Arizona held its second practice of training camp on Thursday. Here are notes and observations from the second session at Dick Tomey Practice Fields.Β
* For the second straight practice, Arizona redshirt freshman Rhino Tapa'atoutai started at left tackle following the departure of sophomore Raymond Pulido, who is "unavailable this season," according to head coach Brent Brennan. The 6-5, 310-poundΒ Tapa'atoutai, a West Valley City, Utah native, was Pulido's replacement in the spring when he went down with a leg injury.Β Tapa'atoutai started alongside left guard and Northwestern transfer Alexander Doost, center Josh Baker, right guard Leif Magnuson and right tackle Jonah Savaiinaea. San Jose State transfer Ryan Stewart was mixed in with the starting group at left guard, in addition to taking second-team reps at center. Starting left guard Wendell Moe dressed out, but didn't participate in team periods.Β
* After missing Wednesday's practice, Arizona "Star" defensive back Treydan Stukes returned to the starting lineup and intercepted quarterback Noah Fifita during a 7-on-7 period. Redshirt sophomore Jai-Ayviauynn Celestine, who's competing for a starting spot in Arizona's secondary, had a pass breakup during the final team period. Louisville transfer cornerback Marquis Groves-Killebrew was inserted into the starting lineup again. MGK, who joined the team in the spring, has established himself as a candidate to start at cornerback. If he's not named starter, he'll likely have a role in Arizona's "dollar" package defense. Colgate transfer Owen Goss looks like another "dollar" package defensive back who will also shine on special teams this season.Β
* Syracuse transfer defensive tackle Kevon Darton returned to practice after missing Wednesday for an unspecified injury. Arizona implemented more of the transfer portal additions on the defensive line, including defensive end Lance Keneley (Stanford), Stanley Ta'ufo'ou (USC), defensive tackle Jarra Anderson (Memphis) and edge rusher Chase Kennedy (Utah). Arizona's starting defensive line for both days has been former San Jose State edge rusher Tre Smith, UC Davis nose tackle transfer Chubba Ma'ae, redshirt sophomore Isaiah Johnson and junior Ta'ita'i Uiagalelei.Β
* Fifita threaded a pass through the UA defense for a touchdown to sophomore Malachi Riley, who is a candidate to start for the Wildcats. Fifita also had an impressive 40-yard over-the-shoulder pass to tight end Dorian Thomas near the sideline in one of the final periods. Redshirt junior Roberto Miranda, junior Keyan Burnett, San Jose State transfer Sam Olson, Thomas and Tyler Powell, a 6-7, 245-pound redshirt sophomore from Phoenix, have impressed in training camp. Two-tight end sets and "12 personnel" packages will be an essential component to Arizona's offense.Β
* Junior-college transfer Jeremiah Patterson earned starting reps at slot receiver alongside Montana Lemonious-Craig and AJ Jones. In two seasons at College of San Mateo in Northern California, Patterson caught 90 passes for 1,118 yards and 15 touchdowns as the Bulldogs' slot receiver. Patterson is a crisp route-runner and would've had a touchdown catch if safety Dalton Johnson didn't hold in coverage. Patterson and Old Dominion transfer Reymello Murphy have looked impressive through the first two days, albeit the offense appears to be behind the defense.Β
* Arizona star receiver Tetairoa McMillan continued his left leg rehab on the sidelines with strength and conditioning coach Cullen Carroll. McMillan did a series of drills, including 100-yard half-sprints. There's no timetable for McMillan's return.Β
* Former Arizona kicker Lucas Havrisik attended the first two days of UA training camp and was spotted coaching backup kicker Cash Peterman on the sidelines. Havrisik is currently a free agent after playing for the Los Angeles Rams last season. Havrisik recently flew to Detroit for a workout with the Lions after Michael Badgley went down with injury, but wasn't signed.Β
