Arizona needs defensive lineman Griffin 'to step up'

He was disappointed and frustrated and told his father as much upon returning home to Bellevue, Washington, after the season-ending New Mexico Bowl. Marcus’ dad, Chris, advised his son to stay at Arizona. To stay the course. To stick it out.

“Being the great father he is, he told me to have faith in my plan,” Marcus Griffin said Thursday. “Just keep working, because you never know what could happen.”

Griffin took the advice to heart. And stuff did happen.

Arizona overhauled its defensive staff and scheme. The Wildcats promoted Vincent Amey from analyst to defensive line coach. Griffin described the changes as “new blessings in my life.”

“Sometimes it goes like that,” Griffin said. “God works in mysterious ways.”

Griffin believes the new defensive system is better suited to his skill set because it puts him in more of an attacking mode. He’s playing with more assertiveness after his confidence waned last season.

Arizona is desperately seeking playmakers, size and depth along the defensive line.

“We’re not nearly deep enough,” UA coach Rich Rodriguez said earlier this week. “We’ve got to get … seven or eight ready to play. We’re not there right now.”

The hope is that Griffin — one of seven 300-pound players on the roster — will become a regular contributor.

“I need him to be ready,” Amey said. “He’s getting there. I told him today: ‘I need you. We all need you.’ It’s time for him to step up and start making some plays.”

Griffin’s reaction to Amey’s request?

“He’s right,” Griffin said. “I think it’s my time.”

Jones cited

Arizona senior safety Tellas Jones is due to appear in court Wednesday in Scottsdale after being cited for three misdemeanors last week.

Jones was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia, speeding and making an unsafe lane change on Feb. 16, according to the State of Arizona Supreme Court website. Attempts to ascertain further information from the Scottsdale Police Department were unsuccessful.

Jones has not participated in spring practice, which began Feb. 12, because of “personal issues,” Rodriguez said Wednesday.

Jones was one of three players suspended for last year’s opener for violating team rules. Jones ended up playing a major role for the Wildcats, ranking fifth on the team in tackles (55) and tied for second in tackles-for-loss (seven).

More storm thoughts

Rodriguez weighed in on the issue of fans storming the court/field. He was watching Wednesday night when Colorado’s fans flooded the court after the Buffaloes upset the Wildcats.

“It looked a little scary for both teams,” Rodriguez said. “Do they tailgate before basketball games? It looked like they did.

“What you worry about is the players, especially in a confined environment like basketball. In football, at least you’ve got pads and can put a helmet on.”

Rodriguez recalled a time at West Virginia when the Mountaineers won a game, the fans stormed the field — and wouldn’t leave.

“They just wanted to stay there all night,” Rodriguez said. “I went on the PA system and told them to leave, and they still wouldn’t leave.”

Rodriguez said he later received a photo depicting a young male urinating at midfield.

“No one even noticed it,” Rodriguez said. “That’s how crazy it was.”

Extra points

* Arizona has moved redshirt junior Jarvis McCall Jr. from cornerback to safety, where the current depth is lacking. McCall ended last season as a starting corner.

* Rodriguez said he thought Arizona’s cornerbacks lost confidence at some point last season. He has seen signs this spring, including more pass breakups, that it’s coming back.

* Rodriguez said receiver Tony Ellison will play a lot this year and should be in the “starting rotation.” Rodriguez lauded Ellison’s competitiveness and quickness.

* Safety Carter Hehr left practice early, favoring his right shoulder. He still stopped to sign autographs for kids waiting nearby.

* The Wildcats have four days off before resuming practice Tuesday.