Linebacker David Lopez gets fitted for shoulder pads Tuesday.
Media couldn’t interview Arizona newcomers as they reported to football camp Tuesday — coach Mike Stoops’ usual policy — but there were a few who passed the unofficial “eye test.”
Among those were freshman defensive back Cortez Johnson and freshman wide receiver Patrick Onwuasor. I might have to revise my list of six newcomers to watch.
Johnson appears physically ready to play. If he picks up the scheme quickly, he could be in the mix for a spot in the secondary rotation, perhaps at safety or nickel back.
I guess that shouldn’t be a surprise considering what Stoops said on Signing Day: “Cortez will be a guy who will compete right off the bat for playing time.”
Onwuasor plays a position where Arizona has its greatest depth, so he might not be needed right away. But he was one of the pleasant Signing Day surprises, picking UA over ASU and Miami, and it’s probably safe to say that the 6-1 freshman has some of the biggest hands among the receivers.
Junior college transfer linebacker David Lopez also looked physically ready to play. Lopez, who was headed to Portland State before the Wildcats grabbed him this summer, is listed at 6-3, 230. As Stoops said last week: “He’s done a really good job this summer. He looks good. He’s a big kid. We hope we stole one there.”
Running back Ka’Deem Carey, considered the gem of the recruiting class, was one of the first to report to camp Tuesday morning.
Among the scholarship players, Arizona is still awaiting a determination on the status of linebacker Domonique Petties. Arizona hadn’t released an official list of the newcomers as of early afternoon.
Sahuaro high placekicker Drew Riggleman is expected to walk-on later this month.
Rutgers transfer quarterback Tom Savage tries out his shoulder pads under the watchful eye of Wendell Neal, the associate athletic director for equipment.
Wide receiver Patrick Onwuasor checks out some shoes.
Defensive lineman Christian Upshaw is one of several walk-ons who reported Tuesday.
Offensive lineman Luis Martinez, a Salpointe Catholic graduate, is walking-on to the Wildcats.