Quick hitters from the Arizona Wildcats’ media availability after their 12th practice of spring Friday morning:
* Brandon Dawkins has been the primary first-team quarterback this spring, UA coach Rich Rodriguez said. Khalil Tate mainly has worked with the second team. Rodriguez won’t name a starter until shortly before the season starts but did say regarding Dawkins and Tate: "Khalil's gotta beat him out."
* Rodriguez and QB coach Rod Smith said it’s natural for Dawkins to be ahead of Tate because the former has more experience. Smith said he's excited about both players but that Dawkins has a “slight lead” as of now.
* Rodriguez expects Arizona's "menu of plays" to expand this season with both quarterbacks having another year in the system. He wants them to be "gym rats" in the offseason, saying it's essential for quarterbacks to be "obsessed" with the game. He said they're getting there in that regard.
* Redshirt-freshman defensive end Jalen Cochran hasn't practiced this spring because of concussion issues dating to fall. "Obviously, that's a concern,” Rodriguez said.
* Tailback Nick Wilson says he weighs 212 pounds. He looks strong in his upper body. He played at 205 pounds last year. Obviously, durability is the key issue with him after two injury-plagued seasons.
* Rodriguez said tailback Nathan Tilford is physically ready to play as a freshman. The question is whether he'll get there mentally. Being here for spring helps a lot.
* Rodriguez said he'd like to have 10 wide receivers whom "we have confidence in." To get there, newcomers Brian Casteel and Drew Dixon would have to contribute this season.
* Rodriguez expects the next wave of new players to raise the competition and talent levels team-wide. "It’s going to be the most competitive August camp since I’ve been here," he said.
* Redshirt-freshman linebacker Kahi Neves entered the Lowell-Stevens Football Facility wearing a T-shirt and shorts, suggesting that he did not practice.
* I’m writing this from the lobby of LSFF, where Arizona is holding its pro day this morning. All 32 NFL teams are supposed to be here. I've seen representatives from the following teams come through the lobby: Steelers, Jaguars, Broncos, Panthers, Cardinals, Patriots, Chiefs, Seahawks, Lions, Colts, Ravens.
* One interesting pro-day tidbit: DaVonte' Neal, who played cornerback his last two seasons here, is working out as a receiver/returner.
