Rich Rodriguez might add a couple of players to the mix on defense this week vs. South Carolina State. Photo by Matt Kartozian-US PRESSWIRE
Arizona has a short injury list this week, reporting only four players and possibly eying the season debuts of linebacker Hank Hobson and defensive end Dan Pettinato.
Hobson, who was in line for a starting job in camp, has been out because of a shoulder injury. He has improved from questionable in week 1 to probable in week 2 to not listed at all this week.
Pettinato, who had figured to be in the rotation at end, is considered probable — although that is the same status he had last week, when he did not play.
Coach Rich Rodriguez says he would like to get to the point where he can play 22 or 23 guys on defense, and having these two guys will help get him closer. The rotation has been more like 16 to 17, with a few players in the back end not leaving the field at all.
Arizona’s defense has been on the field for 186 plays, the most of any team in the country through two games.
Elsewhere on the injury list, tight end Drew Robinson (pneumonia) is probable. Backup left guard Cayman Bundage (knee) is questionable. Linebacker Greg Nwoko, converted from running back in camp, remains out because of a preseason hip injury.
Earlier this week, sophomore linebacker Rob Hankins had to give up football because of a serious concussion suffered early in fall camp.