Back in shells, Arizona kicked off Week 3 of its spring football schedule on Tuesday.
And if the offense and defense had a winner and loser on Tuesday, the defense won the day by a considerable margin, but there were some bright spots for the offense.
Here are notes and takeaways from a windy day at Dick Tomey Practice Fields:
* Dalton Johnson had a pass breakup in the backfield on a safety blitz. Cornerback Jay'Vion Cole, while defending tight end Tyler Powell, intercepted quarterback Noah Fifita. Cole, cornerback Marquis Groves-Killebrew, cornerback and nickel back Ayden Garnes, Johnson and free safety Genesis Smith were starters in Arizona's defensive secondary.
* Redshirt freshman defensive back Quinn Olson intercepted backup quarterback Braedyn Locke.
* A key element to defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales' system is disguising pressure and drop-back coverage with linebackers and defensive backs. Working against backup offensive tackles Michael Wooten and Matthew Lado, redshirt freshman linebacker Stacy Bey and Alcorn State defensive end transfer Malachi Bailey combined for a sack. Redshirt freshman edge rusher Eduwa Okundaye also had a sack in the "twos" group.
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Arizona defensive lineman Eduwa Okundaye (94) participates in hitting drills during spring football practice at Tomey Field, March 27, 2025.
* Potential defensive tackle starter Deshawn McKnight has been one of the most consistent defensive playmakers this spring. The UT Martin transfer dropped back in pass coverage — reminder, defensive tackle — and made a tackle over the middle to prevent a first down.
* Montana linebacker Riley Wilson had a quarterback pressure in a team period. Wilson also took reps at punt protection, a position previously played by interior defensive linemen. Under new special teams coordinator Craig Naivar, Arizona is relying on linebackers, tight ends and slimmer defensive ends — positions more suitable for field coverage — to protect the punter.
* The offense had its moments of brilliance. After an overthrow and a dropped pass, Fifita launched a 65-yard touchdown to Javin Whatley in a 7-on-7 period. Whatley, a transfer from Chattanooga, is a rising slot receiver and a serious candidate for significant snaps this season. Washington State transfer Kris Hutson also had a nifty grab over the middle on a crossing route.
* Former Washington and Boise State head coach Chris Petersen attended Tuesday's practice. Petersen is a longtime friend and mentor of Brent Brennan, who said last year, “Coach Petersen is one of the best coaches in the history of college football. Any time you can have somebody like that around your program, you’re really fortunate. ... I value my friendship with Coach Petersen.”
* To celebrate April Fool's Day, UA legend and assistant coach Chuck Cecil was jokingly granted an additional year of eligibility. Cecil donned a navy blue No. 6 Arizona jersey and the UA helmet from his playing days. Cecil led the "Zona Jacks" (Arizona's version of jumping jacks) before practice.
Contact Justin Spears, the Star's Arizona football beat reporter, at jspears@tucson.com. On X(Twitter): @JustinESports
Justin Spears
Sports Reporter
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