Ventura College punter Kyle Dugandzic has signed a letter of intent to play for the University of Arizona.

The first-team All-SCFA Northern Division punter, the Agoura High product averaged 38.2 yards per punt with a long of 55, placing 21 of his 57 punts inside the opponents' 20-yard line with just two touchbacks.

Dugandzic, who also handled some kicking and kickoff duties during his two-year career, was named SCFA Northern Division Special teams Player of the Week twice as a sophomore.

Dugandzic was on campus this week during the nationally-televised memorial for those killed in last weekend's shooting in Tucson.

"I tried getting in line (for the memorial) about 2:30 p.m. and it was about a mile long," said Dugandzic.

He will compete for all three kicking positions in Tucson.

"Right now, everything is open," said Dugandzic. "I could win the spot at punting, kickoff and field goals. It just depends on how everyone does in the spring and summer."

Arizona junior defensive end Ricky Elmore had five tackles and one sack in Arizona's season-opening win over Central Michigan last Saturday.

Elmore, a Grace Brethren graduate, told the Arizona Republic that extra playing time - the most of his career - in last allowed him to both get comfortable and be productive.

"It was the best game he's played, I thought," coach Mike Stoops told the Republic . "He looked better on his feet, and he was able to make more plays."

Elmore told reporters he benefited from the extra reps.

"I got to play a full game, get into a groove, get relaxed and just play the game," he said. "The biggest thing was getting able to play without all the stress on my shoulders."

It seems music is a central component in the lives of many of the county's college football players.

A few weeks ago, I wrote about Arizona State QB Samson Szakacsy (Camarillo) and Washington OL Greg "Preach" Christine (St. Bonaventure) teaming up to produce an album for their band.

Today, the Arizona Republic reported that Vaughn Dotsy (St. Bonaventure) also gets his groove on. The Arizona sophomore starting guard sings Boyz II Men's "End of the Road" in the locker room with fellow guard Conan Amituanai.

"We've got our singing bond," Dotsy told the Republic. "When we start singing, it's just awesome. The other guys start singing in with us. I don't have a terrible voice, but I'm more of the background singer. Conan's the lead."

One of the reasons wide receiver Josh Smith (Moorpark) gave for transferring to UCLA from Colorado this season was to further pursue his music career. Smith joined the Bruins in practice this week. Szakacsy and Smith used to rap together a few years ago, but have recently lost touch.

I suggest all the football musicians get together for a big jam session when they return to the area in the offseason. Maybe they can produce an album called "805 Football".

Rob Gronkowski, Arizona's star tight end, remains slowed by a back injury.

"We're going to evaluate him week to week," said Arizona coach Mike Stoops Tuesday. "We're going to make sure with him that he's symptom-free before we put him out there."

Gronkowski was the first team All-Pac-10 and third-team All-America last year, catching 47 passes for 672 yards and 10 TDs despite missing the first three games.

Arizona coach Mike Stoops believes this will be a good season for the Pac-10 and Arizona.

"I don't think the Pac-10 has ever been stronger than it's been right now. I feel this is our best overall team from 1 to 85 that we've had in our program."

(on replacing Willie Tuitama)
I believe we'll be able to replace Willie with Matt Scott and Nick Folee... That competition with go throughout camp.

(on the team as a whole)

"When you look at our team, I think what jumps out at you is the quality of players that we have... I think our team is very skilled, it is very fast and I believe it is capable of great things."

(on perhaps playing his brother, Bob, and Oklahoma in the future)

"We'd love to play Oklahoma in the Rose Bowl this year. That's about with us to play Oklahoma. I think the only chance of that happening would be in a bowl game of some sort."

(on the evolution of the game in the conference)

"I wouldn't say we're getting away from the passing game. It's just the way the coaches are recruiting, knowing you need a balanced offense to win."

Mike Stoops' hot seat rose a few degrees Monday when his star tight end, Rob Gronkowski, was diagnosed with step throat and deemed out of Saturday's season opener against Idaho.

"He's definitely ruled out for this game and we'll address it week to week," said Stoops Tuesday.

If Gronkowski has mononucleosis, he could miss a month of the season. That would be a huge setback for quarterback Willie Tuitama and the Wildcats' attack. Gronkowski is considered the Pac-10's top tight end after catching 28 passes for 525 yards (a school record for a tight end) and six TDs as a freshman.

Sophomore A.J. Simmons will start in Gronkowski's place.

"There is a lot of ways we can go adjusting the offense," said Stoops. "It's a little bit of a setback, but I think our offense will run smoothly."