The third day of spring practice brought the first day in full pads for Arizona and that meant a chance to see a little more than we had the first couple days. Arizona used one period during the open portion of practice for the board drill and there were plenty of impressive players during that one-on-one drill.
Here is a breakdown of Monday's practice and the important notes to come out of the third day of spring practice.
Injuries
* Jarvis McCall is still down with that groin injury and Rich Rodriguez is hopeful to have him back either later this week or if not at the very least after spring break.
* One thing I mentioned in the quick notes thread is that Sharif Williams was moved up to the second group and after reviewing the video I figured out why. Parker Zellers was not in with the first group after apparently getting a little dinged up, and that moved Luca Bruno up to the first team at nose tackle and Williams up to the second group.
It will be something to watch, but it could end up being a positive for both Bruno and Williams to get some extended work at nose this spring. The move pushed Marcus Griffin back inside to nose with that third group.
* Other notable injures still keep players limited or out include: Aiulua Fanene, Sani Fuimaono, Jack Banda, Nate Phillips (precautionary), Jace Whittaker (precautionary), Nick Wilson (precautionary)
Position breakdowns
Quarterbacks: Anu Solomon continues to look impressive this spring and he has probably opened the gap on the others in "competition" for the starting job even more now. There is a noticeable difference when watching the quarterbacks throw that is there when it is Solomon making the passes versus all the other members of the group. Solomon has been more crisp with his accuracy and he also has a confidence about him now that wasn't necessarily always there last season.
He has become a lot more vocal when it comes to having his receivers go where he wants them to go and overall just looks more comfortable. Those are good things when it comes to Solomon, but the lack of any real separation from the rest of that group could be concerning for Arizona if it continues. While none of the other quarterbacks may not end up unseating Solomon the 'Cats do need to have that group ready to go should anything happen.
At this stage things could get a little shaky should Solomon go down for any reason. The 'Cats will need to have some improvement from the rest of the group the rest of his spring that will be important. Brandon Dawkins has the physical makeup, but he is still working on getting those mechanics ironed out. That was something I said about him after high school and while he has improved there still just a couple things with his arm angle that need to be worked out and Rod Smith said that was the case last week. If he can improve that it will help his accuracy and get him going in the right direction.
Solomon was the only quarterback not allowed to get hit during Monday's practice as the others were not in red no-contact jerseys.
Running backs: It was business as usual for the running backs Monday with Wilson continuing to be limited this spring. Even though he is still a freshman Wilson said he is working to help some of the other players behind him after having the experience he did last season. Once Orlando Bradford arrives and fall camp gets going that is when the picture will become more clear as to who gets that third spot that Rodriguez and the staff want to use.
Zach Green has looked a little lighter and better this spring, and now that he is going into his third year with the program this could be his time to start making an impact and get into the three-man rotation UA wants to use.
Receivers/tight ends: Arizona's first group is essentially set at this point led by Cayleb Jones and David Richards on the outside and Tyrell Johnson and Samajie Grant on the inside. It has been business as usual for that group, but the second group has started to come together as well. Tony Ellison and Abraham Mendivil have been running alongside Trey Griffey with that group. Mendivil is a guy Arizona has liked for a while now and with Nate Phillips limited this spring that has opened up some space for the receivers as a whole.
Ellison has been impressive this spring and considering how many players Arizona was able to use at the position last season I could envision him getting some playing time once the season arrives - especially with that speed that he possesses.
Offensive line: With it being the first day in full pads it was a day to watch some of the one-on-one battles between the offensive and defensive linemen. Judging from the first day of the board drill it would be surprising if anybody beats Freddie Tagaloa this spring or fall in that drill. He went up against Anthony Fotu and the defensive lineman was really no match for Tagaloa.
"You talk about a guy who has mass, he blocks out the sun," Rodriguez said about Tagaloa's size. "He's should be the first guy off the bus whoever we play because he'll look impressive in a warm up. He's a hard worker and it's very important to him. ... He's got experience, so we're expecting big things from Freddie."
Defensive line: As mentioned above Arizona went with Bruno on the first team and moved Williams up to that second group and while that is mainly due to a couple injuries at the nose spot it will provide both players with some extra experience. That led to Marcus Griffin moving back inside with the third group and Marquis Ware as more of a defensive end with that third group as well.
Williams has been making steady strides already, and if he can continue to make those strides over the rest of the spring and summer that will be a positive thing for the 'Cats.
"I like him," Rodriguez said Monday about the freshman. "He's a big strong kid. He's got a long way to go with conditioning and getting used to the intensity in college, and he's overcoming a serious knee injury. He's a tough guy and he's got mass. He's got one thing that we haven't had a lot, so coach Kirlav will work like crazy to get him ready for the fall."
Linebackers: Arizona continues to have that consistency with its first two groups and at this point Rodriguez is pretty comfortable with that group. There needs to continue to be some progress at outside backer, but overall that group has looked pretty good. DeAndre' Miller looks good coming off that shoulder issue he had almost all of last season and Jake Matthews has continued to perform well with that first group.
