Rookies making an immediate impact

While the typical freshmen have to figure out where all their classes are, learn to manage their time, adjust from being away from home and meet a million new people, the fresh faces on the Arizona football team get to experience all of that plus learn a new playbook, meet their new teammates, try to make a name for themselves, and contribute in an attempt to have a winning season.

Piece of cake, right?

For the most part, however, the Wildcats' freshmen class seem to be doing just fine.

Freshman William Blocker, a running back from San Bernardino, Calif., could see some significant playing time at a position where the Wildcats have yet to prove themselves.

"I'm a player," Blocker said. "I want to get in as soon as possible. I like the contact."

Blocker, who has sprinter-type speed with a 5-11, 210 pound frame, was one of the staff's top-rated recruits this year. Blocker, who has run the 100 meters in 10.6 seconds, rushed for 1,326 yards and 11 touchdowns during his junior season at Pacific High School. He rushed for 1,100 yards and eight touchdowns despite being pestered by a hamstring problem the following year.

The transition from high school to college ball has taken some time for Blocker.

"The plays are a lot harder (on the college level)," Blocker said. "It's a lot faster, but at the same intensity."

Blocker won two letters in wrestling, and three in track and football, respectively. Although a tailback and sprinter, Blocker was rated one of the top fullback prospects by the National Recruiting Advisor.

Regardless of the position, Blocker just wants to be on the gridiron.

"My first year, I want to go out and get a feel of the game," Blocker said.

"I'm excited to see Blocker," UA head coach Dick Tomey said. "He can really run."

As for the other running backs who he is competing with, none have given the freshman a hard time.

"They (the running backs) are cool," Blocker said. "They want us to learn. The running backs are like a big family."

Also receiving guidance from the veterans at his position is Brandon Manumaleuna, a 6-1, 260 defensive lineman from Torrance, Calif.

"They have taken me under their wing," Manumaleuna said. "They have helped me get acquainted with the plays and system."

Manumaleuna, who can also play tight end, was a late commitment for Arizona. Like Blocker, Manumaleuna is also working hard at learning the new system and new style of football.

"It's a little harder," Manumaleuna said. "It's more intense, but physically the same."

Manumaleuna made 33 receptions for 550 yards and seven touchdowns as a tight end his senior season at Narbonne High School and was a second-team all-state defensive lineman selection by Cal-Hi Sports.

Manumaleuna, who also lettered in basketball and track, hopes to contribute to the Wildcat's success.

"It's important to me to help," Manumaleuna said. "I just want to do whatever I need to do to make the team win."

Before even meeting Tomey, Manumaleuna had ties to the Arizona head coach. His father, Frank, played football at UCLA in the early 1970s when Tomey was an assistant there.

Manumaleuna and defensive lineman Anthony Thomas look to have the best chance at seeing the most action on the field.

"I think that Anthony is likely to start because of the rotation," Tomey said. "Both (Manumaleuna and Thomas) have done a great job. To have two true freshman ready to start in the league is exciting."

Thomas, who was recruited by several Pacific 10 Conference schools, could get any early chance to show Arizona fans why he carries the nickname "The Train". The 6-3, 240 pound freshman from Pasadena High School had 16 sacks as a senior and 17 as a junior. He was rated among the top three tackles in the West by the National Recruiting Advisor.

Another freshman that was impressive in camp was wide receiver Brandon Nash.

Nash, who reportedly runs the 40 in 4.48, could get a chance to prove his worth early because of injuries at his position. Nash, who attended Beverly Hills High School, had originally committed to University of California but changed his mind when a Cal assistant left the program.