Notes and takeaways from the Arizona Wildcats' ninth practice of spring.
Michael Lev The Arizona Wildcats held their ninth practice of spring Monday afternoon. Here are some notes and observations from spring practice No. 9: * The defense continued to show a knack for takeaways, intercepting four passes.
The interceptions were made by linebacker Anthony Solomon and safeties Christian Young, Jaxen Turner and Isaiah Taylor. Jayden de Laura and Jordan McCloud each threw two picks. * Freshman quarterback Noah Fifita avoided the turnover bug and connected with tight end Alex Lines for a touchdown during the 11-on-11 red-zone period. * The most impressive receiver in one-on-ones was Jacob Cowing, who twice got the best of DJ Warnell. Cornerbacks Isaiah Rutherford, Treydan Stukes and Ephesians Prysock recorded pass breakups. * Cowing also made the play of the day in 11-on-11 red-zone work, winning a jump ball vs. Strukes to haul in a pass from de Laura in the back left corner of the end zone. * Freshman receiver Kevin Green Jr. had a strong practice and really has come on lately. He’s already one of the team’s better route runners.* Three players who had been working on the side progressed to individual drills: tailbacks Drake Anderson and Stevie Rocker Jr., and tight end Tanner McClachlan. * Offensive lineman Davis DiVall returned to the team after being absent because of what UA coach Jedd Fisch called “personal issues.” DiVall did not work in full pads, but he spent time with the OL group during drills. * Defensive end Hunter Echols pulled up early in practice and grabbed his left hamstring. He did not return. Echols had recorded two sacks at that point. * Defensive lineman JB Brown was a limited participant. Fellow defensive lineman Dion Wilson Jr. worked on the side. Nickel back Gunner Maldonado was out. * With Brown and Wilson banged up, Tiaoalii Savea worked with the first unit. Jeremy Mercier subbed for Echols at the “Cat” DE spot. Warnell started at nickel, with Isaiah Mays behind him. * The defense broke into a chant of “You can’t do that!” after the offense committed a holding penalty. * Fisch almost lost his voice by the end of practice. Asked about it afterward Fisch said: “I think it’s allergies. Or interceptions.”Respond: Write a letter to the editor | Write a guest opinion Subscribe for just 23¢ per week Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Watch Now: Related Video Lewis Hamilton calls for changes in Saudi Arabia FrontPageBets' Mike Szvetitz breaks down the Sweet 16, looks ahead to Elite Eight FrontPageBets' Mike Szvetitz breaks down the Sweet 16, looks ahead to Elite Eight Watch Now: Tommy Lloyd, Benn Mathurin and others react to Arizona's Sweet 16 loss top story Watch Now: Tommy Lloyd, Benn Mathurin and others react to Arizona's Sweet 16 loss Watch Now: Arizona players give their best Tommy Lloyd impression top story Watch Now: Arizona players give their best Tommy Lloyd impression Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!Contact reporter Michael Lev at 520-573-4148 or mlev@tucson.com. On Twitter: @michaeljlev