Tom Savage threw for 2,211 yards, with 14 touchdowns as a Rutgers freshman in 2009. Photo by David Butler II-US PRESSWIRE.
Tom Savage has the Arizona playbook. He has a UA training manual to guide his workouts. He has about a month left before he arrives in Tucson.
The Rutgers transfer quarterback will arrive in early July, in time to attend the second summer school session and get to know his teammates before fall camp begins.
“It still seems far, far away,” Savage said Tuesday from his home in Springfield, Pa. “I have been out here just working out, and I’m dying to get out there.”
Savage committed to Arizona in February after taking a visit to campus. Savage, who will have two seasons of eligibility left, will use his redshirt year in 2011 as he sits out because of transfer rules.
Savage, who was a 2009 Freshman All-American at Rutgers, has been working out with a personal trainer and tweaking his throwing mechanics since returning from his Arizona visit.
“I really have been working on my throws,” he said.
“I watched so much film of myself at Rutgers, and I’m my own worst critic. I really wanted to quicken everything up — decision-making and obviously getting the football out of my hands — so that I’m ready to compete.
“Arizona’s offense is definitely a change from my previous system; everything is quicker there. You can never be quick enough.”
He said quarterbacks coach Frank Scelfo visited him at his home last month, and he stays in some contact with Arizona starter Nick Foles. The two hit it off during Savage’s recruiting visit.
Savage said he is most looking forward this summer to doing the same with the rest of the Wildcats.
“I can’t wait to get with some of the guys and just start hanging out and growing the relationships,” Savage said. “That’s the biggest thing, just bonding with the team.”