The Arizona Wildcats concluded their 10th practice of fall training camp — with a brief monsoon shower at the start — on Monday. Here are notes and observations from Dick Tomey Practice Fields:
* Projected starting defensive end Ta'ita'i Uiagalelei returned to the starting lineup on Monday. Uiagalelei was used as the defensive tackle in Arizona's seven-defensive back "dollar" package, with Utah transfer Chase Kennedy and second-year edge rusher Dominic Lolesio as the defensive ends.Â
* Redshirt junior guard Leif Magnuson, who started five games at right guard last season, was spotted at practice on Monday after missing over a week with an undisclosed injury. Magnuson, in full gear, stood on "rehab island," but didn't participate in drills. San Jose State transfer Ryan Stewart has been Arizona's starting right guard in team periods.Â
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* With sophomore Malachi Riley recently sidelined, along with star Tetairoa McMillan and likely starter Montana Lemonious-Craig in no-contact red jerseys, this week has opened up the door for other receivers to shine, including junior-college transfer Jeremiah Patterson, who could arguably be the Wildcats' second-best receiver. Patterson has quick feet and consistently creates separation getting out of breaks. He'll also have a returning role on special teams this season. Besides Patterson, walk-on Rex Haynes and redshirt sophomore Chris Hunter had strong performances on Monday. Hunter had multiple touchdown grabs in team periods, and Haynes hauled in an impressive catch over Miami transfer cornerback Demetrius Freeney. After a strong spring, Hunter was quiet to begin training camp but has emerged over the last few practices; ditto for Haynes.Â
* McMillan pirouetted at the goal line for a one-handed touchdown catch on fourth-and-goal from the 3-yard line, a routine move for the acrobatic and uber-athletic receiver. McMillan also ran a slant route and caught a 25-yard touchdown. McMillan is still ramping up his involvement in practice, but the likely first-round draft choice has flashed why he is, well, a favorite to land in the first round of the NFL Draft.
* New Mexico transfer running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt had another strong practice. His best play was a wheel route that led to a chunk play that would've put the offense in the red zone. Croskey-Merritt has a gliding effect when he runs, but he's patient and has an extra gear; plus, Croskey-Merritt has shown to be productive in the passing game.Â
* Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita appears slightly faster than last season. Fifita was already a slithery quarterback, but has connected on throws while scrambling or rolling out of the pocket. He also tucked the ball and picked up 15 yards for a first down in a team period. Fifita's bread and butter will always be his arm, but he's a capable runner when he needs to be.
* Second-year tight end Dorian Thomas brought down a one-handed catch in the back of the end zone in a 7-on-7 period. Thomas, a 6-5, 246-pound Seattle-area native, has displayed solid pass-catching and route-running abilities, but the Wildcats have a loaded tight end room with Keyan Burnett and Roberto Miranda as the leaders of the group, with San Jose State transfer Sam Olson, Thomas and redshirt sophomore Tyler Powell.Â
* After missing last practice, linebacker Justin Flowe returned with a vengeance, recording a sack and combining on a tackle for loss with defensive end Sterling Lane II, who is emerging in training camp. Lane also had a quarterback pressure on Monday. Starting linebacker Taye Brown ripped a pass from Olson for an interception; the pass was thrown by Northern Arizona transfer Adam Damante. Colgate transfer defensive back Owen Goss, a likely dollar package mainstay, peeled off a a block and disrupted a jet sweep by Hunter for a tackle for loss. Goss has a nose for the ball and is a physical player. Former Stanford edge rusher Lance Keneley tallied a sack in one of the final team periods. Louisville transfer cornerback Marquis Groves-Killebrew intercepted Damante while covering receiver Devin Hyatt.Â
* Practice ended with Arizona kicker Tyler Loop, with teammates surrounding him and yelling, making a 40-yard field goal from the right hashmark.Â
* Former Washington and Boise State head coach Chris Petersen was in attendance for the second straight practice. Petersen is now a college football analyst for Fox.
* A Buffalo Bills scout was in attendance. Â
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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