They make it sound easier than it is.
Because of the Arizona Wildcats’ sudden dearth of depth at running back, junior Tyrell Johnson is shifting gears. After practicing for most of training camp at slot receiver — and playing there the first two weeks — Johnson is spending most of his time working at tailback.
He has toggled between the two positions in the past. With few fully healthy runners on the UA roster, the coaches needed Johnson to make the switch. He was happy to do it, summing up his reaction to their request in three words: “OK, let’s go.”
Familiarity helps, of course. Johnson played running back in high school and occasionally lined up in the backfield during his first two seasons at Arizona, totaling eight carries.
“It’s not difficult at all,” Johnson said Tuesday. “Once you learn the fundamentals of our offense and learn how things roll, you could play any position — all four receivers, running back. Of course, not quarterback. I can’t throw.”
The coaching staff likely won’t ask Johnson to pass against No. 9 Washington on Saturday. But Arizona’s primary kickoff returner and consensus fastest man could be pressed into tailback duty if Nick Wilson is unable to play.
Wilson left after the first series last week against Hawaii because of an apparent injury to his left foot or ankle. He wore a walking boot during the second half. His status for this week is unknown.
Freshman J.J. Taylor replaced Wilson and put on a dazzling display, rushing for 168 yards, including a 61-yard touchdown. But with Wilson hobbled and Orlando Bradford no longer with the program, Taylor and Zach Green were the only scholarship tailbacks available. Enter Johnson.
The 5-foot-7-inch, 165-pound speedster carried two times for 27 yards, including a 24-yard touchdown run. The TD came on an end-around run — a perfect play call by UA coach Rich Rodriguez.
Arizona had just taken the ball away from Hawaii via an interception. Two Rainbow Warriors blitzed to the inside, leaving a wide lane for Johnson to the outside. He raced around right end and into the end zone for his fourth career touchdown.
“I came around, and it was open field,” Johnson said. “I was like, ‘Oh man, I have to score now or the guys are going to chew me out.’ So I just turned on the speed.”
Johnson believes he’s a better player since he stopped running track and began focusing solely on football. His body, he said, feels “way better.” Johnson missed seven games last season because of a foot injury and never became a major part of the offense. That could change Saturday.
“TJ’s a smart guy,” Rodriguez said. “He understands our system. He understands football. So his role is going to continue to increase.”
Dawkins vs. Solomon
Arizona’s offense looks different with Brandon Dawkins at quarterback. Dawkins is much more apt to run the ball than Anu Solomon.
Dawkins has 15 or more rushes in each of his past three games: starts against Hawaii and Grambling State and extensive relief work against Arizona State last season. He gained at least 78 yards and scored at least one touchdown in each game.
In 26 career starts, Solomon has reached double figures in rushing attempts seven times. He has surpassed 78 yards twice. His career rushing average, which includes losses for sacks, is 2.2 yards. Dawkins’ is 6.3 yards.
Washington coach Chris Petersen said the Huskies are preparing to defend Arizona’s system, regardless of who plays quarterback.
“It’s not like our scheme’s going to change if one’s in the game as opposed to the other,” Petersen said. “I think Dawkins can really run and likes to run and is super effective with that. Solomon, he can run, too, and he’s pretty effective. He may look to throw it a little more.”
Solomon missed the past two games because of a knee injury. He “didn’t do much” at practice Tuesday, Rodriguez said, putting his status for Saturday in doubt.
“He’s gotta practice,” Rodriguez said. “At quarterback, you’ve got to be able to put the work in, keep your timing down. We’ll see how it goes the next couple days.”
Extra points
- “Stud” linebacker DeAndre’ Miller, Arizona’s best pass rusher, missed most of the second half against Hawaii with an apparent leg or foot injury. His status is to be determined.
- Rodriguez said the Wildcats are confident heading into Saturday but that Washington and the Pac-12 in general represent a different challenge. “The athleticism, the importance of every play, is ratcheted up in conference games,” Rodriguez said.
- Rodriguez on the UA offensive line: “It was better than it had been the last couple games. Assignment-wise, they were pretty good. There were some fundamental things we’ve got to get better at. Then this week is a whole different animal. They’ve got three 300-pounders that can run, that are NFL guys.”
- Arizona’s game at UCLA on Oct. 1 will kick off at one of three starting times: 5:30 p.m. (Fox), 6:30 (Pac-12 Networks) or 7:30 (ESPN). The time and TV assignment should be announced Sunday.
