The Wildcats stretch before Friday morning's practice.
FORT HUACHUCA — It was a business-like practice for the Arizona Wildcats on Friday morning, their second day holding football drills on the Army post.
With fall camp now more than a week old, the minor injuries are beginning to accumulate. Receivers Terrence Miller and David Roberts were among those sitting out Friday, although it’s not considered serious.
Starting cornerback Jonathan McKnight tweaked his right knee after catching his foot in the turf early in practice, coach Mike Stoops said. McKnight did not return to drills.
“He’s fine,” Stoops said. “Thanks goodness it’s nothing.”
Stoops said McKnight should be ready to play in Saturday afternoon’s scrimmage.
In McKnight’s absence, sophomore Shaquille Richardson slid out to corner. Richardson had been working at nickel back in the absence of Jourdon Grandon (out three weeks with torn meniscus).
“We’ve got a lot of guys kind of nicked up eight days in,” Stoops said. “We’re trying to rep a lot of the young guys, keep other guys fresh. We’ve got some aches and pains and strains, but I think we’re in pretty good shape.”
Lineup watch
True freshman Cortez Johnson, who was cleared to practice for the first time Thursday, worked as a second-team cornerback Friday morning.
At 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, Johnson looks physically ready to play right now and he has made enough of an impression that Stoops commented, “We know what Cortez Johnson can do.” …
Elsewhere, Jack Baucus, who switched from tight end to right tackle on Saturday, worked for the second consecutive practice at center. Backup center Addison Bachman suffered a wrist injury Thursday and had a cast on his right forearm Friday.
Bad news is that he snaps with that hand, so Baucus continues to take a crash course at center behing starter Kyle Quinn … and, understandably, Baucus still needs more consistency with his shotgun snaps.
Criner is just fine
Senior receiver Juron Criner looks every bit of an All-American in practice, often making spectacular catches amid tight coverage. That’s a huge relief after his summer “personal and family” problems that led to speculation that his season could be in danger.
As for those amazing catches?
“We’ve kind of come to expect it a little bit,” said receivers coach Dave Nichol. “He’s just playing with some confidence right now. It’s good. It’s good.”
What’s next
Arizona will hold a scrimmage on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. at Bujalski Field at Fort Huachuca. It is open to the public. To enter the post, you must have a valid driver’s license, proof of car insurance and current registration.