UA
BYU names Taysom Hill starting QB for opener against Arizona
Michael Lev
Arizona Daily Star
Quick hitters from Arizona’s post-practice media availability Tuesday morning:
- This first one actually happened after we were done talking to Rich Rodriguez and others: Week 1 opponent BYU named its starting quarterback. Productive but injury-plagued senior Taysom Hill will start against the Wildcats, according to reports.
- In general, Rodriguez said figuring out what BYU is going to do in all three phases has been "really difficult." The Cougars have a new head coach (Kalani Sitake) and new coordinators, and their spring game wasn’t televised. As such, Rodriguez said, early in-game adjustments will be critical vs. BYU.
- Defensive lineman Luca Bruno (foot) remained in a walking boot. Offensive lineman Alex Kosinski (undisclosed) also remained out.
- Rodriguez said he's been impressed with how quickly freshman tailback J.J. Taylor has picked things up mentally. Although Taylor is just 5-6, 170, Rodriguez said "there’s nothing that he can’t do right now in our offense."
- The Wildcats have begun their experimental in-season morning practice regimen. The toughest part, Rodriguez said, is “making sure they get to bed early." He believes that’ll become less of an issue as the season progresses.
- Two Arizona players made the preseason Senior Bowl watch list: receiver Trey Griffey and linebacker Paul Magloire (who’s listed as a safety).
- Finally, a quick note on the format of these post-practice blog entries. Arizona has closed practice completely for the season. Additionally, interviews are taking place at the Lowell-Stevens Football Facility, as opposed to the practice field. We’ll do our best to provide as much information as we can under the circumstances.