Arizona returned to shells on Friday, but had one of its longest practices of training camp.Â
Arizona men's basketball head coach Tommy Lloyd and the UA basketball players did pre-practice jumping jacks with the team and watched the first few periods of practice on the sideline.
Here are other notes and takeaways from Friday morning's practice:Â
* Arizona emphasized the red zone and had one-on-one drills, a 7-on-7 period and team period in the red zone.
* In a one-on-one portion in the red zone, wide receivers Luke Wysong, Jeremiah Patterson, Brandon Phelps, Javin Whatley and Rex Haynes caught touchdowns.Â
* Quarterback Noah Fifita's first touchdown of the 7-on-7 period in the red zone was to tight end Sam Olson.
* Arguably Arizona's top performer on offense was wide receiver Devin Hyatt, who made a diving catch on a deep ball in a team period. Hyatt also caught a touchdown pass from quarterback Braedyn Locke in a 7-on-7 period. Even though Hyatt suffered a gruesome leg injury in the Territorial Cup last season, he looks healthy and could be in position to have a role in the offense this season.Â
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* Locke also threw touchdown passes to Haynes and freshman receiver Isaiah Mizell. The 6-1, 164-pound is one of Arizona's fastest receivers, but his frame could benefit from a season in the weight room before he becomes an integral part of the offense. Mizell and Gio Richardson have been some of Arizona's top freshmen on offense.
* Freshman safety Coleman Patmon had a pass breakup covering slot receiver Jeremiah Patterson. The 6-2, 207-pound Patmon, Swayde Griffin and Gianni Edwards have been some of Arizona's top freshmen in the secondary. Patmon, who arrived in the summer, is physical and fearless.Â
* Richardson, running back Ismail Mahdi and wide receiver Javin Whatley were among the players exchanging reps returning kickoffs.Â
* Redshirt freshman Brandon Phelps hauled in a slant pass from Locke for a gain of at least 30 yards.Â
* In a "coffin corner" drill, Australian punter Isaac Lovison kicked a punt over 50 yards and pinned the ball out of bounds at the 2-yard line.Â
* Arizona mixed up the offensive line in team periods and had a lineup of Michael Wooten, Ise Matautia, Ka'ena Decambra, Alexander Doost and Tristan Bounds. In the same period, the Wildcats also had a two-tight end package with Olson and Tyler Powell.Â
* In the team period portion of the red zone-focused practice, defensive lineman Julian Savaiinaea sacked Locke. Wide receiver Kris Hutson sprawled out for a touchdown catch from Fifita at the front pylon. Redshirt freshman edge rusher Eduwa Okundaye also had a sack. Alcorn State transfer edge rusher Malachi Bailey batted down Fifita's pass in the backfield, which was nearly intercepted. Bailey is having a strong training camp after a mild spring.Â
* Scouts from the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts were in attendance on Friday.Â
Contact Justin Spears, the Star's Arizona football beat reporter, at jspears@tucson.com. On X(Twitter): @JustinESports