TUCSON, Ariz. -- Don’t expect Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez to show everything -- or anything exciting, at least -- when he debuts his spread-option offense at the Wildcats' annual spring game on Saturday.
Hints will be visible, but there’s plenty of work to do in the coming months as the Wildcats work toward their season opener against Toledo on Sept. 1 at what will be a newly renovated Arizona Stadium.
"I hope they will see the guys play hard and picking up the new schemes," Rodriguez said of what the fans will see at 1 p.m. in Kino Stadium. "We're not going to show a whole lot. I think everybody holds back in the spring a little bit. When you get into fall camp, you really start to put in your game plan."
Clearly, the stadium isn’t the only thing that’s a work in progress. Here are some things to look for during the scrimmage:
A more stable offensive line. Last season, there was no group that took more heat – and with reason – than Arizona’s offensive line. It was thin on experience and production. A season later, the same group is more experienced and excited about what’s going on. There are four seniors and a lot of leadership.
"We still have a long ways to go, and as an O-line, we have to get in much better shape," said center Kyle Quinn, the most seasoned veteran. "We’re in better shape than how we started, and that’s a good thing right now."
In fact, some of the criticism the offensive line received a season ago has helped fuel the motivational fires this year.
"Guys are battle tested now," Quinn said. "There’s no more throwing guys into the fire. We’re ready to go and all we need to do now is master the scheme."
Arizona’s offense may not be the blur everyone is hoping for (improved recruiting and personnel will help in the future), but it’s going to be different than what Wildcats' fans are used to. It’ll be in hurry-up most -- most of the time. And we’ll see if indeed Rodriguez feels "huddles are a waste of time."
Added Quinn: "The speed of this offense is nothing like anyone has ever seen before. That’s the biggest adjustment. We're adjusting (well) but we have to get better over the summer."
Senior quarterback Matt Scott may be the most important player on the team, and maintaining his health will be of utmost importance Saturday. Don’t expect him to be touched with Arizona’s quarterback depth lacking. That said, it won’t be a surprise to see backup Richard Morrison take some snaps after being moved from wide receiver to provide a viable backup. Scott will have some help when the team returns in August with a couple of recruits, but until then, he'll be treated as though he’s in bubble wrap.
A season ago, special teams were a major factor in determining the Wildcats' success (or lack thereof). The Wildcats tried two kickers -- the now-departed Alex Zendejas and senior Jaime Salazar -- for most of the season until senior John Bonano emerged as the go-to guy. Bonano is the guy right now, but what occurred last season shows you how tenuous the situation can be.
"I got to experience the No. 1 kicker spot, but I also know how it feels to compete and prove yourself," Bonano said. "With the new (coaching) staff, nothing is set in stone. I come out and try to make everything.
"Arizona football has experienced how important every kick is. I try to come out and kick everything like it’s the game winner."
Arizona’s pre-Rodriguez offense was well-documented as being pass-heavy, with former quarterback Nick Foles putting up big numbers through the air.
The defense? Well, that was a continuing question all of last year, and it's getting an overhaul under new defensive coordinator Jeff Casteel. It should be helped by the return of linebacker Jake Fischer and safety Adam Hall, each of whom suffered season-ending knee injuries prior to last season.
"Things are different ... night and day," said Fischer, comparing the most recent practices with those at the beginning of spring. "I’m really proud in the way the kids have competed. We’re getting better and competing with the offense. It was a little shaky the first few days. We have a competitive fire."
