It’s a good thing the Arizona Wildcats have a wealth of options at wide receiver, because one of their top pass catchers won’t be ready to go when training camp begins next week.
Coach Jedd Fisch said Tuesday during Pac-12 Media Day in Los Angeles that wideout Jamarye Joiner, who underwent foot surgery shortly after spring ball ended, is unlikely to be able to participate in the start of preseason practice, which is set for Aug. 5.
“I don’t think he’ll be ready for the start of camp,” Fisch said, adding that he did not have a timeline for when Joiner could return. “He’s moving well.”
A redshirt sophomore, Joiner had 12 catches for 111 yards and a touchdown during the 5-game 2020 season. In 2019 Joiner had a breakout season, his first at receiver after converting from quarterback, leading Arizona with 552 yards and five TDs including a 140-yard, 3-TD performance in the Territorial Cup against ASU.
Joiner has had two surgeries on his left foot to deal with a Jones fracture. The second injury came after getting hurt during the Spring Game in April, presumably at the end of a 61-yard catch from Gunner Cruz.
While Joiner won’t be ready for the start of camp, two other injured Wildcats will be. Defensive back Christian Young, who is in the mix to be the starter at the Viper position, had minor surgery in late April but is good to go. Same goes for receiver Jaden Mitchell, who had ACL surgery in November and was very limited during the spring.