Arizona went back to work Friday as the second is now in the books. The weather delayed things some for the second day of practice, but eventually the Wildcats were able to get to work and it was a productive day. Here are some quick notes from what I saw and heard Friday night.
* From the start there was a different energy around practice and it is starting to become very clear that the new defensive staff members are just connecting with the players a lot more and it is starting to rub off on Rich Rodriguez it feels like. I don't remember him joking around as much during practice in the past and he felt very loose today and the players are responding. Rodriguez said afterward it was a better practice and the effort was better than yesterday as well as the pace. All good signs for the 'Cats.
* Justin Belknap continues to be an interesting story of the first couple days. He's going to get his chance to play it feels like even more and he remains someone you should get to know. He said he is essentially playing for a scholarship right now and if he keeps up how he is playing right now one is probably in his future. Again, I'm not allowed to say what group he was running with but get yourself familiar with him this month.
* Something new that I had not seen yet is that Arizona's defensive staff is taking some time early in practice to move the position groups among the coaching staff to learn some tackling techniques. So for instance the linebackers would work with safeties coach Jahmile Addae on one skill then move on to work with Vince Amey on something else. The groups would rotate to make sure they hit all the stations. I thought it was interesting and again brings the whole defensive group together.
* As crazy as this sounds Marquis Ware is actually starting to look the part. Something feels like it has clicked a little more for him and he is at least making progress. We'll see where he is once Kahi Neves comes back tomorrow, but Ware is at least giving himself a chance to finally get on the field this season. It feels like the staff has found the right role for him with the new scheme.
* Today was the most involved I've seen Rodriguez in special teams. There was one portion of practice where the snap was just not getting to the right spot and he stopped practice and had a little breakdown to get everyone on the same page. The special teams unit is going to be interesting and could be its own adventure this season. I do like what Josh Pollack brings to the table, however.
* From the start there was a different energy around practice and it is starting to become very clear that the new defensive staff members are just connecting with the players a lot more and it is starting to rub off on Rich Rodriguez it feels like. I don't remember him joking around as much during practice in the past and he felt very loose today and the players are responding. Rodriguez said afterward it was a better practice and the effort was better than yesterday as well as the pace. All good signs for the 'Cats.
* Justin Belknap continues to be an interesting story of the first couple days. He's going to get his chance to play it feels like even more and he remains someone you should get to know. He said he is essentially playing for a scholarship right now and if he keeps up how he is playing right now one is probably in his future. Again, I'm not allowed to say what group he was running with but get yourself familiar with him this month.
* Something new that I had not seen yet is that Arizona's defensive staff is taking some time early in practice to move the position groups among the coaching staff to learn some tackling techniques. So for instance the linebackers would work with safeties coach Jahmile Addae on one skill then move on to work with Vince Amey on something else. The groups would rotate to make sure they hit all the stations. I thought it was interesting and again brings the whole defensive group together.
* As crazy as this sounds Marquis Ware is actually starting to look the part. Something feels like it has clicked a little more for him and he is at least making progress. We'll see where he is once Kahi Neves comes back tomorrow, but Ware is at least giving himself a chance to finally get on the field this season. It feels like the staff has found the right role for him with the new scheme.
* Today was the most involved I've seen Rodriguez in special teams. There was one portion of practice where the snap was just not getting to the right spot and he stopped practice and had a little breakdown to get everyone on the same page. The special teams unit is going to be interesting and could be its own adventure this season. I do like what Josh Pollack brings to the table, however.
