage vs. the Golden Bears.
* Sumlin said Layth Friekh’s health has been a big factor in the offensive line’s struggles the past two weeks. Friekh has been a “game-day decision” each week, and his practice time has been limited. That has affected the line’s consistency and communication.
* Sumlin praised freshman Donovan Laie, who has started at left tackle and right tackle. "To play as well as he has, I don’t think we could ask much more from a true freshman," Sumlin said. He did note that Laie and the line struggled with late movement and edge pressure early vs. Cal.
* Sumlin cited personnel changes as one of the reasons for the defense’s recent improvement, specifically moving PJ Johnson to defensive end and integrating safety Scottie Young Jr., who missed the first two games because of suspension and injury.
* Sumlin lauded linebacker Colin Schooler’s ability to play in space; he attained safety depth on his interception vs. Cal. Schooler also leads the Pac-12 with 11.5 tackles for losses.
* Sumlin said the Utes have “the best defense in the league right now.” Utah ranks first in the Pac-12 in total defense, rushing defense and third-down defense. The Utes are second in scoring defense.
* Sumlin said Arizona will continue to explore the junior-college market in recruiting, particularly along the offensive and defensive lines. The UA has put out several offers to JC prospects in recent weeks.
