Arizona Wildcats Insider Podcast: UA Training Camp Conversation
In this story:
Welcome! To another edition of the Arizona Wildcats Insider Podcast featuring your host Troy Hutchison, who will be delivering a daily podcast discussing everything happening surrounding Arizona athletics giving you an inside look at all the programs on campus.
Hutchison has been covering Arizona for the last seven years with his coverage spanning all-across UA’s campus from football and men’s basketball to Title IX sports. Plus, with so many former Wildcats playing at the next level in their prospective sports there will be moments where he will take a deep dive into the Cats excelling outside of Tucson.
To watch today's episode, view below.
The energy at practice was high, loud despite the team not even in full pads, or in shells at this point in time. The pace of play was a complete 180 from the previous season and matches the mindset and mentality that the coaching staff wasn’t to bring to the 2025 season.
Although there was no contact and players weren’t in shells, there were still takeaways to be made with what the media was able to see throughout the duration of the day.
Three Observations
Quarterback room
- The talent level has risen in the quarterbacks room compared to a season ago. Noah Fifita is still the No. 1 guy and will be the starting QB this season. However, last year, there was zero talent behind him that could play in a game if need be.
- Now, Arizona has brought in Braedyn Locke and freshman Sawyer Anderson and it is already a clear upgrade after one practice. Locke can sling the ball all over the field and has good pocket awareness when under pressure.
- As for Anderson, he is highly talented with good athleticism and Fifita even said that he might be the best athlete in the room. He has been learning under the two veterans and is always by their side soaking up their knowledge of the game.
Tre Spivey has got game
- One of the best receivers on the field on Tuesday was wide receiver Tre Spivey, who transferred into Arizona after spending time at Kansas State. Spivey brings a 6-foot-4 frame with his official weight still to be released.
- He was able to have a successful day in camp with a 40-plus yard touchdown reception where he high-pointed the ball over the defender for six. Spivey has strength and soft hands that will potentially make him a key target for the 2025 season.
Punting Game
- Last season, Arizona struggled in the punting game and in spring practice where things were very shaky even and saw Michael Salgado-Medina kicking, punting and doing some kickoff work.
- Now, The Wildcats and special teams coach Craig Naviar have brought in Australian punter Isaac Lovison to compete with Salgado-Medina.
- On Wednesday both punters put on a show with long distance punts and really good hang times (don’t have an official time). It is clear that the punter position will be a fierce battle this camp season.
Please share with us your thoughts on the three observations. To do so, follow us on our X account by clicking on the link.
Troy Hutchison grew up attending Arizona athletic events, which gave him a unique perspective and knowledge of the athletic department's rich history. He attended UA and began covering the Wildcats in 2018. As the Arizona Wildcats Beat Writer on SI, he is set to deliver wall-to-wall coverage to give fans an in-depth perspective.
Follow THutch1995