The complete identity of Kevin Sumlin’s first Arizona Wildcats coaching staff hasn’t been revealed yet, but we’re getting closer.
Demetrice Martin made his arrival in Tucson all but official Tuesday morning when he tweeted a new profile picture – a red Block A. Martin’s profile says “U of Arizona” and includes the hashtag #BearDown.
#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/pY0gSu6NXD
— Demetrice Martin (@coach_meat) January 30, 2018
The Star reported last week that Martin would be joining the UA staff. He spent the past six seasons coaching defensive backs at UCLA. His recruiting responsibilities with the Bruins included three Southern California locales (Inland Empire, San Gabriel Valley, San Bernardino County) and Houston, according to his UCLA bio.
If Martin coaches cornerbacks and John Rushing is in charge of safeties, it’ll be interesting to see what Marcel Yates’ role will be beyond being the defensive coordinator. Yates coached linebackers in his first year at Arizona before shifting last year to the secondary, where he’s more comfortable.
Yates could return to the linebacker room in this new structure, or he strictly could serve as the DC. In the latter case, Arizona would add a linebackers coach. In the former, the 10th assistant coach could be Taylor Mazzone, the son of Noel Mazzone, who will be the Wildcats’ offensive coordinator. In that scenario, Taylor Mazzone likely would be the UA’s quarterbacks coach. He also could join the staff as an analyst.
Martin and his colleagues have wasted no time on the recruiting trail, handing out multiple offers:
Very Pleased To Announce That I Have Been Offered A Scholarship To Play Football At THE University Of Arizona! #BearDown 🔴🔵🐻⬇️Thank You @coach_meat pic.twitter.com/XZyKnsCMbS
— Jonathan Perkins (@Jperkins_21) January 30, 2018
Honored and Humbled to received my 10th Offer from the University of Arizona Thanks @coach_meat @CoachSumlin @ArmondSr #BearDown pic.twitter.com/YYlwR8MNOp
— Darion Green-Warren (@gogettadarion) January 30, 2018
THANKFUL FOR THIS OFFER FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA! Thank you @coach_meat @CoachSumlin 🔴⚪️🔵 #BearDown #UofA pic.twitter.com/zv5t9rGPTz
— J4 (@JayCriddell) January 30, 2018
Beyond blessed to say I received a Scholarship Offer from the University of Arizona 🐻❤️💙 #BearDown thank you @coach_meat pic.twitter.com/vd5036hVZh
— Justin Flowe Jr. (@justin_flowe) January 30, 2018
Just received an offer from Arizona! 🔴🔵 pic.twitter.com/LxVPu65JlM
— Harrison Bailey (@HBailey_05) January 30, 2018
Honored to recieve this offer to The University Of Arizona # BearDown #UofA pic.twitter.com/6LiCRbeeRm
— Jalen Cropper (@cropper_5) January 30, 2018