Rodriguez still wants to see improvement across the board with the group, however.
"We still gotta have some of those freshman learn what we're doing and get in better shape," he said. "I'm not overly concerned that we're not in shape shape like we will be in August, because we don't play a game for several months. When we go fast in practice you can see where conditioning is a big deal particularly with the younger guys and that's why this summer will be so important for them."
Safeties: Arizona's safety group is starting look a lot better than it did coming into the spring. Paul Magloire has been as advertised with that second group and as we have already mentioned previously Devon Brewer has already shown steady improvement early as well. With the starting group Tellas Jones has been solid at bandit as well. He looked good in the board drill on Monday and overall he has a good handle on the bandit position with the first unit.
With experience on his side Anthony Lopez figures to factor into many games as well and then you have Will Parks and Jamar Allah with that first unit too. Overall the depth there is looking a little bit deeper than first expected and it will be interesting to see where things are by the time the season arrives.
Cornerbacks: The cornerbacks group was actually pretty impressive as a whole as well during the board drill with plenty of its guys having some good battles with receivers. Kwesi Mashack's size really helps him those situations and he continues to have a solid spring. The goal for Arizona this spring is to find a nice collection of options it can go to once the season arrives and right now that group is starting to form. While unproven in terms of experience the group has looked pretty good so far this spring.
Depth chart
Offense
QB: Anu Solomon; Jerrard Randle
RB: Nick Wilson; Jared Baker
WR: Cayleb Jones; Trey Griffey
WR: David Richards; Abraham Mendivil
Slot: Tyrell Johnson; Nate Phillips
Slot: Samajie Grant; Tony Ellison
TE: Josh Kern; Trevor Wood
OT: Freddie Tagaloa; Layth Friekh
OG: Cayman Bundage; Zach Hemmila
C: Carter Wood; Levi Walton
OG: Jacob Alsadek; Kaige Lawrence
OT: Lene Maiava; TD Gross
Defense
DT: Jeff Worthy; Calvin Allen
NT: Luca Bruno; Sharif Williams
DE: Reggie Gilbert; Anthony Fotu
LB: Derrick Turituri; Cody Ippolito
LB: Scooby Wright; Hayden Gregory
LB: Jake Matthews; DeAndre' Miller
Bandit: Tellas Jones; Paul Magloire
Spur: Will Parks; Anthony Lopez
FS: Jamar Allah; Devon Brewer
CB: Cam Denson; DaVonte' Neal
CB: Devin Holiday; Kwesi Mashack
Here is a breakdown of Monday's practice and the important notes to come out of the third day of spring practice.
Injuries
* Jarvis McCall is still down with that groin injury and Rich Rodriguez is hopeful to have him back either later this week or if not at the very least after spring break.
* One thing I mentioned in the quick notes thread is that Sharif Williams was moved up to the second group and after reviewing the video I figured out why. Parker Zellers was not in with the first group after apparently getting a little dinged up, and that moved Luca Bruno up to the first team at nose tackle and Williams up to the second group.
It will be something to watch, but it could end up being a positive for both Bruno and Williams to get some extended work at nose this spring. The move pushed Marcus Griffin back inside to nose with that third group.
* Other notable injures still keep players limited or out include: Aiulua Fanene, Sani Fuimaono, Jack Banda, Nate Phillips (precautionary), Jace Whittaker (precautionary), Nick Wilson (precautionary)
Position breakdowns
Quarterbacks: Anu Solomon continues to look impressive this spring and he has probably opened the gap on the others in "competition" for the starting job even more now. There is a noticeable difference when watching the quarterbacks throw that is there when it is Solomon making the passes versus all the other members of the group. Solomon has been more crisp with his accuracy and he also has a confidence about him now that wasn't necessarily always there last season.
He has become a lot more vocal when it comes to having his receivers go where he wants them to go and overall just looks more comfortable. Those are good things when it comes to Solomon, but the lack of any real separation from the rest of that group could be concerning for Arizona if it continues. While none of the other quarterbacks may not end up unseating Solomon the 'Cats do need to have that group ready to go should anything happen.
At this stage things could get a little shaky should Solomon go down for any reason. The 'Cats will need to have some improvement from the rest of the group the rest of his spring that will be important. Brandon Dawkins has the physical makeup, but he is still working on getting those mechanics ironed out. That was something I said about him after high school and while he has improved there still just a couple things with his arm angle that need to be worked out and Rod Smith said that was the case last week. If he can improve that it will help his accuracy and get him going in the right direction.
Solomon was the only quarterback not allowed to get hit during Monday's practice as the others were not in red no-contact jerseys.
Running backs: It was business as usual for the running backs Monday with Wilson continuing to be limited this spring. Even though he is still a freshman Wilson said he is working to help some of the other players behind him after having the experience he did last season. Once Orlando Bradford arrives and fall camp gets going that is when the picture will become more clear as to who gets that third spot that Rodriguez and the staff want to use.
