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The Daily Wildcat

The Daily Wildcat

 

Kish talks injuries, defensive backfield

Arizona head coach Tim Kish’s Monday press conference was full of everything from injury talk to defensive rotations . Here are the highlights — and lowlights.

More injuries strike Wildcats

Although Kish said he thought the Wildcats took a step forward in their loss to Washington on Saturday, they regressed in the injury department. Arizona’s ever-growing injury list is as follows:

Cornerback Shaquille Richardson:

The starting sophomore cornerback was suspended for the Washington game, but suffered a high ankle sprain on the Wildcats’ last day of preparation for the Huskies.

Richardson’s status for Saturday’s Homecoming game against Utah is in question.

“I hope we get him back but there’s no guarantees there,” Kish said.

Cornerback Cortez Johnson

In his first collegiate start, Johnson suffered what appears to be his second concussion of the year. It hasn’t been confirmed a concussion, despite concussion-like symptoms, but Kish said Johnson is doubtful for Saturday.

“If it is in any way shape or form near a concussion, because it’s his second, he won’t return this week,” Kish said.

Receiver Dan Buckner

The junior wideout separated his shoulder against the Huskies and finished with two catches for 27 yards. Buckner will not play on Saturday.

“They’re testing that a little more to see what that entails but he’s definitely a guy that will not play this weekend,” Kish said.

Safety Robert Golden

The senior left the game Saturday due to dehydration after returning an interception 91 yards for a touchdown. Kish said Golden won’t practice much, but believes there’s a good chance Golden returns this week.

Bondurant won’t come off the field, Grandon to play corner

With all of the injuries in the secondary, defensive back Jourdon Grandon will move to cornerback where he’ll compete with senior Lyle Brown to start, pending Richardson’s status.

Freshman Tra’Mayne Bondurant will continue to play the nickelback or SAM linebacker role — depending on the defensive scheme — for the remainder of the season. In fact, Kish said “he won’t come off the field the rest of the year.”

Bonano makes Kish look like a ‘genius’

John Bonano has been flawless in two games as the Wildcats’ kicker, going 5-for-5 on field goals and 9-for-9 on extra points, making Alex Zendejas seem like a distant memory.

“There’s no doubt that we’re geniuses getting him on the field,” Kish joked. “He’s a funny dude. I don’t know what floats his boat sometimes but when he’s out there he’s just as happy as anybody and just enjoys doing what he does. I’m just going to stay away from him.”

—Mike Schmitz

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