Notes and takeaways from the Arizona Wildcats’ media availability after practice Tuesday morning:
* New offensive tackle Thiyo Lukusa, the transfer from Michigan State, isn't practicing just yet. He'll be a walk-on this semester and work on the scout team. (He has to sit out this season anyway.)
* Lukusa questioned his love for the game when he left MSU. UA coach Rich Rodriguez views this upcoming challenge – paying his own way and being on the scout team – as a way for Lukusa to prove that love is back.
* Quarterback Brandon Dawkins and center Nathan Eldridge watched film together this summer to try to improve their in-game communication and make sure they’re on the same page. I’ll have more on this situation later today.
* Rodriguez on Dawkins: "I’m going to keep putting pressure on him, because I think he can be really, really good."
* Not playing in “Week 0” is advantageous for Arizona, Dawkins said. It gives the players – particularly the freshmen – a week to get adjusted to their new schedules, which now include classes.
* With training camp over, Arizona has expanded its roster from 105 to 120. Veteran additions include safety Anthony Mariscal, defensive end Francisco Nelson and quarterback Zach Werlinger.
* The Wildcats did scout team work for Northern Arizona for 20-25 minutes and will ramp that up over the next week-plus. The opener is a week from Saturday.
* Rodriguez said impressive freshman Gary Brightwell's "primary position" is now slot receiver. He also will be utilized at running back at times. Brightwell gives Arizona a versatile option.
* After watching film of Saturday’s scrimmage, Rodriguez came away impressed with the defense. He said the offense didn't make as many mistakes as he initially thought.
* Former UA receiver Samajie Grant attended practice and helped keep his teammates hydrated.
WR, RB, and water boy for a day. @samajie_grant does it all for us!!#BearDown #FootballIsFamily pic.twitter.com/6ile1OknB0
— Arizona Football (@ArizonaFBall) August 22, 2017
* Arizona hosted a crew from Pac-12 Networks, including on-air personalities Mike Yam and Yogi Roth.
* Arizona ranks 116th out of 128 FBS programs in what ESPN is calling its “Fan Happiness Index.” The ranking is based on several factors, including the state of the program, performance in rivalry games, coaching stability, recruiting trends, revenue growth and Twitter buzz. Kansas (122nd) is the only Power Five school below Arizona.
* CollegeFootballNews.com predicts Arizona will face Boise State in the Dec. 16 Las Vegas Bowl.
