Quick hitters from Arizona’s latest training-camp practice Tuesday morning on campus:
* Coach Rich Rodriguez was asked whether freshman Khalil Tate could be an “all-purpose" threat. Rodriguez said Tate has "one purpose" – learning to play quarterback.
* Redshirt sophomore Jamardre Cobb, a former four-star linebacker recruit, is working at fullback, where he played last season. He had been at linebacker in spring.
* Running backs coach Calvin Magee on freshman J.J. Taylor: "He’s a very smart kid. He understands football. He’s showing signs that we can count on him."
* Magee has lost 80 pounds over the past eight months, mainly by eating less. He also had knee-replacement surgery in May. He feels healthier and looks great.
* Still no news of note on the Anu Solomon-Brandon Dawkins QB battle, or at least any news that Rodriguez would care to share. “I like to keep answering questions every day about the quarterback competition,” he said. “That’s why I’m not naming a starter."
* The Wildcats worked on special teams during the open period of practice. The punt returners were Tyrell Johnson, Cam Denson, Shun Brown, Nate Phillips and Darick Holmes Jr. The kickoff returners were Johnson, Phillips, Taylor and fellow freshman Devaughn Cooper.
* Rodriguez said Johnson, who has extensive track experience, is still the fastest player on the team.
* The kickoffs I saw were a mixed bag. One of Josh Pollack's landed at about the 5-yard line, one went about 5 yards into end zone (returned) and one went for a clear touchback. Possible kickoff specialist Edgar Gastaleum smashed one through the end zone but also hooked one out of bounds.
* The Wildcats again worked out in full pads in the first of two practices today. The evening session is closed to the media.
* Rodriguez said it's hard for coaches to teach tackling with so little live hitting allowed anymore. He said the Wildcats’ tackling in 2015 was "very poor," chalking much of that up to inexperienced players having to play before they were ready.
* A Pac-12 Networks crew was on hand for a training-camp special airing at 9 tonight (with replays on subsequent days). Curtis Conway, Glenn Parker and Mike Yam comprised the on-air talent at Kindall/Sancet.
* Rodriguez is a big Michael Phelps fan and once met the swimming superstar. “He’s so competitive,” Rodriguez said. “You could learn a lot from watching his competitiveness.”
* Scouts from the Raiders, Texans, Seahawks and Dolphins attended Arizona practice today.
* Members of the UA Marching Band were practicing across from Kindall/Sancet this morning - a surefire sign that school and football are close.
