Quick hitters from the Arizona Wildcats’ post-practice media availability Tuesday morning:
* Quarterback Anu Solomon “didn't do much” during practice, UA coach Rich Rodriguez said. Rodriguez indicated Solomon (knee) would have to practice to have a chance to play against Washington on Saturday. As of now, it appears Brandon Dawkins will make his third straight start.
* Rodriguez said the next step for Dawkins is understanding why plays are called/run. It takes time. "We'll eventually get to that,” Rodriguez said.
* “Stud” linebacker DeAndre' Miller, Arizona's best pass rusher, had a boot on his right foot as he walked from the practice field to the locker room. He missed most of the second half against Hawaii. His status is to be determined.
* Rodriguez is pleased with new punter/kicker Josh Pollack so far. Edgar Gastelum has done a good job on kickoffs. But the kickoff-return unit and other aspects of special teams are "not up to our expectations,” Rodriguez said.
* Special teams will be key against Washington. Kick height and placement will be critical against John Ross and Dante Pettis. Each has a return touchdown already.
* Rodrigues praised junior Tyrell Johnson's football IQ, which has enabled him to shift from slot receiver to tailback in midseason. Johnson will be in the tailback mix if Nick Wilson (foot/ankle) can't play vs. Washington. I’ll have more on Johnson later today.
* 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.
* UW is on the quarter system and doesn’t start school until next week. "I didn’t realize they were (on) quarters,” Rodriguez said. “Gosh, that’s depressing." Rodriguez said having more free time could give the Huskies a “little” advantage, if any.
* 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.”
