Stacked backfield still adjusting, battling injuries

Wildcat File Photo Arizona Summer Wildcat Aaron Wickenden/Arizona Daily Wildcat Senior running back Kelvin Eafon (38) eludes the diving junior cornerback Kelvin Hunter (5) at Friday night's scrimmage in Arizona Stadium. Eafon, who was Player of the Game at last year's Insight.com Bowl, will contribute to UA's strong offensive team.

Injury problems plagued junior tailbacks Trung Canidate and Leon Callen last season but the Wildcats still finished second in the Pacific 10 Conference in rushing yards.

"We are not basically a running team, we are a team that is going to throw a lot," head coach Dick Tomey said. "But I think we have a chance to be real good again."

Also in the mix of things is senior running back Kelvin Eafon and heralded freshman Leo Mills, who was a Parade All-American from Humble, Tex. last year.

"Leo has done a nice job," Tomey said. "My biggest concern with him is getting adjusted academically just as it is with every freshman."

The Wildcats do return their two primary rushers from last year in Canidate and Eafon, who combined for 1,240 yards and eight touchdowns.

In last year's Insight.com Bowl the two stood out with tremendous performances.

Eafon, who was named Player of the Game, ran for 75 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries.

Canidate was no slouch either, claiming the title of Offensive Player of the Game. He ran for 97 yards on 24 carries while also adding a touchdown.

Canidate is currently recovering from a recurring ankle injury and is expected to miss the season opener at Hawaii on Sept. 3.

"Trung is progressing very well but we are being conservative with his injury. He is running at full speed and working out," Tomey said. "It is a medical decision but my instincts tell me that he won't be ready."

Canidate came into camp 12 pounds heavier but Tomey said he has not lost any speed while he is a lot stronger.

Eafon will be looked upon to play a major part in the running game as well as blocking for quarterbacks Ortege Jenkins and Keith Smith, who both love to run out of the pocket and take off.

Another factor in the Wildcat running game will be a very young offensive line which does not have a lot of actual game experience.

"We have a good offensive line coach who is going to put a good unit out there that is successful," Eafon said.

Arizona will also incorporate Callen, Mills and senior Paul Shields, who is listed in the media guide as a tight end, but Tomey plans to use him in the backfield to solidify this group.

Callen, who was a medical redshirt a year ago, is coming back after an ACL tear in his right knee during spring practice in 1997.

He has great potential that showed in the UCLA game in 1996 where he had 22 carries for 116 yards. He finished 1996 with 59 carries for 275 yards and a touchdown while sharing time with ex-Wildcat Gary Taylor.

"We are going to have several threats in the backfield who just want to put it on the ground and get it going," Eafon said.

Not to downplay the arrival of a Parade All-American on campus, but Mills will have to catch up to Canidate, Eafon and Callen for playing time.