Arizona Football Wraps up Spring with White vs. Blue Scrimmage

Fans were given one last showcase inside Arizona Stadium Friday night as the Spring practices officially came to an end for the Arizona Football team.  

In the last bit of football action, we’ll be able to get for the next four to six months Wildcats fans were able to cheer on the Arizona Football team in a live showcase as the official spring practices come to a close.

On a rather chilly evening inside the sparsely filled Arizona Stadium, the white team led by recruiting coordinator Chris Singletary took on Matt Dudek’s blue squad. There was a bit of a rivalry brewing just before kick-off, social media trash talking before the game would certainly lead to an eventful competition.

The tone was set early in this one, as sophomore-to-be quarterback Khalil Tate would connect with Shun Brown on a 65-yard touchdown, making it 6-0 in favor of the white team early on.

https://twitter.com/sciguyrosen/status/848000222278156288

The blue team, with veteran QB Brandon Dawkins at the helm, was unable to sustain drives, and move the ball with any success. Team White would eventually come away victorious, but it was freshman running back Nathan Tilford scoring a touchdown on a two-yard scamper late in the game to make it 21-0, ultimately sealing the deal.

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Dudek’s team would later score on a touchdown run from walk-on Quincy Wimbish, to cut Team White’s lead to 21-6. However, Singletary’s squad would finish with the 24-6 win.

It is difficult to take too much away from these sort of scrimmages, since some players are rested, and the coaching staff likes to get everyone reps, but we will do our best.

However, here were a few observations I saw:

• The offense seemed a bit more pass focused in this game, than they were all last season, especially with Tate at QB.
• Tate has definitely seemed to have progressed as a passer. He looked more comfortable in the offense and had a better touch on his throws in this game. Also seemed to have solid presence and patience in the pocket.
• Freshman Nathan Tilford is a human boulder that can run well. He will be a nightmare for Pac-12 teams for a while.
• Defense looked a bit more comfortable and definitely seemed a bit more physical. However, pass rush still could be a little better.
• Linebacker Tony Fields doesn’t play like a freshman. He’s very controlled, confident and poised on defense.
• JJ Taylor is the spin button on a gaming controller. We like to call him “The Spin Cycle.”
• Offensive line still looks a little shaky in pass protection but also gave plenty of opportunities for the running backs to get through and gain yards
• Shawn Poindexter and freshman Bryce Gilbert are mismatches on offense. Hopefully, Rodriguez can get them involved this year.
• We don’t know if Matt Aragon (listed as a punter), will play wide receiver, but at 6-feet-5-inches, he looked absolutely solid as a pass catcher. Like this catch for example…

https://twitter.com/ArizonaFBall/status/847988955240955905

Here are all the highlights:

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Overall, it was a solid game by the football team, and ultimately we’re just happy there were no major injuries this Spring. It was good to see the Cats back in action, and we can’t wait for the 2017 season! Bear Down, Arizona!