Wildcats rested, gearing for ASU

Nicholas Valenzuela Arizona Daily Wildcat Senior running back Kelvin Eafon (38) attempts to run past Washington State defenders Nov. 7 at Arizona Stadium. Eafon has run for 512 yards and 16 touchdowns this season.

Last year the UA went to Tempe and beat the Sun Devils 28-16, killing ASU's shot at the Fiesta Bowl.

Besides scores and results, one of the biggest differences in the games was what happened on the field.

In 1996 five players were ejected after various on-field incidents of violence.

Current Arizona senior running back Kelvin Eafon was among those ejected, after retaliating for an ASU player's illegal hit on now-senior defensive tackle Daniel Greer.

But in 1997 no players were ejected from what turned out to be a very clean game.

"I think the respect of the rivalry, the respect of the teammates and the respect of the fans was better," Eafon said in regards to the difference in the two games. "It was just one of those times when emotions ran high on the field."

Eafon said he expects ASU head coach Bruce Snyder to keep his team in line this time around.

"Yeah, it's just going to be to be some good hitting out there between two good teams," Eafon said. "I don't think that's something we get into as players. It's up to the coaches to control that kind of stuff and remind players to keep playing right."

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UA football head coach Dick Tomey gave his players three days off after Saturday's win at California, with practice not resuming until yesterday afternoon.

As for what the players did in those days off, all had pretty much the same answer.

"I just relaxed," Eafon said. "And tried to let it soak in that we're 10-1. I just needed some time to reflect on all that we've done so far."

UA junior inside linebacker Scooter Sprotte also spent the time off relaxing.

"I just sat around the house, got caught up on some video game playing," he said, before quickly adding. "And I got caught up on some homework, too."

Sprotte said everyone was feeling the effect of playing 11 games straight.

"Finally we get time off," he said. "11 games straight is more than anyone else in the country has played. Right now my body is so stiff and sore."

Junior running back Trung Canidate also spent his time doing important things.

"I caught up on a lot of sleep," he said. "I just did a lot of miscellaneous stuff. Like getting my car oiled up, getting it washed. I ran a lot of errands, basically."

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While the players were busy, or not, depending on each individual, the coaching staff was off doing something of real importance: recruiting.

Associate head coach Duane Akina spent the three days in Southern California looking at players.

While Akina was scanning the high schools and junior colleges for just about any players, he plans to start going out to look at defensive backs soon.

"I've always liked to recruit my own guys," the secondary coach said.

Two JC players have caught Akina's eye, Brian Johnson of Mount San Antonio College, the same JC senior cornerback Chris McAlister went to, and a player from San Francisco City College whom Akina didn't identify by name.

In addition to these two, Akina said he will be looking in California and Texas for someone to bring in to help offset the impending loss of McAlister after his eligibility runs out.

As for the three days off, Akina agreed with the players.

"We needed this," he said. "A lot of guys are nicked up, but overall we're in good shape."

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Akina said that Leland Gayles, who was badly injured in the Washington game when junior linebacker Marcus Bell ran into him and bruised his spine, is close to coming back.

"He's working toward that," Akina said of Gayles' chance to play in Arizona's bowl game.

Akina said he doesn't necessarily expect Gayles to be back then, but he does hope that Gayles will be back for practice, since the team always can use extra bodies in the line-up.

"Realistically we're looking at next year for Lee," Akina said. "Which is a shame because he was becoming an outstanding defensive back. He has to make sure he keeps practicing over the offseason getting stronger. He'll be very important for us next year."

Chris Jackson can be reached via e-mail at Chris.Jackson@wildcat.arizona.edu.