Quick hitters from the Arizona Wildcats’ 12th spring practice Thursday afternoon and media availability afterward:
- Quarterback Anu Solomon missed his fourth straight practice because of a hamstring injury. But he's among several sidelined Wildcats who have a good chance to return after next week’s spring break. "That’s what I’m hoping," UA coach Rich Rodriguez said. "We’ll see."
- Tight end Brion Anduze and offensive lineman Freddie Tagaloa are among the players who won’t be back for the final three spring practices. Both had recent knee surgeries. Tagaloa's was considered a minor cleanup.
- Players wearing yellow jerseys – sideline rehab only – included Solomon, Tagaloa, tailback Orlando Bradford, cornerback Sammy Morrison and defensive linemen Jack Banda and Roc Russell.
- Tailback Nick Wilson, who missed the end of last season because of a knee injury, is practicing without any restrictions.
- The team practiced better Thursday than Wednesday, Rodriguez said. Rodriguez wasn’t happy with the Wildcats’ focus Wednesday. “I thought we kind of wasted a day,” he said. “We can’t afford to waste a day."
- Interesting factoid regarding Arizona’s tight end usage: The Wildcats were in “11” personnel – one running back, one tight end, three wide receivers - more than 60 percent of the time last season.
- Rodriguez is conducting a clinic today and Friday for high school coaches. About 150 are expected to attend. Most are from the state of Arizona.
- Rodriguez is playing in the Tucson Conquistadores Classic pro-am next week. His playing partners include ... former Arizona coach Mike Stoops. Rodriguez said the two are friends.
