⚡ CFB Dashboard

Last season, Arizona wide receiver Tre Spivey played more than he had previously in his college career and he is now looking to make the next step in his progression. "It was definitely a new experience," Spivey said. "It was the most reps I have ever had and the most time on the field, so I was getting used to working on recovery and being comfortable on the field. I was ready for the moment when I was out there. "It allows me to go into this season confident in my abilities. I know what I can do on and off the field, so just focusing on understanding the whole game. I have been focusing on what I can work on for myself that can impact the team in the best way possible, which is learning the ins and outs of the game and every receiver position, not just out wide." It's easier to accomplish that goal with a returning quarterback in Noah Fifita and other players Spivey is familiar with. "I think the trust comes from the amount of repetition and work we put in with Noah," Spivey said. "We take a lot of extra time out of our day just to practice, walk through stuff with him, catch balls from him, extra meetings, watching film after practice during the season. The trust comes from him knowing how bad we want to win and obviously we know how bad he wants to win. We're all competitive and it allows us to gel together." Spivey isn't the only returning receiver, which has allowed the group to become more comfortable working with each other. "It's awesome," Spivey said. "With the guys that were in the rotation last year, I think we've built a lot of chemistry as a receiving core. Being able to move on the field and communicate when it comes to blocking or needing a quick reminder, we know exactly what everybody is thinking. "It's huge when you have a receiving group that is not only comfortable with each other, but all gets along with each other too. That's not always the case at every school. Sometimes the competition can get so fiery it creates tension in the group, but we don't have that at all." One returning player that has made a positive impression on Spivey is wide receiver Brandon Phelps. "What he put in going into the winter workouts immediately after the season, he came into the winter bigger, stronger, and faster," Spivey said. "That's a testament to how hard he works in the weight room. "Last year, he was my weight room buddy, so I got to see it. He doesn't take anything off. His head is always in the game, focused on football, and school. He keeps the main thing the main things and his priorities are straight. I am excited to see what he does this season because he is going to get opportunities and I am looking forward to that." Not only is Spivey impressed by the returners, but there are some newcomers that have caught his eye as well. "They are all adapting really well," he said. "They are getting their feet wet right now, but you can see the type of raw talent they have and it's unbelievable. RJ Mosley's size for a freshman is crazy. He plays real big and strong. Super athletic. Caleb Smith is a savvy route runner. DJ Jordan and Jordan Ross are a little bit younger, but getting more experience under their belt. Those guys are athletic and know ball. I think they are going to add so much to our receiver room, being able to win one-on-one matchups."