Watch: 9 best things safeties coach John Rushing said after Arizona Wildcats' practice

John Rushing holds strong ties with Kevin Sumlin, Marcel Yates

By Justin Spears / Arizona Daily Star

Arizona safeties coach John Rushing is new to the UA, but his relationship with head coach Kevin Sumlin and defensive coordinator Marcel Yates dates back to the ‘90s.

When Rushing was a freshman at Washington State, Sumlin was a graduate assistant before leaving for Purdue in 1990. Fast forward to when Rushing became a graduate assistant at Boise State in 1996, Yates was a player. And fast forwarding even more. Rushing and Yates coached together in the secondary unit at Montana State from 2000-02.

Rushing’s career took a different turn than Sumlin and Yates. While the two were climbing the ranks in the college coaching scene, Rushing ventured off into the NFL and joined the Green Bay Packers’ coaching staff for eight seasons, winning a Super Bowl in 2011. He was also the defensive consultant for the Los Angeles Rams in 2016, and joined Oregon State’s staff as a safeties coach for the 2017 season.

His journey as a coach comes full circle reuniting with Sumlin and Yates as he embraces one of the deepest positions heading into the 2018 season. At safety, Arizona returns Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, Jarrius Wallace, Tristan Cooper, Xavier Bell, Troy Young and Isaiah Hayes.

Rushing spoke with the media after Wednesday’s practice, here’s what he had to say. 

Rushing and Sumlin go way back

John Rushing says he knew Kevin Sumlin before he coached Marcel Yates at Boise State. pic.twitter.com/wQaV6uJxqz

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 12, 2018

Understanding Yates' defense

Arizona safeties coach John Rushing on his relationship with defensive coordinator Marcel Yates, and his defense: pic.twitter.com/lrpQTWVTP8

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 12, 2018

Defense grew up last season

John Rushing on how the defense can improve and what stood out most from last year: “It’s gotta be a joint effort. ... (Marcel Yates) did a good job playing these kids early so they could grow up on the field.” pic.twitter.com/kyiiw7P7BJ

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 12, 2018

Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles: The leader

John Rushing on Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, and coaching the safeties: pic.twitter.com/Fi3ds8duNf

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 12, 2018

Initial thoughts on certain players

Arizona safeties coach John Rushing on Tristan Cooper, Jarrius Wallace, Xavier Bell and Isaiah Hayes: pic.twitter.com/wvrWFVfIx1

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 12, 2018

'Clean slate' for returning players

John Rushing on scouting Arizona’s safeties from previous years and having “intel” on the players from his relationship with Marcel Yates. Rushing also mentions a “clean slate” for many returning players. pic.twitter.com/iqLhA06T6o

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 12, 2018

Coaching in the NFL, playing in the CFL

John Rushing on his coaching experience with the @packers, and his professional playing days: pic.twitter.com/HBpD2ejEgZ

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 12, 2018

Open practice impressions

John Rushing on how the safeties/defense performed during last Saturday’s open practice: pic.twitter.com/eVr2amM9fI

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 12, 2018

Recruiting

Arizona safeties coach John Rushing says his area of recruiting is Northern California. Also mentions how much Twitter has changed recruiting in college football. “It was more get the tape and evaluate the tape. We didn’t pay attention to (rankings) or anything like that.” pic.twitter.com/a9CWRbgA4D

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 12, 2018