The first weeks of college can be overwhelming for a freshman – attempting to navigate campus, meeting new people, trying to keep pace with a hefty workload.
Very few freshmen have to make these adjustments while also carrying the hopes of tens of thousands of football fans. Such is the task for the Arizona football team's crop of newcomers.
While much of the freshman class is still trying to learn its collective school schedule, the Wildcats' youngsters are set to appear Friday in their first NCAA football game on national television.
"I can't wait to leave Thursday, just get out there," said first-year quarterback Willie Tuitama. "I don't even know what to expect."
Tuitama, a 2,734-yard, 32-touchdown passer at St. Mary's High School in Stockton, Calif., brings the Wildcats depth at quarterback, playing alongside redshirt sophomore Richard Kovalcheck and junior Adam Austin.
Tuitama said the learning process has been a long one, but that the upperclassmen have helped him adjust.
"When I first came, I was at a loss," he said. "It really seemed like I was far behind on things.
"Now that I'm getting reps, I'm starting to get caught up," he said.
Along with the on-field adjustments, Tuitama and his fellow freshmen juggle a rigorous schedule.
"We have workouts at 6:30 in the morning, and then we go to class," he said. "We have study tables, meetings, practice.
"This is what we want to do, so we've got to do everything to get the job done," he said.
Wide receiver Mike Thomas, a freshman from DeSoto, Texas, said the transition into college life and football can be cumbersome.
"It's been a load," he said. "It's a job. But you've got to do it. You have to have your priorities straight."
Thomas, a Texas top-100 pick in a number of publications, including The Houston Chronicle, wowed spectators at the Aug. 20 Fan Appreciation game with 107 yards on four receptions, including a 46-yard catch that led to a touchdown.
"I'm just ready to ... get my name out there, go win ball games, be a team player, and have some fun," he said. "I'm just out there playing (and) giving God all the glory. Whatever happens, happens."
Xavier Smith, a local product out of Sunnyside High School, is expected to be Arizona's fourth weapon at tailback.
Despite rushing for 1,205 yards and reaching the end zone 16 times as a prep senior, Smith said he was initially shocked by the speed of the collegiate game.
The true test for this group comes Friday at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, where they step between the chalk lines for the first time against a Utah team that went 12-0 a season ago.
Friday will be the first step for the Arizona freshmen on a long road of bumps and bruises, jeers and cheers, wins and losses. This is a class with some lofty goals.
"You've got to get that education, first off," Thomas said. "We'll probably get a national championship in a couple years."