Zach Green has looked a little lighter and better this spring, and now that he is going into his third year with the program this could be his time to start making an impact and get into the three-man rotation UA wants to use.
Receivers/tight ends: Arizona's first group is essentially set at this point led by Cayleb Jones and David Richards on the outside and Tyrell Johnson and Samajie Grant on the inside. It has been business as usual for that group, but the second group has started to come together as well. Tony Ellison and Abraham Mendivil have been running alongside Trey Griffey with that group. Mendivil is a guy Arizona has liked for a while now and with Nate Phillips limited this spring that has opened up some space for the receivers as a whole.
Ellison has been impressive this spring and considering how many players Arizona was able to use at the position last season I could envision him getting some playing time once the season arrives - especially with that speed that he possesses.
Offensive line: With it being the first day in full pads it was a day to watch some of the one-on-one battles between the offensive and defensive linemen. Judging from the first day of the board drill it would be surprising if anybody beats Freddie Tagaloa this spring or fall in that drill. He went up against Anthony Fotu and the defensive lineman was really no match for Tagaloa.
"You talk about a guy who has mass, he blocks out the sun," Rodriguez said about Tagaloa's size. "He's should be the first guy off the bus whoever we play because he'll look impressive in a warm up. He's a hard worker and it's very important to him. ... He's got experience, so we're expecting big things from Freddie."
Defensive line: As mentioned above Arizona went with Bruno on the first team and moved Williams up to that second group and while that is mainly due to a couple injuries at the nose spot it will provide both players with some extra experience. That led to Marcus Griffin moving back inside with the third group and Marquis Ware as more of a defensive end with that third group as well.
Williams has been making steady strides already, and if he can continue to make those strides over the rest of the spring and summer that will be a positive thing for the 'Cats.
"I like him," Rodriguez said Monday about the freshman. "He's a big strong kid. He's got a long way to go with conditioning and getting used to the intensity in college, and he's overcoming a serious knee injury. He's a tough guy and he's got mass. He's got one thing that we haven't had a lot, so coach Kirlav will work like crazy to get him ready for the fall."
Linebackers: Arizona continues to have that consistency with its first two groups and at this point Rodriguez is pretty comfortable with that group. There needs to continue to be some progress at outside backer, but overall that group has looked pretty good. DeAndre' Miller looks good coming off that shoulder issue he had almost all of last season and Jake Matthews has continued to perform well with that first group.
Rodriguez still wants to see improvement across the board with the group, however.
"We still gotta have some of those freshman learn what we're doing and get in better shape," he said. "I'm not overly concerned that we're not in shape shape like we will be in August, because we don't play a game for several months. When we go fast in practice you can see where conditioning is a big deal particularly with the younger guys and that's why this summer will be so important for them."
Safeties: Arizona's safety group is starting look a lot better than it did coming into the spring. Paul Magloire has been as advertised with that second group and as we have already mentioned previously Devon Brewer has already shown steady improvement early as well. With the starting group Tellas Jones has been solid at bandit as well. He looked good in the board drill on Monday and overall he has a good handle on the bandit position with the first unit.
With experience on his side Anthony Lopez figures to factor into many games as well and then you have Will Parks and Jamar Allah with that first unit too. Overall the depth there is looking a little bit deeper than first expected and it will be interesting to see where things are by the time the season arrives.
Cornerbacks: The cornerbacks group was actually pretty impressive as a whole as well during the board drill with plenty of its guys having some good battles with receivers. Kwesi Mashack's size really helps him those situations and he continues to have a solid spring. The goal for Arizona this spring is to find a nice collection of options it can go to once the season arrives and right now that group is starting to form. While unproven in terms of experience the group has looked pretty good so far this spring.
Depth chart
Offense
QB: Anu Solomon; Jerrard Randle
RB: Nick Wilson; Jared Baker
WR: Cayleb Jones; Trey Griffey
WR: David Richards; Abraham Mendivil
Slot: Tyrell Johnson; Nate Phillips
Slot: Samajie Grant; Tony Ellison
TE: Josh Kern; Trevor Wood
OT: Freddie Tagaloa; Layth Friekh
OG: Cayman Bundage; Zach Hemmila
C: Carter Wood; Levi Walton
OG: Jacob Alsadek; Kaige Lawrence
OT: Lene Maiava; TD Gross
Defense
DT: Jeff Worthy; Calvin Allen
NT: Luca Bruno; Sharif Williams
DE: Reggie Gilbert; Anthony Fotu
LB: Derrick Turituri; Cody Ippolito
LB: Scooby Wright; Hayden Gregory
LB: Jake Matthews; DeAndre' Miller
Bandit: Tellas Jones; Paul Magloire
Spur: Will Parks; Anthony Lopez
FS: Jamar Allah; Devon Brewer
CB: Cam Denson; DaVonte' Neal
CB: Devin Holiday; Kwesi Mashack
