Watch: 7 best things Marcel Yates said after Arizona Wildcats' practice

Defensive updates

We're a week and some change away from Arizona's Sept. 1 season opener versus BYU and while the Wildcats are optimistic for Kevin Sumlin's first season in Tucson, there is still some work that needs to be done to get the team up to par for week one. 

Arizona received 28 votes for the Associated Press Top 25 and will enter the season at No. 31 in the country, which is the highest preseason ranking for the Wildcats since entering the 2015 poll as No. 22.  

Defensive coordinator Marcel Yates spoke to the media after Monday's practice, here's what he had to say:

Khalil Tate

Arizona defensive coordinator Marcel Yates on Khalil Tate’s progression and going up against the defense in practice: pic.twitter.com/GvygdlCc7h

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 21, 2018

NFL helmet rule

Marcel Yates pleads the fifth when asked about the new NFL helmet hit rule. Yates also talks about Arizona’s improved front seven. pic.twitter.com/Nw0dbIbYpn

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 21, 2018

Mykee Irving's role, growth of LBs

Marcel Yates on freshman DT Mykee Irving’s role on the defense: “He does no good for us standing on the sideline.”Yates on LBs @SchoolerColin, @T_Fields1: “I hope there is no ceiling.” pic.twitter.com/ZFPIY5ptft

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 21, 2018

Scottie Young Jr., Anthony Pandy

Marcel Yates on safety Scottie Young Jr.: “He’s a playmaker. The young man loves football.” Yates also adds Anthony Pandy’s role on the defense. pic.twitter.com/yvEvcfp5Yb

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 21, 2018

DBs to keep an eye on

Marcel Yates says McKenzie Barnes and Azizi Hearn have emerged as some of Arizona’s top CBs. Yates also says Troy Young is a “Workman” and has practiced with safeties, corners and linebackers. “He’s a guy that can do it all for us.” pic.twitter.com/wQoY383qqA

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 21, 2018

Redshirt rule

Marcel Yates on the new redshirt rule: “Let’s play ‘em. ... You guys know we’ll play freshmen in a minute.” pic.twitter.com/QVHRVX0jJi

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 21, 2018

Colin Schooler being 'unblockable'

Marcel Yates on Noel Mazzone’s comments towards LB Colin Schooler (“god dang No. 7”) being unblockable: “I’d prefer him unblockable during BYU.”Yates also says the team has started game prep for its season opener vs. BYU. pic.twitter.com/FxYFOxh0y6

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 21, 2018