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For the first time in years, UA football fans are looking forward to the start of NFL training camp.

And why not?

Five former Arizona Wildcats will take part in their first training camps later this month. Each player, from first-round pick Antoine Cason (Chargers) to free agent afterthought Louis Holmes (49ers), has a legitimate chance to make the team as a rookie.

Here's what Arizona's newest pros have been up to, and what to expect as camps begin:

● Who: Antoine Cason, DB, San Diego Chargers

● How he got there: San Diego selected Cason with the 27th overall pick in April's NFL draft. Cason called the first-round selection "a dream come true."

● First impression: Cason impressed coach Norv Turner in May's minicamp and is expected to compete for — if not own — the starting nickelback job this fall.

"He's a natural playmaker," Turner said on the Chargers' Web site. "He's one of those guys that has a way of being around the ball. I think certain guys grow up that way. They just have a knack for reading things, sensing things. He does a good job with it."

Cason's role could expand if Antonio Cromartie or Quentin Jammer — the Bolts' starting cornerbacks — falter. For now, however, he appears set as a situational defensive back.

● Contract status: Cason remains unsigned but figures to become a rich man soon. The Saints signed last year's No. 27 overall pick, wide receiver Robert Meachem, to a five-year deal worth $11.3 million.

● Up next: San Diego begins camp July 25. The team opens its exhibition season with an Aug. 9 home game against the Cowboys.

● Who: Spencer Larsen, LB/FB, Denver Broncos

● How he got there: The Broncos took Larsen with their sixth-round pick.

● First impression: Larsen saw time at linebacker and fullback during off-season workouts, though he is expected to primarily play defense in the fall. Larsen said on the Broncos' Web site last month that he has been learning the offensive and defensive playbooks.

"It is a lot," Larsen said. "You just have to study and dedicate the time to it. It is like learning a new language, once you learn it. Defense is a lot easier than offense since I have been more involved in that."

● Contract status: Larsen remains unsigned, though agent Bruce Tollner told the Star on Monday that the two sides should have a deal done in the next three weeks.

● Up next: The Broncos open camp July 25 in Englewood, Colo., and play their first preseason game Aug. 9 in Houston.

● Who: Wilrey Fontenot, DB, Atlanta Falcons

● How he got there: The Falcons selected Fontenot with their seventh-round pick.

● First impression: On draft day, Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff called Fontenot "a nagging-type corner. He's always on and pestering the receivers." Fontenot will compete for a roster spot at cornerback and could also see time on special teams.

● Contract status: Fontenot signed a multiyear deal on June 17. Details were not disclosed.

● Up next: The Falcons open training camp July 26 and play their first exhibition game Aug. 9 at Jacksonville.

● Who: Lionel Dotson, DE, Miami Dolphins

● How he got there: The Dolphins took Dotson with their seventh-round pick.

● First impression: Dotson showed quickness and a nose for the ball in minicamp after being moved back to his natural position of defensive end.

● Contract status: Dotson signed a multiyear contract in May. Terms were not disclosed.

● Up next: The Dolphins open camp July 26 in Davie, Fla. Their first preseason game is Aug. 9 in Miami against Tampa Bay.

● Who: Louis Holmes, DE, San Francisco 49ers

● How he got there: The Niners signed Holmes to an undrafted free agent contract in May.

● First impression: Holmes seems to be saying all the right things following an up-and-down, two-year career at the UA. He told the Santa Rosa (Calif.) Press Democrat last month that he must prove himself all over again in the NFL.

"The biggest challenge is gaining the trust," he said. "I have to prove to my coaches and teammates that they can trust me, that I know my responsibilities and can be a great player."

● Up next: The 49ers open camp July 24. Their first preseason game is Aug. 8 at Oakland.