Arizona kicked off its second week of spring football practice on Tuesday at the Davis Sports Center and Dick Tomey Practice Fields.
Here are a few notes and observations from Tuesday, as the Wildcats turn their attention to April. But first, a programming note: observations and takeaways will be on ice for the next due to the Arizona men's basketball team playing in the Final Four. Media availability has been postponed the rest of the week for the UA to focus on supporting the basketball team.
Now, onto the notes and observations, which will continue next week.
* Nebraska defensive back transfer Malcolm Hartzog had arguably his best practice of the spring. In a one-on-one drill in the red zone, Hartzog had a pass breakup covering sophomore wide receiver Giovanni Richardson. Hartzog had an interception during the final team period. The interception was tipped up by Charlotte cornerback Dwight Bootle. Hartzog has safety and cornerback experience, but he's a potential replacement for Treydan Stukes at slot cornerback.
* USC transfer Matai Tagoa'i, who converted from linebacker to safety, jumped a pass and nearly recorded an interception in the one-on-one drill.
* The Wildcats had another punting period, with Louisville transfer Carter Schwartz and freshman Chase Ridley swapping reps. So far, Ridley has the advantage in leg strength and hang time. The 6-3, 238-pound Perth, Australia native was previously committed to West Virginia before flipping to the UA.
* Arizona's first offensive line used in a team period was Matthew Lado, Rhino Tapa'atoutai, Washington transfer Zachary Henning, Alexander Doost and Louis Akpa.
* Arizona offensive coordinator Seth Doege recently said in a press conference that quarterback Noah Fifita could take some snaps under center, which he previously did before Doege was hired and implemented an uptempo system with the quarterback taking snaps out of shotgun or pistol formation.
* Redshirt sophomore Quinn Olson, a 6-3, 204-pound safety from Sioux City, Iowa, intercepted Fifita while defending wide receiver Tre Spivey on a post route.
* Second-year wide receiver Isaiah Mizell hauled in a pass from Fifita over his shoulder near the sideline with Howard transfer cornerback Zuri Watson in coverage.
* West Virginia transfer Rodney Gallagher III had multiple impressive catches in traffic, including one near the left sideline during a team period. Look for Gallagher to have a similar role as former Arizona receiver Luke Wysong — a veteran receiver, punt returner and special teams standout.
* Arizona's tight ends room has multiple standout route runners and pass catchers who are newcomers, including Illinois transfer Cole Rusk (6-5, 250 pounds), Southern Miss transfer Shane King (6-3, 236 pounds) and early enrollee Henry Gabalis (6-6, 232 pounds). All three made impressive plays in 7-on-7 and team periods.
