Quick hitters from Arizona’s training-camp practice Saturday morning at Fort Huachuca:
* The much-maligned Wildcats defense showed some good signs during the no-pads practice, which was open for media observation. Rising sophomore safety Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles had a pair of interceptions. “He has all the stuff that we’re looking for in a safety in our defense,” UA coach Rich Rodriguez said.
* Another good sign: Cody Ippolito got into the backfield a couple of times as a pass rusher. He appears to be moving well after missing 2015 because of a knee injury.
* Freshman defensive tackle Justin Holt practiced for the first time in camp. He broke a fibula in November while at Salpointe High. His conditioning is not where it needs to be as of yet.
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* Sophomore cornerback Sammy Morrison is not currently part of Arizona's 105-player training-camp roster because of an undisclosed injury. Morrison missed time in spring as well.
* Offensive lineman Christian Boettcher, who had missed the past several days because of an undisclosed injury, practiced in a green jersey (limited) and did some snapping.
* Three players were in yellow jerseys and limited to working on the side: receiver Tony Ellison, defensive lineman Calvin Allen and safety Gavin Robertson.
* Nick Wilson said fellow tailback J.J. Taylor, the impressive freshman from Corona, California, has the best feet on the team, regardless of position.
* The coaches are still trying to figure out the kicking and punting assignments. As they'd hoped, newcomer Edgar Gastelum is providing legitimate competition for Josh Pollack.
* Offensive play of the day, Part 1: Anu Solomon to Trey Griffey down the right sideline for a 90-plus-yard touchdown. Griffey beat Jace Whittaker on the play.
* Offensive play of the day, Part 2: Brandon Dawkins to Samajie Grant for a long TD during a two-minute drill. Grant got past DaVonte' Neal on what looked like a slant-and-go.
* Rodriguez and senior tight end Josh Kern spoke at Zach Hemmila's funeral service Friday afternoon. “I thought it was very well done,” Rodriguez said of the service. “Certainly it’s a sad time and pretty emotional for a lot of folks.”
* The Wildcats were scheduled for a walk-through Saturday afternoon before having dinner with soldiers. Rodriguez considers the dinner the highlight of the team’s annual trip to Fort Huachuca.
