Watch: 8 best things Noel Mazzone said after Arizona Wildcats' second practice
Arizona's new offensive coordinator looks to apply more passing into the offense compared to last season.
By Justin Spears / Arizona Daily Star
UA's offensive guru
Updated
Offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone tries to get his point across on day two of pre-season practice for the University of Arizona, Friday, August 4, 2018, Tucson, Ariz.
Noel Mazzone is the been-there-done-that offensive coordinator Arizona's offense particularly quarterback Khalil Tate could use.
He's coached in the NFL and has mentored some of the most recognizable names in college football such as Brock Osweiler at ASU and Brett Hundley at UCLA.
Now Mazzone will embrace another challenge: taking Tate from Arizona's starting quarterback to possibly a Heisman Trophy winner. Last season, the offense was tailored around Tate, running back J.J. Taylor, wide receiver Shun Brown and Bryce Wolma at tight end. Arizona's total offense was ranked No. 12 in FBS, but passing offense was ranked No. 100.
That's where Mazzone comes into play. With all of the aforementioned players returning, plus additional weapons including wide receiver Shawn Poindexter and tight end Jamie Nunley in the mix, the proof is in the pudding: Arizona should be more lethal in the passing game this season. That remains to be seen, but Mazzone's track record as an offensive mastermind bodes well for the Wildcats this season.
The new offensive coordinator spoke with the media after Saturday's practice, here is what he had to say:
Tate's consistency
UpdatedArizona OC Noel Mazzone on Khalil Tate improving in fall camp: “He’s shown (consistency) so far, but it’s only been two days. But I’m excited where he’s at and the starting point of where we’re at with him.” pic.twitter.com/vaQyK4TMaG
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 5, 2018
Arizona's new center
UpdatedArizona OC Noel Mazzone says Texas A&M transfer Robert Congel will play center for the Wildcats, but is unsure if he will be eligible to play this season. Mazzone also says he expects Michael Eletise to have a special season on the O-line. pic.twitter.com/FjkYJaMDZn
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 5, 2018
Freshmen standouts
UpdatedNoel Mazzone has been impressed with the freshmen quarterbacks, Jamarye Joiner, Kevin Doyle and Luke Ashworth. “I like it because there’s some competition in the room.” pic.twitter.com/b5qj8RajlP
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 5, 2018
Outside WR competition
UpdatedNoel Mazzone is excited for the inside receivers, but says there is a competition in the outside receiver group besides Shawn Poindexter. pic.twitter.com/GwhvzxNUFE
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 5, 2018
Running backs update
UpdatedNoel Mazzone says Gary Brightwell has impressed him as JJ Taylor’s potential backup. pic.twitter.com/vweqM4xtzm
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 5, 2018
Competition for QB No. 2
UpdatedNoel Mazzone says he will give the new QBs a week to get caught up before he looks for Khalil Tate’s backup. “At some point within the next week, the competition begins.” pic.twitter.com/lwrIxbGj9j
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 5, 2018
Mazzone's thoughts on NFL Hall of Fame class
UpdatedNoel Mazzone on the 2018 NFL Hall of Fame class: pic.twitter.com/0dzCnOWzTz
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 5, 2018
Impressed with Doyle
UpdatedNoel Mazzone talks up freshman QB Kevin Doyle Jr. pic.twitter.com/4lN8TSgWeT
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 5, 2018
