Practice No. 9
Location: Kindall/Sancet
Date: Friday, Aug. 14
Start Time: 6 p.m.
Weather: 95 degrees, partly cloudy
Play of the Day:
In live scrimmage action, sophomore safety Carter Hehr cut off a pass from Jerrard Randall for a diving interception. The play was one of several on the day that helped the defense to a win based on the coaches’ scoring system over the two-hour practice.
Stat of the Day:
Last season, seven players combined for 13 interceptions on the Wildcat defense. Arizona outscored its opponents 110-53 in points off turnovers over 14 games.
Coach Rod Said It:
On today's practice..
“It was alright. We needed to go live and we did for about thirty minutes. No one got hurt which was a positive. We still had a couple pre snap penalties which is really frustrating. I think the guys are still trying to learn how we practice, but they’ll get it or we will keep running afterwards.”
On the overall intensity..
“I thought it was okay. We missed a couple of passes, we had a couple turnovers, and we missed some tackles which is to be expected. We have to figure out how to be better tacklers without beating each other up. I think that is something every coach is going through.”
On DaVonte’ Neal’s progression..
“He’s had a good camp. He’s a highly competitive guy that has a knack for making plays. He’s been outstanding so far.”
In their Own Words:
Safety Will Parks
On taking on the leadership role..
"I am definitely trying to be more of a vocal leader. Last year I was quiet being under the wings of our senior safeties and secondary. I talked a little bit when I had to make calls but there will be much more communication this year. Today I was more tuned in and trying to set the tone for the defense."
Running Back Zach Green
On his improvement over the last year..
"I am way more comfortable this year. I understand all of the plays and I am actually playing this year instead of worrying about what the play is and if I am going to get it wrong. Everything is clicking in so many ways. I feel way more comfortable in the back field."
On being comfortable in the back field..
" I think that is when you can actually play. I think that is when people see how good you actually are. You can play to the best of your ability."
Up Next:
Arizona will have its next camp practice tomorrow morning. The 8:30 a.m. practice will be closed. Preseason camp practices are generally closed to the media and public unless otherwise announced.
Football Tickets:
Arizona Football season tickets, mini plans and single-game tickets are on sale now! Tickets can be purchased at ArizonaWildcats.com/footballtickets or by contacting the McKale Center Ticket Office (520-621-CATS).
Season tickets start at the affordable price of only $99! Meanwhile, the Red Plan includes the home opener against UTSA (Sept. 3), the Pac-12 home opener versus UCLA (Sept. 26) and the Family Weekend game against Oregon St. (Oct. 10). The Blue Plan consists of a non-conference match-up with NAU (Sept. 19), the Homecoming game against Washington St. (Oct. 24) and a high-end Pac-12 contest with Utah (Nov. 14).
Single-game tickets for the Sept. 3 home opener vs. UTSA start as low as $12 for adults and $7 for kids 3-12.
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