Arizona Wildcats coach Kevin Sumlin appeared on “The Jim Rome Show” on Tuesday and discussed a variety of subjects, including the development of quarterback Khalil Tate.
Below are highlights from Rome’s conversation with Sumlin, who has not spoken to the Tucson media since the first day of spring practice on March 19. (Sumlin will speak after the spring game Saturday night.)
On how spring practice has gone so far: “It’s been getting to know each other. It’s really the most time you get to spend with guys. With the 20-hour rule, we’ve really been able to get to know our players but also let them get to know us. Building trust is a big deal, because I just believe that the sooner you can build that trust, the sooner growth happens. I’ve been pleased with our progress this spring.”
On the importance of building trust and being honest with players: “There’s a two-way street there. When you want to really help somebody, or help yourself, you need to be honest and look at not only the things you’re doing well but also your shortcomings and not glaze those over. It’s not about how you say it, it’s what you say. The way to do that is for people to be able to trust you. You’re going to cover the good and bad things. … We just tell you like it is.
“We’re still in that process; it’s only been a few months. But as I said, I’m pleased with our growth at this point. When you get on the field and you really start to talk about, ‘Hey, here’s what we want, but here’s how we can help you,’ I think guys really appreciate that.”
On Tate’s talent and potential: “He’s a dynamic player. The thing we’ve gotta keep in mind is he’s only (started nine) games. Every day’s a learning experience for him, particularly with a new staff and new terminology. Not a huge departure from what he did last year offensively, which I think gave him a comfort factor. He’s got tools.
“He’s in the process (of) moving from an athlete that’s a quarterback to a quarterback that’s an athlete, if that makes sense. His understanding of coverages, his understanding of situational football, his understanding of leadership are things that are still a work in progress because he hasn’t played that much football. But he has been dynamic when he has played. So that gets you excited as a coach.”
On the comeback attempt of former Sumlin QB Johnny Manziel: "I’ve had conversations (with him). The very first day I got the job here, he called. We’ve talked on and off over the years. Coming back after being off (all) that time is different. I think he’s working really, really hard … and training hard. With the people in his life that he’s surrounded with, his wife, he’s comfortable with himself now. He’s really worked hard to change, and that’s difficult.
“But he’s faced that. He’s openly talked about it. And he really wants to play. He’s had discussions with a lot of different people, in different leagues, to play. … He’s in a really different place than he was in even two years ago.”
On the perseverance of former Sumlin QB Case Keenum: “How ’bout that, huh? The guy’s been cut from every team he’s ever been on. Didn’t get drafted. The all-time leading passer in college football history. Bounced around. One team called him, and he was at a deer stand. And he started the next Sunday. Just a great story and a guy who’s a relentless worker. A guy who’s positive all the time in spite of all those things. ...
"It’s great to see good things happen to good people. I don’t know that there’s a better person out there than Case Keenum."
On why he believes Arizona can end its Rose Bowl drought: “It started with the administration. Visiting with them before I was hired, President (Robert) Robbins and (AD) Dave Heeke had a clear vision of the future. With anything, it starts at the top. Do you care? How much do you care? We’re breaking ground on a new indoor facility here on Monday. Things like that.
‘We’re here to support you. We’re going to give you the finances and the support that you need to be successful.’ You don’t do that unless you’re serious about winning. That’s the bottom line. …
“We’ve got a lot of work to do. We recognize that. But we’ve got some things in place here and a beautiful campus and a lot of quality support, so that gives us a real chance.”
