SAUL LOEB/Arizona Daily Wildcat Senior quarterback Jason Johnson throws to a receiver yesterday in practice at Arizona Stadium. The Wildcats began the second year of the John Mackovic era with their first spring practice.

The Fulcher family knew something that only Anthony himself didn't: that he would make a good safety.

The junior made the switch this spring from running back to strong safety and called the move a "blessing waiting to happen."

"I asked my family, and they thought it was a good decision," he said. "I was the only one who waited this long to make the change."

Two members of Fulcher's family - his father, Mark, and uncle David - have strong football ties.

His father was a former UA quarterback from 1978-1981. His uncle was a former Arizona State football player and an all-pro running back for the Cincinnati Bengals.

Fulcher, who played safety at Horizon High School in Scottsdale, said that when he arrived at Arizona two years ago, former Wildcat secondary coach Duane Akina wanted him to consider switching to defense.

"However, when they made a coaching change and coach Mackovic came in, I was doing pretty good at running back," he said. "To be honest, it's a move not only to help the team but also to get on the field more."

UA head coach John Mackovic said Fulcher, who was slowed yesterday by a sore groin in the team's first full day of practicing in pads, has played well since switching.

"We knew he had competitiveness on offense," Mackovic said. "(On offense) he was smart and we could teach him and then he could do it. He is going to be the same way on defense. He's going to be a real solid player."

Fulcher was fifth on the team receptions last season catching 10 passes for 115 yards and one touchdown. He also had 18 carries for 90 yards.

Junior Gary Love is considering a change in position from wide receiver to cornerback.

Mackovic said he is considering switching Love to defense because of all the nickel schemes the team runs.

"(Love) is doing fine, and he has quick feet and he can run," Mackovic said. "We knew he was tough. He was one of our tougher guys at wide receiver. I asked him to give it a try. We play so many nickel coverages that we need some more guys there."

Love has not ruled out playing wide receiver this season. As a wideout last year, he caught two passes for 26 yards.

Last spring, Jason Johnson had to compete against six other quarterbacks for the starting job.

However, this spring his competition is just one - freshman Nic Costa.

"It is definitely nice to get most of the snaps now," Johnson said. "I have seen a whole different game out there this year. The game has slowed down, and now I have a lot more knowledge and a lot more experience."

Costa missed most of practice yesterday with strep throat, but Johnson praised the young quarterback.

"He has all the physical tools and all he needs is experience to get better. It's great for him to get out here and work, and he still has four years left," Johnson said. "It's great to see a young guy who has a lot of potential."

Mackovic said he hopes that Costa will be able to practice more this week before the team gets 12 days off for spring break.

Johnson is going to spend his spring break in Los Angeles visiting former UA quarterback Keith Smith.

"It will be nice to just throw the ball around with him," he said.