Watch: 10 best things running backs coach Clarence McKinney said after Arizona Wildcats' practice

Texas connection

By Justin Spears / Arizona Daily Star

Arizona running backs coach Clarence McKinney was a dealt a hand chock-full of players with different skillsets.  

During Arizona's open-to-the-public spring practice, J.J. Taylor was the starter with Gary Brightwell as the No. 2 and Nathan Tilford as the No. 3 back. All running backs that have different body types and athleticism. 

At 5-foot-6, 160 pounds, Taylor is the quick Darren Sproles-esque running back that cuts and bursts in a blink of an eye while Tilford is 6-foot-2 and 233 pounds, and resembles a powerful, third down back. Tilford played in three games last season while Taylor rotated in with then-starter Nick Wilson and rushed for 847 yards and five touchdowns. 

Brightwell is a combination of both and could be a threat in the passing game considering he played slot receiver in 2017. 

McKinney has options in his first year at Arizona. And he's familiar with what Sumlin wants out of him. He's never coached on a collegiate staff where Sumlin wasn't the head coach. He was the Houston running backs from 2008-11 and had the same position after that at Texas A&M from 2012-17. 

McKinney also coached former Wildcat Earl Mitchell at North Shore High School in Houston when he was fullback before he turned into a defensive tackle at the UA. 

McKinney met with the media after Arizona's practice on Saturday. From recruiting Texas, to his diverse group of running backs, here's what he had to say.

Thoughts on RBs

Arizona running backs coach Clarence McKinney on the RBs during spring practice: pic.twitter.com/nLRTub3125

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 7, 2018

Relationship with Sumlin

Clarence McKinney on how he met Kevin Sumlin and how he got the job at Houston in 2008: pic.twitter.com/X8PLMCYDsA

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 7, 2018

Sumlin as a coach

Clarence McKinney on Kevin Sumlin: “He’s a players coach, the players love him.” pic.twitter.com/pJhYnF2byC

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 7, 2018

Recruiting Texas

Clarence McKinney on the importance of recruiting Texas prospects: “Texas has been really good to us, and hopefully we can get back and get some of those guys.” pic.twitter.com/nk4h6GUXRY

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 7, 2018

Barry Sanders or Earl Campbell?

Clarence McKinney says he wants to recruit different styles of RBs to Arizona. “Would you rather have Barry Sanders or would you rather have Earl Campbell? Both guys are effective, different styles, and you just want a guy to get the job done.” pic.twitter.com/i52w6XLBWO

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 7, 2018

Triple-threat running backs

Clarence McKinney says he likes his RBs to catch out of the backfield and be a “triple-threat.” pic.twitter.com/3lYBKFVNfp

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 7, 2018

High school coaches are crucial to Arizona

Clarence McKinney on hosting high school coaches last night at Arizona’s coaching clinic: “High school coaches are the lifeline of our program. ... We learn from those guys just as much as they learn from us.” pic.twitter.com/iAZlBNyMl2

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 7, 2018

Impressed with Brightwell

Clarence McKinney didn’t know Gary Brightwell played slot last year. “He was in the running back room when I got here, and we’ve been impressed with him the last 10-11 practices.”McKinney briefly talks about Brightwell’s injury at the start of the video. pic.twitter.com/pDfEmKnLHG

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 7, 2018

Offensive progression and Montana State

Clarence McKinney on Arizona’s defense being further ahead than the offense, and his Montana State days: pic.twitter.com/owy2qsKrpi

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 7, 2018

Recruiting plans

Clarence McKinney’s recruiting plans after Arizona’s spring game next Saturday: “We’re gonna take care of the state of Arizona first.” pic.twitter.com/9VPetg1axN

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 7, 2018