The Arizona Wildcats will hold their “Spring Showcase” tonight at Arizona Stadium, their only scheduled open-to-the-public practice of spring. Gates open at 5 p.m. The event is scheduled to start at 6. Pac-12 Networks offer TV coverage.
Here are three things to watch for:
1. THE YOUNG RUNNERS
Tackling will be limited, but that doesn’t mean we can’t learn a few things about tailbacks J.J. Taylor and Nathan Tilford. We know what a healthy Taylor is capable of, having watching his coming-out party last season. Will he look like the same back? Will he still be able to break ankles after breaking his own in late September? Early reports are favorable, and one thing I can tell you for sure is that Taylor has added considerable bulk to his frame; he now has that Maurice Jones-Drew/Jazquizz Rodgers human-bowling-ball physique. Tilford, of course, is Arizona’s highest-rated freshman, and the expectation is that he’ll make an immediate impact. He overpowered defenders in high school. Will he be able to do the same on this level?
2. PASSING THE TEST
Brandon Dawkins and Khalil Tate have proved themselves as runners; Dawkins, in particular, has established himself as one of college football’s best when he flees the pocket. But it’s imperative that they evolve as passers, and the Showcase should offer a glimpse of their progress. Of course it isn’t the same as a real game. But by this point in spring, the defense generally should know what’s coming. So it’ll be up to Dawkins and Tate to be one step ahead and make the right decisions pre- and post-snap. With Dawkins specifically, look to see if he’s willing to hang in the pocket and able to locate a second outlet. With Tate, the key issue is accuracy, especially down the field. Strong performances from the QBs would be an encouraging sign.
3. ’BACKERS TO THE FUTURE
To call Arizona’s linebacking corps a work in progress would be a massive understatement. The unit is in the midst of a complete reconstruction, and several youngsters and newcomers will get extensive playing time tonight. The returnees to watch are Jacob Colacion, Kahi Neves and Gavin Robertson, a trio of redshirt freshmen. The new guys are true freshmen Tony Fields II and Jose Ramirez. All will be challenged by another wave of newcomers due to arrive in summer. But this is their first real opportunity to make an impression as Wildcats with media, fans and TV viewers watching. Of the five players listed here, Neves and Robertson might be the most intriguing. Arizona needs a reliable backup at “Stud” for DeAndre’ Miller, and Neves at least looks the part at 6-4, 238. Robertson moved from safety to linebacker late last year and brings needed athleticism to the “Will” position.
