ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ returned to full pads for the Wildcats' eighth practice of the spring on Thursday.Â
Here are notes and takeaways from ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s latest spring practice as the Wildcats turn the page to the second half of their practice schedule.Â
* In a one-on-one drill, cornerback Marquis Groves-Killebrew, while defending New Mexico transfer wide receiver Luke Wysong, intercepted quarterback Noah Fifita. Wysong and Groves-Killebrew were often paired up with each other on Thursday.
* West Virginia transfer defensive back Ayden Garnes had arguably his best practice of the spring. His most eyebrow-raising play was an explosive hit on slot receiver Jeremiah Patterson catching a bubble screen. Even if he doesn't start in the fall, Garnes' 6-foot, 176-pound frame, athleticism and physicality should earn him a role in the defensive secondary as a nickel back or cornerback, especially in the seven-defensive back dollar package.
People are also reading…
* After ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s defense dominated Tuesday's practice, the offense bounced back in team periods and were more consistent in picking up first downs and moving the ball down the field. Fifita connected with freshman wide receiver and Orlando product Isaiah Mizell over the middle for a first down. Mizell is one of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s fastest newcomers in its 2025 recruiting class.Â
* Portland State transfer running back Quincy Craig has been the most improved running back this spring, said running backs coach Alonzo Carter. Redshirt sophomore Kedrick Reescano and Texas State transfer Ismail Mahdi are the Wildcats' top two running backs on the depth chart, but Craig has been on the rise, especially with Utah transfer Mike Mitchell rehabbing an injury. Â
* ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ hosted 20 recruits on Thursday from the 2025-28 recruiting classes. The ’25 prospects attending ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s practice on Thursday were Las Vegas long snapper Andrew O'Reilly and cornerback Mark Ricks from Crean Lutheran High School in Irvine, California. Seven Crean Lutheran players were in attendance, including four-star 2026 defensive tackle Tank Carrington. The visitors currently with ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ offers are three-star 2027 Delaware running back Amar'e Glover, ’27 Los Angeles-area receiver Damari Hall and Crean Lutheran defensive back Patrick Hall.Â
Contact Justin Spears, the Star's ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ football beat reporter, at jspears@tucson.com. On X(Twitter): @JustinESports
Justin Spears
Sports Reporter
Antonio Pierce returns to ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ after 'very sour' ending to UA career
