CHRIS CODUTO/Arizona Daily Wildcat Sophomore Nic Costa throws a bomb during Arizona's annual spring scrimmage. Costa and Ryan O'Hara are neck in neck in the race for next seasons starting quarterback role.

The Wildcats concluded their 15-practice spring session, and though the team made great strides, they have a long way to go before the fall on both sides of the ball, head coach John Mackovic said.

Defense

On the defensive side, the team had many obstacles to overcome this spring. The Wildcats were installing a new scheme, along with welcoming a new defensive coordinator.

"Number one, we had to install our defense and arrange our personnel," Mackovic said. "The transition of that went smoothly."

UA changed from its unique Double-Eagle Flex defense to a more conventional 3-4. With the change, the Wildcats were forced to move a few players around and find new places in the defense where they could contribute.

"We didn't rearrange too many people, but I felt good about what those guys did there," Mackovic said.

Another focus for the defense was to build a new personality. The team worked on pursuit drills and getting every person on the defense to the football every play.

"We want to get a rough and rugged, tough, hard-nose personality," said Mackovic. "We aren't there yet, but we have made good strides toward that."

Offense

Much like the defense, the offense also focused mostly on the basics. There was a large emphasis on the running game all spring, especially in short yardage situations.

"We spent a lot of time on the power (offense)," Mackovic said.

The rushing duties for all of the spring practices were split mostly between sophomores Mike Bell, Beau Carr and junior Chris Harris.

The area that got the most media attention was the battle over the starting quarterback position.

Both sophomore Nic Costa and freshman Ryan O'Hara shared the quarterback duties and, according to Mackovic, it should stay that way up until the week before the first game.

Injuries

Junior quarterback John Rattay re-injured his right knee last Friday and will need surgery.

Rattay tore the ACL in his right knee last season while playing at Pasadena City College, and it is unclear as to whether he will return to play next year.

"If there is any way he can get back, he will get back," Mackovic said.

Junior linebacker Pat Howard was also injured during spring practice and had surgery on his shoulder.

Mackovic described the injury as a rotator cuff tear, and said he expects Howard to be ready by the fall.

The Wildcats also lost the services of junior linebacker Fata Avegalio, who was forced off the field due to multiple concussions, but he is still fulfilling some coaching duties with the team.

Farmer Update

There is no new news on the status of senior running back Clarence Farmer. Mackovic said that he has had several meetings with Farmer and his family.

"We discussed his past more than his future," Mackovic said.

Farmer was present at most of the team's spring practices, but was in street clothes. His name also appeared on the team's summer 2003 depth chart. He was listed as the team's fourth running back.

"Hopefully we will resolve things," Mackovic said.

Awards

Both the offense and defense gave away two awards last night at the team's final practice. Junior offensive tackle Chris Johnson was named the offensive team's most improved player, and junior tight end Clarence McRae was the most outstanding newcomer. On the defensive side of the ball, sophomore safety Lamon Means was awarded the defense's most improved player award, while freshman defensive end Paul Phillips was the most outstanding newcomer.