Ka’Deem Carey was rated the No. 1 running back in the nation this summer by Lindy’s Football Annuals. Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images
Arizona Wildcats coach Rich Rodriguez said Thursday he has yet to decide on any playing-time punishment for All-American running back Ka’Deem Carey, who had a troubled offseason.
“I’ll determine that through camp,” Rodriguez told ESPN’s Chris Fowler on a live appearance on SportsCenter.
“And it’s more than just the issues he’s had. We have a lot of strict policies, a lot of things in our program, like any coach would, and if you don’t do things the right way, then you are going to pay the price in playing time.”
Carey’s legal troubles were resolved in June, when misdemeanor assault and disorderly conduct charges were dropped. His other high-profile problem came in late January when he was removed from McKale Center during a basketball game after a verbal confrontation with event staff and local police.
While RichRod is keeping his discipline options open as the Cats prepare for the beginning of camp on Aug. 3, he told Fowler that Carey seems to be back on a good path. Carey earned consensus All-America honors last season, leading the nation in rushing with 1,929 yards, the fifth-best total in Pac-12 history.
“Ka’Deem has done everything that we asked him to do since he had his issues,” Rodriguez said.
“He’s always been a great guy to coach. If his perception is poor, and I’ve talked about this with Ka’Deem, then that’s his fault and he has to do all he can to rectify that.
“And he’s done that so far. He’s had a great offseason. From when I have last seen him, last week, he’s in great shape. He’s ready to go. I think he has to prove himself all over again, and that’s not a bad thing.”