Watch: 10 best things defensive coordinator Marcel Yates said after Arizona Wildcats' practice

New head coach, same scheme

By Justin Spears / Arizona Daily Star

Arizona defensive coordinator Marcel Yates was one of the few that was retained to Kevin Sumlin's coaching staff.  

Yates is now entering his third season at the UA and while Kevin Sumlin is at the helm for his first year in Tucson, both have history with each other. For two seasons, Yates was the co-defensive coordinator at Texas A&M while Sumlin was the head coach. 

From 2012-13, Texas A&M's record was 11-2 in the first year, and 9-4 in the second. Now, the two get to reunite with a unique twist. 

Along with being the coordinator, Yates will also coach the linebackers, which returns a dynamic and young duo in Tony Fields II and Colin Schooler, both of which were freshman last season. After emerging as one of the top players on the defense, Fields and Schooler were named to the freshman All-American team. 

Last season, Yates focused on coaching the secondary, but will back off in 2018 with Demetrice Martin and John Rushing coaching the cornerbacks and safeties. During Arizona's open practice last Saturday, the defense had three down linemen, two linebackers, three safeties, two corners and a outside rusher, which was the exact same scheme as the previous two seasons under Yates. 

In 2017, Arizona finished the season No. 115 in total defense in the FBS, and averaged giving up 464 yards of offense per game. Yates has a plan to improve the defense especially considering the freshmen he utilized last season have a year of experience under their belt. 

Yates spoke with the media after Thursday's practice, here's what he had to say. 

Progress report

Arizona defensive coordinator Marcel Yates on the defense’s progression, and being a part of Kevin Sumlin’s staff: pic.twitter.com/k1okvbDhll

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 13, 2018

Schemes and players growing up

Marcel Yates on discussing his defensive scheme with Kevin Sumlin, and his younger starters growing up on the field last season: pic.twitter.com/P1ppbdRCH5

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 13, 2018

Comparing RichRod and Sumlin

Marcel Yates compares Kevin Sumlin and Rich Rodriguez. “They both wanna win. Obviously the way they run their program is different.” pic.twitter.com/TkqXUwH1AX

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 13, 2018

Setting the bar high for Schooler, Fields

Marcel Yates setting the bar high for linebackers Colin Schooler and Tony Fields: “They were freshman All-Americans, but my goal for them is to be All-Americans. Not freshman All-Americans, but let’s be All-Americans in the country.” pic.twitter.com/W5LsZPFKgF

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 13, 2018

Improvements

Marcel Yates says the biggest area for improvement on the defense are 3rd down stops and “we need to get to the quarterback.” pic.twitter.com/ytKHEiPcSf

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 13, 2018

Connection with John Rushing

Marcel Yates on his relationship with safeties coach John Rushing and what he learned coaching with him at Montana State: pic.twitter.com/pQeaoGavkN

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 13, 2018

Backing off the secondary

Marcel Yates on having John Rushing (safeties) and Demetrice Martin (cornerbacks) on staff, and focusing primarily on linebackers: pic.twitter.com/Tz1Us7vLMC

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 13, 2018

'Students of the game'

Marcel Yates has been impressed with the players’ drive to be better. “They’re students of the game. ... You see guys watching film all day on their own.” pic.twitter.com/C7rhFfhI9N

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 13, 2018

Defensive tackle depth

Marcel Yates focused on “getting beef up front” when he first got here and added more depth on the defensive line. pic.twitter.com/6imVJ4vpxG

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 13, 2018

Recruiting

Marcel Yates says his areas of recruiting are Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Tucson. pic.twitter.com/SThm6r4IuP

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 13, 2018