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Nicolas Grigsby has played in just 10 college games.
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Watch UA's scrimmage when Grigsby got in some trouble.
Training camp insider
Day 14, at Rincon Vista
• Highlights: With a pair of wide receivers leading the way, the Arizona Wildcats put together a brisk, solid practice in Tuesday morning's heat. Terrell Turner continues to be the hottest player in camp; he registered a 50-yard touchdown catch in 11-on-11 drills. Fellow receiver Juron Criner provided his fourth highlight in two days, catching a slant pass and beating the safeties for a touchdown. Expect Criner, a rangy true freshman, to see some time at the 'X' position. Backup quarterback Matt Scott continued to struggle in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills, although he remains very much a part of the Wildcats' fall plans. "You're going to have bad days — that's just what's going to happen to a young quarterback," UA coach Mike Stoops said. "Putting it all together is very difficult to do." … Arizona's defensive line members continued to show improvement after a sluggish weekend: They batted three passes at the line of scrimmage in Tuesday's team drills. Safety Nate Ness provided the hit of the day, knocking wide receiver David Roberts to the ground after a completed pass. The Wildcats will hold two workouts today — the morning practice, at 8 at Rincon Vista, is closed; their 6 p.m. scrimmage inside Arizona Stadium is free and open to the public.
• Weather: 87 and hot.
• Vibe: Intense — again. Although the Wildcats wore just shoulder pads, helmets and gym shorts, the workout carried all the pop of a full-pads practice.
•Injury report: Cornerback Marquis Hundley was limited Tuesday by a groin injury but should be at full strength in a matter of days. Freshman Robert Golden took his place with the first-team defense. Left tackle Eben Britton appears to have recovered from his groin issue after being limited for most of the last week.
• He said it: "Am I ready? I know this is the next level, and so you have go 100 percent on every down and every play. I wouldn't say I'm there yet, but I'm coming along pretty good. I think I can help them move the chains a little bit and help out in the red zone." — Wide receiver Juron Criner
— Ryan Finley
WEEK AHEAD
All workouts are free and open to the public unless noted:
• Today: Practice at Rincon Vista, 8 a.m. (closed); scrimmage at Arizona Stadium, 6-8 p.m.
• Thursday: Practice at Rincon Vista, 8 a.m.
• Friday: Practice at Rincon Vista, 8 a.m.
• Saturday: Meet the Team Day at Arizona Stadium, 9 a.m.

UA Sports

UA FOOTBALL

Grigsby takes on qualities of a leader

Sophomore RB says Wildcats will 'get it done'
By Ryan Finley
arizona daily star
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 08.20.2008
Toward the end of the Arizona Wildcats' first team meeting at the start of training camp, coach Mike Stoops invited veteran players to speak about the upcoming season.
Tailback Nicolas Grigsby, a sophomore, stood up.
"I told them, 'We're going to set it off starting the 30th,' " Grigsby said. "I think my teammates really comprehended it and knew where I was coming from. I think we're going to get it done."
Grigsby will have to produce, both on and off the field, if the Wildcats are to make their first bowl game since 1998. Grigsby averaged 4.4 yards a carry as a true freshman in 2007 — "I was playing on instinct," he said — and is expected to do even more as a sophomore.
But while Grigsby's talent is undeniable, so is his temper. He made headlines earlier in camp for punching teammate Devin Ross after a low hit in a scrimmage. Grigsby now calls the punch "really stupid," and part of his maturing process.
For all the responsibilities put on him, Grigsby is just 19 years old. For all the expectations, he has played in just 10 college games.
The Star talked to Grigsby this week about his accomplishments, goals and predictions heading into a crucial season:
Q: You rushed for 704 yards on 161 carries as a true freshman. Have you set any goals for the 2008 season?
A: Of course, I set personal goals. I'm not going to talk about it. I'm going to be about it. I'm not going to say something and then not do it. I have goals, and I'm going to set myself to do it.
Q: Are they just football goals?
A: They're football and life goals.
Q: What's the most important thing you learned last year as a freshman? You pretty much played right away.
A: Be a team player; don't be selfish. I wanted the ball a lot last year, and it didn't come to me. I had a hard time at first — I was like, 'Dang, man, get me the ball.' But I know the whole offense can provide; I know (quarterback Willie Tuitama) is going to go throw to who he thinks is open and who can help the team.
Q: What have you been working on in camp?
A: Blocking. A lot of blocking, and a lot of downhill running. And down-and-distance stuff, that's a big one. The key to blocking is getting down and driving through the hips.
Q: Have you had any good blocks in camp?
A: I had a couple good blocks on D-ends, getting hit. There were a couple of guys. … (Laughing) I don't want to say their names.
Q: Nick Booth, Keola Antolin and Xavier Smith have all been seeing playing time in camp. What's it like to have those guys behind you?
A: I tell them every day to keep working hard, because when they work hard, it makes me work hard. Last year … I don't want to say it came easy, but we didn't have a lot of guys in the backfield to push me. This year, we have a lot of guys that are trying to play. I'm trying to stay on the field.
Q: Does that motivate you?
A: I like the competition. I'm nowhere near afraid of competition.
Q: You have a reputation for being extremely competitive, even in practice. Why is that?
A: If people get rough with me, I'm going to get rough back. I'm not going to show I'm soft. If they know you're soft, they're going to keep coming at you wrong. I want the defense to know — or whoever I'm playing against to know — that I'm not going to back down.
Q: But things have gotten out of hand. Like the punch.
A: It was really stupid, but then again, I see it as me just getting up and reacting. I wasn't thinking at the time.
Q: Do you consider yourself a leader on this team?
A: No doubt. I'm trying my hardest to get everybody to do what they're coached to do, and I myself, I have to do it, too — on and off the field.
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