Arizona training camp notes, practice 15: Wildcats host open practice, JuCo DT Zac Siulepa attends

Arizona's 14th training camp practice was canceled due to thunderstorms that flooded the turf at Arizona Stadium. 

The UA grounds crew sprung into action and cleared out the puddles for Arizona to have its open practice Sunday evening. 

Here are notes and takeaways from the Wildcats' only open practice of training camp, which had a few hundred spectators in attendance: 

* In Arizona's first team period, the Wildcats' starting offensive line was redshirt freshman Matthew Lado, redshirt junior Michael Wooten, Hawaii transfer Ka'ena Decambra, redshirt sophomore Alexander Doost and Michigan transfer Tristan Bounds.

* The Wildcats' starting defensive line featured Tre Smith, Tiaoalii Savea, Cerritos College transfer Leroy Palu and redshirt sophomore Dominic Lolesio. Savea had a tackle for loss in a team period. 

* Safety Genesis Smith intercepted quarterback Noah Fifita in the first team period. Smith also had a pass deflection in a goal-line 7-on-7 period. In the 7-on-7 period, wide receiver Tre Spivey III had two touchdown grabs, including one in the back of the end zone. Fifita ended the 7-on-7 period with a touchdown pass to Washington State transfer Kris Hutson. 

* Walk-on freshman kicker Tyler Prasuhn made all three of his field-goal attempts, including a 48-yarder. Sophomore Michael Salgado-Medina made 3 of 4 and missed a 44-yard field goal, but made a 48- and 56-yarder.

Back to homepage

Subscriber Login

Keep reading with a digital access subscription.

Subscribe now

* Running backs and linebackers battled in a blocking vs. pass-rushing drill. Portland State transfer Quincy Craig was the most effective blocker, with Kedrick Reescano as the next-best blocker. Defensive end-converted-linebacker Chase Kennedy was the top defensive player in the drill and won multiple reps.  

* Texas State transfer running back Ismail Mahdi had a 15-yard run between the tackles. Craig had a patient run before bouncing it outside for a decent gain. Craig caught a short pass near the right sideline and sprinted for a 90-yard touchdown.  

* Palu sacked Fifita in a team period. Safety Dalton Johnson had a pass breakup covering tight end Tyler Powell. Alcorn State transfer defensive end Malachi Bailey tackled Craig for a loss of 3 yards. 

* Redshirt senior slot receiver Jeremiah Patterson had one of his best practices of training camp and hauled in a touchdown pass during a 7-on-7 period and caught a deep pass over the middle from quarterback Braedyn Locke, who ended practice with a touchdown pass to Devin Hyatt in the corner of the end zone.     

* Junior college transfer defensive tackle Zac Siulepa has officially joined the team and attended practice on Sunday. The 6-7, 365-pound Garden City Community College (Kansas) transfer and New Zealand native is expected to play this season for the Wildcats.

* A scout from the Cincinnati Bengals attended practice.