Brandon Dawkins will start at quarterback for the Arizona Wildcats on Saturday night in their season-opener against Northern Arizona, the Star has learned.
Dawkins has been battling sophomore Khalil Tate for the starting job throughout the pre-season, but UA coach Rich Rodriguez selected the redshirt junior ahead of Arizona's first game of the season, which kicks off at 8 p.m.
Last season, Dawkins initially lost out to Anu Solomon for the starting quarterback job before eventually taking it back as Solomon, who has since transferred to Baylor, dealt with injuries.
Dawkins led Arizona in rushing last season with 944 yards and 10 touchdowns, but was inconsistent passing the ball, completing 53.8 percent of his passes for 1,348 yards, eight touchdowns and six interceptions.
Tate played in seven games last season, including one start, and completed 40 percent of his passes for 243 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions while also rushing for 237 yards and a score. Tate is still expected to receive some reps against NAU.
