With week four of spring camp officially in the books, Arizona is now just a week away from its Spring Showcase. The Wildcats took the field for a two-hour, 20-period practice that featured impressive play from the UA’s wide receivers, both veterans and transfers, as well as the linebackers. Here are some of the notable takeaways and stories from Arizona Spring Football action on Saturday, April 18 at the Davis Sports Center & Tomey Practice Fields.
Offense:
- The starting offensive unit included Noah Fifita at quarterback, along with returners Giovanni Richardson, Tre Spivey, and Chris Hunter at wide receiver. Illinois transfer Cole Rusk got the start at tight end, while ex-Marshall running back Antwan Roberts saw plenty of action with the top unit. The offensive line included Matthew Lado and Louis Akpa at tackle, with Rhino Tapa’atoutai, Washington transfer Zach Henning, and Grayson Stovall getting starting reps inside.
- During the early periods, running back Antwan Roberts and quarterback Noah Fifita flashed their vision and speed, breaking through to the second-level of the defense for a pair of quality runs.
- USC transfer DJ Jordan showed off his wheels as he beat true freshman Xaier Hiler for a 55-yard touchdown reception from redshirt freshman quarterback Luke Haugo.
- West Virginia transfer Rodney Gallagher III also showed off his speed down the sideline with pair of touchdown runs on jet sweeps.
- Noah Fifita connected with Tre Spivey for an impressive, Randy Moss-esque touchdown grab in the final period of the day.
Defense:
- The starting defensive unit featured Dominic Lolesio, Mays Pese, Leroy Palu, and Cooper Blomstrom up front. Veteran Taye Brown and Memphis transfer Everett Roussaw Jr. took the first-team reps at linebacker, while Chase Kennedy also saw plenty of action in the middle of the defense, as well as up front. In the secondary, which has a number of injuries, Charlotte transfer Dwight Bootle II and Wyoming transfer Tyrese Boss lined up at cornerback, while former UConn Husky Lee Molette III took reps at safety. Johno Price and Gavin Hunter saw action throughout the secondary.
- Gavin Hunter and Quinn Olson combined for an impressive pass breakup to prevent a Chris Hunter touchdown midway through practice.
- Freshman linebacker Dash Fifita, as well as Roussaw Jr., each tallied a tackle for loss during one of the team periods in the middle of practice. Chase Kennedy also had a sack during the same block.
- Redshirt sophomore linebacker Nela Taliauli closed out practice with a pick six on reserve quarterback Sawyer Anderson.
Other:
- Arizona hosted over 50 UA faculty and professors during practice, which included sitting in on Bobby Wade‘s meeting and film study with the wide receiver room on Saturday morning