UA seniors showing improvement in practice

Nicholas Valenzuela Arizona Daily Wildcat UA sophomore quarterback Keith Smith follows his blockers down the sideline during Saturday's scrimmage at Arizona Stadium. According to head coach Dick Tomey, Smith's progress during recent practices looks promising for fall.

Of those five possible starters, a pair of them are the most improved players on the squad, according to UA head coach Dick Tomey

Tight end Mike Lucky and cornerback Chris McAlister have taken turns impressing coaches during the spring session of practices, which were completed over the weekend.

"Chris has probably improved as much as anyone on defense," Tomey said. "Lucky is probably the most improved player on offense."

McAlister, an All-Pacific 10 Conference selection last season, led all Wildcats last season with four interceptions, following a sophomore campaign that included six interceptions, which was tops in conference play.

"(Chris) has done a lot already," Tomey said about the cornerback that could be the lone senior to start next season for defense. "He will be comparable to anyone in the country (next season)."

Although McAlister could also see some time returning kickoffs, Tomey will have McAlister pursuing punters rather than returning the kicks.

"We want McAlister to put heat on the kicker," Tomey said. "Chris is going to block some kicks this year."

McAlister proved Tomey right Saturday night, getting in on a blocked punt during the team's scrimmage.

At the tight end spot, the 6-foot-6-inch, 270-pound Lucky is following up an average season by his standards. He pulled in 13 catches for 154 yards and two touchdowns as a junior.

"Lucky had a terrific spring," Tomey said. "It is probably because (freshman) Brandon Manumaleuna was doing everything right behind him."

Lucky and Manumaleuna, who saw time at tight end, halfback and defensive tackle during the spring, are just one of the many duos battling for a starting spot in the fall. Of those duels, the one at quarterback seems to grab most of the attention.

Much has been made between sophomore Keith Smith and redshirt freshman Ortege Jenkins during the spring. Smith has shown good signs during recent practices, while Jenkins missed some time due to basketball and academic concerns.

"(Smith) was tremendous this spring," Tomey said. "He threw for a very high percentage."

Tomey, however, is not about to pick who will be his starting quarterback yet.

"We will have to wait till the fall when we play with real bullets to determine who is playing the best at the time," Tomey said. "These two guys are both going to get their chances to play early in the season."

According to Tomey, the battle can only improve the position for the Wildcats.

"I think it is one of the strongest positions we have," Tomey said. "I think it will be a really great thing. We are going to need both guys."