Rodriguez, Cats more at home in 2nd spring

There were overthrown balls by the quarterbacks. Receivers dropped passes, and cornerbacks lost their footing while backpedaling in drills.

But none of that really mattered Saturday morning at Sancet Stadium.

Football is back — at least for the time being — and the Arizona Wildcats are happy to be on the practice field.

Coach Rich Rodriguez’s squad went through its first of14 spring practices with the sun shining bright and the temperature locked in at a perfect spot.

“I liked the enthusiasm,” Rodriguez said. “We had great weather, and the guys were anxious to get out there.”

If Rodriguez learned anything Saturday morning after his team’s fast-paced workout that went just shy of two hours, it was this: Things definitely ran smoother than they did last year.

The second-year coach remembers having to stop practice midway through the opener last spring when it was time for popsicles. The players had trouble making it to their cold treats.

“Just from a familiarity standpoint, it’s night and day,” Rodriguez said.

“We’re not in shape right now, but they understand the routine and there was a lot less stress than there was last year.”

The players agreed. Richard Morrison, who will make the switch from receiver to cornerback this spring, said the team was certainly more prepared for the first practice this time around.

They were eagerly anticipating Rodriguez’s frantic pace.

“Last year we felt like we were going through a track meet in the spring,” Morrison said.

“This year, it’s like we know what to expect. Everyone is ready to go and get after it now.”

Added receiver Austin Hill: “We weren’t used to the speed of practice last year. Practices used to be more laid-back, whereas now ‘Coach Rod’ really gets into you during practice.

“Now that we’re a lot more comfortable, we can get better as a team.”