For years, the Arizona Wildcats' daily 11-on-11 drills at training camp doubled as a trash-talking period.
The UA defense did most of it, reminding the offense who was going to dominate.
"Weeeeee ready," they'd howl, singing a popular song, "weeeeee ready, weeeeee ready, for y'all."
Not anymore.
This year's Wildcats return 10 offensive starters from a 2009 team that went 8-5 and played in the Holiday Bowl. Quarterback Nick Foles, running back Nicolas Grigsby and wide receiver Juron Criner lead a group that brings back 91.5 percent of its offensive production from a year ago.
The quarterback battle that occupied most of the 2009 camp has been resolved, with Foles cemented as the team's starter ahead of Matt Scott. The uncertainly that surrounded Rob Gronkowski's back injury all of last season is gone.
All three of the Wildcats' tailbacks are healthy, and the team's receivers are a year older. The group will be counted on to spark a team that could spend most of the year in a defensive transition.
The UA must replace seven defensive starters, including defensive tackle Earl Mitchell, linebacker Vuna Tuihalamaka and safety Cam Nelson.
The offense's continuity is a main reason its ahead of the defense through the first three days of training camp.
The offense is, finally, ready.
"We're all on the same page. It's been syncing better," wideout Bug Wright said.
"Last year, things were a little iffy. Now we know who we're going with at quarterback."
That would be Foles, who threw for 2,486 yards and 19 touchdowns last year after starting the season as Scott's backup.
The playbook will adjust with Foles; gone will be the designed draw plays and quarterback-option runs that were designed for Scott. The Wildcats will play to Foles' strengths - notably his accuracy and arm strength - to move the ball.
"We trust in him," Wright said. "We're going to make some plays for him."
Even Arizona's new co-coordinators are familiar faces.
Sonny Dykes was replaced by two in-house options, Bill Bedenbaugh and Seth Littrell.
The two will share coordinator duties this fall, with Bedenbaugh focusing on offensive line and Littrell calling the plays.
The new coordinators will try to fix the situations - third-and-short, red zone and goal-line - that were challenges a year ago. Don't be surprised if the team uses fullback Taimi Tutogi and tailback Greg Nwoko more this fall; both have the size and toughness to get short yards.
As changes go, that's about it.
"Every coach has their own personality, and we're going to put our own tweak on things," Bedenbaugh said. "The average fan won't notice much of a difference."
Said Littrell: "We're not going to change anything big."
Why would they? For the first time in a while, the Wildcats' offense is the team's more experienced group.
"We have a bunch of offensive guys who played a bunch or started a bunch a year ago," Bedenbaugh said. "They know what they're doing."
COMING UP
All practices at Rincon Vista practice complex and Fort Huachuca are open to the public.
• Today: 8-10 a.m. at Rincon Vista
• Monday: 6:15-8:30 a.m. at Rincon Vista
• Tuesday: 6:15-8:30 a.m, at Rincon Vista
• Wednesday: Team leaves for Fort Huachuca
Training camp insider
Day 3 at Rincon Vista practice complex
• Highlights: The Wildcats started a bit later - 8 a.m. - on Saturday, but still seemed a bit sluggish. Juron Criner started off the workout with a 40-yard catch from Nick Foles; the Cats' quarterback then hit Gino Crump on a 40-yard touchdown pass. Keola Antolin continues to impress at running back, though he'll still likely start the season as Nicolas Grigsby's backup. Trevor Erno delivered the biggest hit of camp so far, when - in 7-on-7 drills - the backup linebacker drilled Greg Nwoko on a screen attempt. Robert Golden continues to take snaps at both safety and cornerback. Where he plays could depend on how well Adam Hall and Marquis Flowers perform at the safety spots in camp.
• Weather: 90 and humid, the result of overnight rains
• Injury report: Guards Conan Amituanai (sprained knee) and Vaughn Dotsy (back surgery) missed their third straight practices. Newcomer Kirifi Taula has yet to practice because of a foot injury. All three are expected to be back by the end of training camp.
• He said it: "Shaquille Richardson is as good a corner as I've coached at this stage." - UA coach Mike Stoops, on the Wildcats' freshman cornerback. Richardson joined the team this week after being dismissed by UCLA.
Ryan Finley
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