Quick hitters from the Arizona Wildcats’ post-practice media availability Wednesday morning:
* Arizona senior safety Tellas Jones said his sprained left ankle is about 90 percent healed and he's "optimistic" that he'll be able to play against Washington on Saturday. Jones sat out the past 2½ games after getting hurt in the opener vs. BYU. He dressed and warmed up for the Hawaii game but did not play.
* UA coach Rich Rodriguez wouldn't tip his hand regarding the quarterback situation for UW. Said Rodriguez: "What time’s the game Saturday? 7:30? Stay tuned to 7:29. We’ll have a good idea."
* Rodriguez said Tuesday that Anu Solomon (knee) would have to practice in order to be available to play. Brandon Dawkins has played the past two games and appears to be in line for his third straight start.
* Redshirt sophomore Zach Werlinger was the No. 2 quarterback the past games, Rodriguez said, and presumably would be again if Solomon is unable to return.
* Arizona would like to redshirt freshman quarterback Khalil Tate if possible. But the coaches are getting him ready to play just in case. "It's a long season,” Rodriguez said, “so we'll wait and see what happens."
* Rodriguez said taking advantage of rare big-play opportunities will be critical vs. UW. Arizona has missed on some of those chances this season.
* Rodriguez downplayed the motivation/payback angle this week. Arizona lost 49-3 loss at UW last season. "I think all that motivation crap is way overrated,” Rodriguez said. “You’re either ready to play or not. If you can’t get ready to play for this one, you ought not suit up.”
* Safety Demetrius Flanningan-Fowles is one of Arizona's most improved players from last year to this year. I’ll have more on Flannigan-Fowles later today.
* Redshirt-sophomore guard Christian Boettcher has earned a scholarship, Rodriguez said. The former walk-on started last week, played both guard spots and is among Arizona’s top seven linemen.
* Rodriguez wants Arizona's cornerbacks to play with more confidence. "We've played OK at times,” he said. “But they have the ability to play at a high level."
* Rodriguez said it will be hard for anyone in the deep Pac-12 to go unbeaten. It will take a team with talent and health to do so, he said. That doesn't bode well for the league earning a spot in the four-team College Football Playoff.
