TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) -
Arizona Football began its 2nd spring practice of the Rich Rodriguez era on Saturday. The squad dressed in helmets and shorts for a two-hour practice on Saturday.
"I think it was a pretty good start," said Rodriguez. I like the enthusiasm. We had great weather and our guys were anxious to get out there. There was pretty good retention from what we ended the season with so I thought it was a pretty good day."
Here are some takeaways from Day #1:
- Safety Jourdon Grandon is now listed as a cornerback but will work with both position groups. The Wildcats have injuries this spring to the three defensive backs who saw significant time last season (Shaq Richardson, Jonathan McKnight and Derrick Rainey).
- Due to all the injuries an unfamiliar face got work with the 1s in the secondary, Brendan Murphy played in all 13 games last season, mostly on special teams. He's a senior who played his high school ball at Scottsdale Chaparral before starting his collegiate career at Air Force.
- At his own request, senior Richard Morrison is moving from wide receiver to cornerback. Morrison caught 23 passes last season at receiver including two touchdowns but struggled to find consistency at the position and at punt returner. The highlight of his season was 63-yard punt return touchdown in the Wildcats home win over Washington.
- Senior quarterback B.J. Denker as expected took most of the reps at 1st team quarterback. He is one of three left-handers in camp (Javelle Allen and Alex Cappellini). Allen worked mostly with the second-team while injured transfer Jesse Scroggins (foot) stood with crutches on the sideline for the entire practice.
- Kadeem Carey, Tevin Hood and Cody Ippolito all participated in the first day of Spring Practice. Hood and Ippolito were kicked off the team for the remainder of Arizona's win in the New Mexico Bowl after the two fought on the sideline. Carey has run afoul of trouble twice this off-season. Carey and Hood both worked with the 1s at their respective positions.
- Terrence Miller participated in drills at the wide receiver position. Head coach Rich Rodriguez indicated that although it's not official, he expects Miller to be granted a medical redshirt allowing him to play a final season in 2013. Miller missed nine games in 2012 with shoulder and ankle injuries.
- Denker indicated that he was worked mostly with Chris Putton as his center in player sessions this winter. Putton took snaps with the first-team Saturday. The rest of the offensive line consisted of Mickey Baucus (LT), Cayman Bundage (LG), Eric Bender-Ramsey (RG) and Fabbians Ebbele (RT). Michael Cooper worked as the 1st TE/HB.
- Redshirt freshman wide receiver Trey Griffey worked mostly with the 2s at outside receiver but did get at least one rep with the first team.
- In team drills which featured a combination of 7-on-7 and 11-on-11, the offense beat the defense 38-33.
The Wildcats continue spring workouts this coming week on Monday (4th), Wednesday (6th) and Friday (8th).
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