Monday’s practice began with an unavoidable question: has Scott Frost received any job offers and if so, were any of them from Nebraska?
“I would let you know if I wasn’t completely focused on Arizona,” Frost said in response to whether or not Nebraska would be a dream job.
Despite the recent opening for the head coaching position at Nebraska, Frost, a former Cornhusker quarterback, to no one’s surprise, quickly shifted focus back to the upcoming Pac-12 title game.
“Listen, I’ve got a job to do here,” Frost said. “These kids and this staff put too much time and effort into this to be distracted from this. We have a job to do and we’re getting ready for Friday.”
Center Hroniss Grasu rolled up to the media circle in a boot and scooter. Grasu, who has been out with an ankle injury since the Utah game, did hint at a possible return this Friday and practiced in a limited capacity today. He didn’t provide any concrete status other than the expected “day-to-day” spiel.
“It’s to help keep pressure off my ankle,” Grasu said about the scooter. “I did as much as I can (at practice). I’m still day-to-day.”
While the Ducks are as close to full strength as they’ve been all season with the resurgence of Jake Fisher and Andre Yruretagoyena, there is no doubt that they would love to have their star center back by the time they take the field at Levi’s Stadium Friday.
There was a lot of praise for linebacker Scooby Wright III and safety Jared Tevis, the defensive leaders for the Wildcats. Frost believes they are some of the best in the country and appeared to be keying on them as the Ducks attempt to produce a better result this time around.
“They’ve got a linebacker (Scooby Wright III) there who could be the best in the country and a really good secondary there with one safety (Jared Tevis) that is one of my favorites to watch in the league because he’s so tough,” Frost said. “Those two guys are the kind of players you want on your team.”
Notes:
– According to the American Football Coaches Association, running backs coach Gary Campbell was named the FBS assistant coach of the year. Campbell, who has been with the Ducks for 32 years, helped Royce Freeman become the first true freshman 1,000-yard rusher in program history this season. 
The Ducks are set to play the Wildcats at 6 p.m. this Friday at Levi’s Stadium for the Pac-12 title game.
Follow Hayden Kim on Twitter @HayDayKim