The Arizona Wildcats held their 10th practice of spring Wednesday afternoon. Here are some notes and observations from spring practice No. 10:
* Freshman tailback Jonah Coleman continued to look like a rising star, regularly breaking tackles and running effectively in tight quarters near the goal line. Coleman also just missed what would have been a spectacular leaping touchdown catch.
*Β Receiver Anthony Simpson had a strong practice, showing excellent speed on a jet sweep and hauling in a one-handed touchdown in the end zone on the final play on a pass from Jayden de Laura. De Laura earlier showed good touch on an out route to Simpson and plus arm strength on a TD pass over the middle to Dorian Singer. De Lauraβs improvisational skills came out on a sideline completion to Michael Wiley.
*Β Receiver Jacob Cowing scored touchdowns on back-to-back passes from de Laura from the 3-yard line.
*Β Cornerback Christian-Roland Wallace has made freshman receiver Tetairoa McMillan earn every catch throughout camp. McMillan got the best of Roland-Wallace on a comeback route in the end zone for a TD.
*Β After throwing four interceptions Monday, the offense avoided turnovers during what coordinator Brennan Carroll called a run-oriented practice.
*Β Nickel backΒ DJ WarnellΒ made a pair of excellent tackles on the perimeter. He has struggled at times in man coverage.
*Β The coaches admonished safety Christian Young for leveling freshman receiver Kevin Green Jr. after he caught a ball during 7-on-7. Green was briefly shaken up but was able to finish practice.
*Β Wiley had the best blocking rep in one-on-ones between running backs and linebackers, showing strong hands and quick feet. Malik Reed showed the most burst and used good leverage as a rusher. The backs dominated the linebackers in one-on-one pass coverage.
*Β Defensive linemen Jalen Harris and Paris Shand stopped multiple running plays at or behind the line of scrimmage in 11-on-11.
*Β Jeremy Mercier and Ammon Allen recorded sacks during the final 11-on-11 period.
*Β Defensive tackle Dion Wilson Jr. returned to practice after missing Monday. Defensive end Hunter Echols also participated after being forced out of Mondayβs practice because of a minor injury.
*Β Tailbacks Drake Anderson and Stevie Rocker Jr. upped their workloads after returning to practice Monday. They were held out of 11-on-11 play. Fellow tailback Jalen John dressed and worked on the side.
*Β Offensive lineman Davis DiVall, who made his first appearance of spring Monday, got some reps with the third team at left guard. Carroll said DiVall will be in the mix at guard and tackle.
*Β Players who did not participate or were absent included receiver Maβjon Wright, defensive lineman JB Brown and defensive back Gunner Maldonado. Linebacker Anthony Solomon was limited.
*Β Linebacker Jerry Roberts got banged up during 11-on-11 work and exited early.
*Β The Wildcats will practice again Friday afternoon before holding a scrimmage at 7 p.m. Saturday at Arizona Stadium.
