Quick hitters from the Arizona Wildcats’ post-practice media availability Tuesday morning:
* UA coach Rich Rodriguez declined to comment or speculate on the health status of quarterback Anu Solomon, who missed the Grambling State game because of a knee injury. It seems likely as of now that Brandon Dawkins will start again. Dawkins is preparing as if he’ll start (although he said he does that every week). Solomon was carrying his leg brace while walking from the practice field to the locker room.
* One of the dilemmas the coaching staff faces with Dawkins: He's such a good runner, they don't want to stifle his creativity. But they also want him to run the offense. I’ll have more on Dawkins later today.
* Michael Barton or Jake Matthews will start at middle linebacker in place of Cody Ippolito, who faces a first-half suspension against Hawaii after being ejected for targeting in the fourth quarter against Grambling. We might be able to find out Wednesday, when defensive players and coaches are available to the media.
* Rodriguez on Matthews' comeback from a Lisfranc sprain: "I’ve been really proud of the way he’s battled. That was a really tough injury"
* Matthews is pre-med and plans to become a doctor. Said Rodriguez: "He’s a really smart guy. He’s smarter than I am, that’s for sure."
* Rodriguez on left guard Freddie Tagaloa: “I didn’t think his last game was his best. He plays hard. He always plays hard. It's so important to Freddie.”
* Rodriguez said the blocking by the wide receivers has been "OK" so far. Arizona really missed Nate Phillips (shoulder) in that regard vs. Grambling.
* Rodriguez on the defense failing to force a single standard three-and-out vs. Grambling: "Very rarely will you ever win if that’s the case."
* Fullback Jamardre Cobb had a brace on his right knee, which he appeared to injure during the first quarter Saturday.
