Spring practice open to public, set to start tomorrow at 9 a.m.

After a two-week delay, the football team will begin its annual spring practice tomorrow at 9 a.m. on the practice fields at the east end of campus.

Because of all the coaching changes the Wildcats endured in the last month, the team was forced to push back the workouts, a move that head coach John Mackovic said would be positive.

"By postponing the start of the spring practices, (the coaching staff) has spent more time doing things to get ready for the practices than we have in years," said Mackovic.

In the past, the team has gone right from recruiting to its spring drills, but this season the staff has had a few more weeks to prepare.

The longer break between recruiting and spring practice has not only helped the coaching staff, but also the players.

Mackovic said the team has been able to spend more time in the weight room and running to better prepare for the next month.

Spring practice will run from tomorrow all the way through April 24. The practices are open to the public and will take place either on the practice fields across from McKale Center or at Arizona Stadium.

Defensive gameplan revamped this year

With all of the new faces on the coaching staff, the main focus for the Wildcats early on is the instillation of new schemes.

The biggest difference will be on the defensive side of the ball. New defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz will abandon the Arizona signature double-flex eagle defense for a 3-4 set.

"Defensively, we are making a dramatic change," said Mackovic. "When you change defenses, not everyone fits into a position, so the biggest question for us this spring is the alignment of the personnel."

The UA offense will not have many changes, but one area of concern will be the pass protection. The Wildcats gave up 52 sacks last year, and Mackovic said it will be a main focus to correct that this spring.

"We don't have to change (pass protecting) schemes, but we do have some new emphasis points," Mackovic said.

Costa, O'Hara at heart of QB battle

The area of spring practice that will undoubtedly get the most press coverage will be the battle between quarterbacks Nic Costa and Ryan O'Hara.

Both will split time behind the center and be expected to take in a lot of information over the month.

"We want to be sure that these guys can handle our offense," Mackovic said.

Mackovic also said that he expects good competition between the two quarterbacks.

"(The job) is up for grabs," Mackovic said. "I would be surprised if somebody outdistances the other one this spring."

Mackovic not ready to crown Îother' 'Cats

The excitement of the NCAA men's basketball tournament couldn't escape even Mackovic. He commented on the Wildcats' involvement in the tournament and their chances of moving on.

"All (the media are) talking about is Kentucky," said Mackovic. "It's a little early to be crowning those Blue Cats."

Notes

The Wildcats will work in just helmets for the first two days of practice · Mackovic said there was no new news on the status of running back Clarence Farmer. Farmer was dismissed from the team last month and told he could not participate in the team's spring events · Both cornerback Darrell Brooks and tight end Steve Fleming will be held out of spring drills because of shoulder surgery, and cornerback Michael Jolivette is still recovering from a knee surgery. Jolivette will be practicing, but not at 100 percent according to Mackovic · The annual Red-Blue Scrimmage will be held April 12 at 1 p.m. in Arizona Stadium.