Arizona had its first Friday night practice of fall training camp on Friday night. It was also the first time the Wildcats took the field in pads – the team wore shoulder pads, but remained in shorts from the waist down. Here are some of the notable takeaways and stories from Arizona fall training camp action on Friday, August 7 at the Davis Sports Center & Tomey Practice Fields.
Offense:
- The starting offense consisted of the same five offensive linemen – Tristan Bounds, Alexander Doost, Zach Henning, Rhino Tapa’atoutai, and Matthew Lado. Noah Fifita lined up under center, while Kedrick Reescano took a majority of the snaps at running back. The receivers were Tre Spivey, Chris Hunter, and Gio Richardson, with Cole Rusk at tight end.
- Sawyer Anderson looked more comfortable than Luke Haugo as the two battle for the backup quarterback position.
- Anderson connected on multiple deep touchdown passes, including one to wide receiver Isaiah Mizell, and another to true freshman Caleb “Jet” Smith.
- The run game dominated the end of 11-on-11 drills, with quarterbacks and running backs gashing the defense for several long runs and a number of touchdowns:
- Noah Fifita scampered down the sideline for a 30+ yard run on a designed quarterback keeper.
- Quarterback Mason Bray scored a bruising touchdown run during an 11-on-11 drill.
- Running back Wesley Yarbrough had two rumbling touchdowns of 50 yards.
- Cornelius “Corn” Warren III capped off the night with a quick touchdown.
Defense:
- The defensive starters included all the usual suspects, including defensive linemen Tre Smith and Mays Pese, linebacker Taye Brown, cornerback Jay’Vion Cole, and safeties Gavin Hunter and Malcom Hartzog. Quinn Olson also got the start at safety, along with Dwight Bootle at cornerback. Linebacker Cooper Blomstrom also got some looks with the ones.
- Junior safety Quinn Olson opened things up with an interception on Noah Fifita to begin team drills at the start of practice
- With the secondary banged up during spring camp, Olson benefited from a number of reps with the first-team unit. It would appear those reps are paying off early.
- Charlotte transfer Dwight Bootle recorded a nice pass breakup on a deep shot to wide receiver Brandon Phelps.
- During position drills, Matai Tagoa’i impressed Brett Arce and Danny Gonzales with his power and intensity as the safeties worked on contact drills.
- Overall, the defense struggled against the run, especially late in the practice, allowing four rushing touchdowns during 11-on-11 drills.
Special Teams
- Aussie freshman Chase Ridley and Caleb “Jet” Smith appear to be separating themselves as the starting punter and punt returner, respectively.
- Bobby Wade and Chuck Cecil worked with Caleb “Jet” Smith on a number of drills to help him field punts, including waving bags and pads in his face, as well as splashing water on him.
- Smith muffed his first punt during the water drill, but did not drop another the rest of the night.
Strength & Conditioning
- Arizona reportedly has 59 players that can 20+ MPH this season. Talk about SPEED!
- Danny Gonzales confirmed on Tuesday at local media day that 57 members of the roster can power clean 300+ pounds.