Quick hitters from the Arizona Wildcats’ media availability after their sixth practice of spring Wednesday morning:

* UA coach Rich Rodriguez said the offense has been "pretty sharp" mentally and schematically so far. He credited the experience level of the offensive line and running backs, as well as the quarterbacks pushing the tempo.

* Arizona practiced in shorts. The Wildcats will go in full pads with “live” periods during Thursday night’s open “Spring Showcase.”

* Rodriguez said he wants his quarterbacks to execute and anticipate during the scrimmage. He wants the team as a whole to have fun after having "sand kicked in our face" last season.

* Rodriguez said the defense will be “tagging off” with some of the quarterbacks (presumably Brandon Dawkins and Khalil Tate) and players who have been banged up. It’s a pretty safe bet that tailbacks J.J. Taylor and Nick Wilson won’t be tackled.

* Rodriguez reminded players of the importance of being ultra-competitive in everything they do. "We’re trying to foster that to the nth degree," he said.