Athleticism isn't the problem.

Wyoming got exactly what it expected physically from junior college transfer Orlando Arnold, even if it's taking some time for the tight end to show it on the field.

The self-described "Cali-boy" is still getting used to life in Laramie, still trying to learn an offense completely unlike what he's run before - but also still planning on making the impact the Cowboys have long anticipated by the time the season opens.

"It's a challenge, and it's definitely been hard," Arnold said. "Getting used to the area and all that stuff is coming at once, so it's really hard.

"But I think I'm getting it. By the end of camp I should be good, I think."

That's as good a time as any, though it's not like the Cowboys are short on tight ends if Arnold isn't ready when camp closes.

Position coach Casey Glenn is well-stocked with versatile tight ends, all equally capable of lead-blocking or making plays in the passing game. Those qualities are mandatory in new offensive coordinator Bob Cole's attack, and the former has been the biggest adjusment for Arnold.

Arnold didn't face nearly as much blitzing or stunting at Contra Costa Community College as he's already faced in camp. At Contra Costa he was only responsible for zone blocking and pre-snap motions and shifts weren't nearly as important in the Comets run-and-gun.

Basically, he's almost starting completely from scratch.

"He's swimming a little bit right now," Glenn said. "But he's picking it up faster than I would expect anybody to pick it up.

"We've got a lot going in, and I think it'd be easy for someone who wasn't around as complicated an offense to be a little bit overwhelmed. He's not overwhelmed at all. He knows what his assignments are, he understands what he's doing, but again, it'll probably take a little more time than the other guys."

Glenn is trying to speed up the process during UW's three position meetings every day, his first notable project since taking the tight ends job last spring.

He's at least got a willing pupil, and there's plenty of evidence - 49 catches and 10 touchdowns last year - that once Arnold has a hold on the offense he'll be an invaluable weapon.

"It's a little more complicated than what he's used to," UW coach Joe Glenn said. "First time through it, it's really hard.

"The tight ends are so involved in the run, in the pass, it's a little overwhelming the first time you go through it. Athletically, yeah, he's doing the athletic part. But now that we're getting toward the end of installation it's ganging up on him."

It certainly hasn't beaten Arnold down physically though.

And he's still got more than two weeks of camp for the mental side to catch up with the physical.

QB CORNER: UW coach Joe Glenn might be on auto-pilot by now.

By Friday morning, there might be a new answer for the questions about the Cowboys quarterback controversy.

"The quarterback thing continues to be what it is," Glenn said. "It's like one inches forward and the other one battles back. Then the other battles back and just can't get a separation."

The plan has been since before camp opened to either get some by Wednesday's first scrimmage or create some with a decision. Either way, Glenn has been making plans to announce a winner at some point on Friday.

GREAT SCOTT: Another position race might already be over.

And finally Jake Scott appears to have won it.

The punting job is still open, but Glenn all but named the junior his starting kicker after practice Monday.

"I think we've got time there, but Jake is really separated in the kicking thing and looks to be our place-kicker and kickoff guy," Glenn said. "The punting thing is about a dead heat.

"I'll never say never. But we tried to make Austin (McCoy) do both and I think that's probably distracting and maybe too much for him right now."

The true freshman McCoy sat out Monday's place-kicking work with some tightness in his leg, but he did punt and remains a possibility to take over for Billy Vinnedge there.

He's competing with Natrona County product Nick Landess and junior college transfer Cody Bousema for the punting job, making him even more unlikely to win the kicking gig.

"He can kick, and he's got a strong leg, but it's almost too much to ask of a true freshman to do both," Glenn said. "He's a little tight, but he's in the thick of the punting game."

BUMPS AND BRUISES: Glenn reported just one health concern, an injured elbow that will keep nose guard Marcus Felker out for a week.

Right tackle Kyle Howard was back in pads, and UW is taking precautions with tight end Chris Sundberg and linebacker Ward Dobbs as they return from surgeries, practicing them "off and on."

"Trying to save them a little bit, trying to get to game day healthy," Glenn said. "Just little things, nobody's out for the season or anything like that. Nothing earth-shattering."

Contact sports reporter Austin Ward at (307) 266-0634 or austin.ward@trib.com.

Cowboys Tracker

MONDAY: Wyoming had its first two-a-day practice sessions of fall camp in preparation for Wednesday's scrimmage.

LEARNING CURVE: Highly-touted junior college tight end Orlando Arnold has impressed physically, but he's been slow to adapt to UW's new offense.

NUMBERS GAME: Arnold caught 49 passes for 620 yards and 10 touchdowns last season with Contra Costa Community College.

HE SAID IT: "Getting used to the area and all that stuff is coming at once, so it's really hard." - Arnold.

TODAY: The Cowboys practice for the last time before the scrimmage on Wednesday at War Memorial Stadium.