The Arizona Wildcats opened training camp on an unusually mild and wet Wednesday morning. Here are some notes and takeaways from practice No. 1:
* The team focused almost exclusively on fundamental work. The offense and defense barely interacted. There were no 7-on-7 or 11-on-11 sessions during periods open to media observation.
* Tailback D.J. Williams, who transferred to Arizona from Florida State, did not participate while waiting for some academic paperwork to clear. He is expected to be on the field Thursday.
* The only surprise among first-team units came at weak-side linebacker, where redshirt freshman Kolbe Cage got the nod. He worked alongside Jerry Roberts. Malik Reed and Ammon Allen worked with the second unit.
* Freshman cornerback Tacario Davis looks the part. He and fellow freshman Ephesians Prysock both fit the profile of the long-limbed cornerbacks that DeWayne Walker prefers.
* Freshman guard Jonah Savaiinaea appears to be in excellent shape. He said he dropped about 12 pounds since spring, checking in at around 328, and looks more mobile.
* Freshman tailback Rayshon Luke would benefit greatly from a full offseason in the strength program but will have a role even at his current weight of about 165 pounds.
* Quarterback Jayden de Laura has put on 20-plus pounds since coming to Arizona. We’ll have more on de Laura’s physical growth – and growth in the system – later today.
* Receiver Jamarye Joiner, coming back from foot surgery, participated in individual drills.
* Center Josh Baker (pectoral) and defensive tackle Kyon Barrs (foot) worked with the first team at their respective positions.
* Quarterback Will Plummer (shoulder) participated in drills but did not do any throwing.
* The team is utilizing a second outdoor practice field just south of the sand volleyball courts. Fans can watch from bleachers on the east side of the field.
