Canidate makes his presence felt

Wildcat File Photo Arizona Daily Wildcat Junior running back Trung Canidate (30) looks through an opening against University of Alabama-Birmingham last year. Canidate played Saturday in his first game since recovering from an ankle injury and rushed for 110 yards against Stanford.

He name is Trung Canidate and he is the poster boy for the 2-0 Wildcats.

"The first time I saw it, my mother was probably happier than I was," Canidate said. "It really doesn't mean anything. It is nice to know that you are recognized, but I have to remember that this is a whole new season."

Saturday was the second game of the season for UA, but the first for the star running back, who had 804 yards and four touchdowns a year ago while averaging 100.7 rushing yards per game.

Canidate was recovering from a recurring ankle injury that kept him out of action since spring ball.

"I was a little nervous, but it wasn't the most nervous I have ever been. I have been doing this for 15 years," Canidate said. "I was most nervous about how my body would react."

The reaction of Canidate's body and mind to his first game action since the Insight.com Bowl even surprised the coaching staff as he rushed the ball 21 times for 110 yards.

"I don't think anyone could expect that," head coach Dick Tomey said. "He had great security with the ball. He ran harder and sustained more than I though he could. He did a great job."

Canidate's first game back may have surprised Tomey, but it was of little shock to himself.

"I thought it was an all right day; I am always expecting more of myself," he said.

Some of the credit to his 110-yard effort must be given to the offensive line lead by junior Yusuf Scott who was also quick to praise Canidate's talent.

"The man is the best running back in the Pac-10. He blocks, hits and runs; he does everything," Scott said.

After practicing in full pads for the week preceding Saturday's victory in Palo Alto, Tomey said he didn't hesitate to throw his No. 1 back out to the wolves in the Pacific 10 Conference opener.

"I was not nervous at all," Tomey said. "I watched him in practice and he was just terrific."

The return of Canidate solidifies the offensive backfield, which already boasted senior Kelvin Eafon, sophomore Leon Callen and athletic quarterbacks Keith Smith and Ortege Jenkins.

"Having Trung back really helps," Tomey said. "You just don't find another on your bench. There aren't a lot of guys like that."

Dan Rosen can be reached via e-mail at Dan.Rosen@wildcat.arizona.edu.