Citizen Staff Writer
JOHN MOREDICH
jmoredich@tucsoncitizen.com
All eyes have been on the Arizona quarterback situation, but the Wildcats want to see more consistency from the entire offense in the fall.
That means running backs must read the holes correctly, receivers must avoid drops and the revamped line must work in sync.
“We’re better . . . but like anything else you get greedy,” UA offensive coordinator Sonny Dykes said, evaluating spring drills. “We’ve come a long way, but we still are a little more inconsistent than I want us to be.”
Quarterbacks Matt Scott, Nick Foles and Bryson Beirne had their day in the spotlight, with Scott and Foles likely battling for the starting job in the fall.
“Quarterbacks mirror the team,” Dykes said. “Those guys are still good at times and look just OK at times.”
Mr. Consistent: Sophomore receiver William “Bug” Wright earned praise in the spring. Wright, who caught three passes last season, is being seen as the replacement for Pac-10 career receptions leader Mike Thomas.
New receivers: The Wildcats appear to be loaded at receiver, led by Terrell Turner and Delashaun Dean. They could be challenged in the fall by junior college transfer Travis Cobb and incoming freshman DeWayne Peace.
“We are excited to see what (Cobb) brings,” Dykes said. “He will give us good speed and he runs well. I’m also anxious to see what (Peace) can do.”
Gone: Greg Nwoko’s powerful running style helps Arizona fill a void after Joe Reese quit. Receiver Terrell Reese did not return this semester after off-the field incidents.
On guard: Offensive lineman Conan Amituanai has done enough to possibly start, which might move Mike Diaz from guard to tackle. Amituanai, a 6-4, 335-pound junior, had been a backup at left guard.
Diaz, who missed part of spring drills with a bad ankle, was expected to line up at left guard. He might move to left tackle, where Phillip Garcia has missed spring workouts while rehabilitating a surgically repaired knee.
“(Amituanai) has been as big a surprise as anybody,” Dykes said. “He has been a different guy. His head has been clear and his focus has been there.”
• Coming Thursday: How the UA defense looked this spring