Theron Aych was the fourth Arizona Wildcats assistant coach to speak to the media since spring practice began. He’s the first who was part of the previous staff.
Aych, therefore, has a different perspective when it comes to new concepts and returning players. Aych, who is coaching inside receivers after working with the entire receiving corps last season, is entering his second year at the UA. He didn’t have any history with Kevin Sumlin but knew him, admired him and made enough of an impression to be retained.
Aych will recruit parts of Houston, eastern Texas and Louisiana. For now, he’s mainly coaching five receivers: returning regulars Shun Brown and Tony Ellison; youngsters Brian Casteel and Stanley Berryhill III; and veteran Darick Holmes Jr.
Fans can catch a glimpse of the Wildcats on Saturday, when the team conducts an open scrimmage. Practice begins at 11 a.m. at Arizona Stadium.
In the meantime, Aych dished on adjusting to the new staff, Khalil Tate’s development, Gary Brightwell’s upside and other topics. The conversation has been lightly edited for context and clarity.
What’s the biggest difference in terms of how Sumlin runs the show?
A: “He’s a real hands-on coach. He’s very involved in what we’re doing. He’s coaching the positions. It’s been a lot of fun for the players getting a chance to (know him) not only as a manager but on the field directly. For us, you’ve heard guys say, there’s no egos on the staff. It’s a real fun group to be with.”
That lack of ego – what does that mean on a daily basis?
A: “It’s a real comfort level for us. Just to come in and work every day and know that everybody’s on the same page. We’re all trying to grind together to push in the same direction.”
How has the game plan changed as far as recruiting Texas?
A: “Coach Sumlin’s familiarity with the state of Texas has certainly helped us continue to rally the troops there. We’re going to plant a flag in Texas and make sure there’s a presence there. We started to do that a little bit the previous season. We’re continuing to … touch more guys. It’s certainly helped develop those relationships with the high school coaches and players. Hopefully, we’ll see a bunch of those at the spring game (on April 14).”
What’s the thought process behind splitting up the inside and outside receivers?
A: “This is the first time I’ve been part of a staff that’s done that. I know Coach Sumlin’s done that throughout his career. To be able to have somebody focus in on the minor details … sometimes you get lost in translation when you’ve got an entire group. It’s another set of eyes on those guys. … It’s really helped our guys develop.”
Noel Mazzone said tight ends Bryce Wolma and Jamie Nunley are players you have to get on the field. What’s the outlook for them?
A: “Those two guys, as young guys, really played well for us. Hopefully they’ll continue to develop. Obviously they’re a year older. They’re more mature mentally and physically. Those are two guys that we’re definitely counting on to make plays for us.”
What did you guys see in Wolma that maybe some other schools didn’t?
A: “He really has a passion for the game. He’s a very reserved player. He’s not flamboyant. But as far as a guy that comes out and works every day, that’s what Bryce brings to the table.”
Are there certain things Coach Sumlin wants you to teach?
A: “Play fast, be physical, score points. That’s it. One, two, three.”
How do you go about learning a new system?
A: “I treat myself as if I was a freshman coming in in August, Day 1. Lots of notes. Flash cards. I have a notebook that has things written on every page – crossways, sideways and upside-down. Just like I try to encourage the players to do. As coaches, we can never stop being students of the game."
Where have you seen Khalil make the most growth?
A: “He’s definitely becoming more of a vocal leader now. That’s something at the quarterback position you’ve gotta have. … Now he’s leading traffic. He’s becoming that guy that’s taking over the huddle, getting guys directed and lined up.”
You had Brightwell in your group last year. Now he’s playing running back. What’s his upside?
A: “Huge. Gary is a very special player physically. As he continues to develop mentally this year, Gary’s going to be a real exciting guy to watch.”
What did it say about him that he was willing to move to slot receiver last year?
A: “It just shows us as coaches that he’s a team player. Gary is a very high-character kid. He’s a very hard worker. He didn’t bat an eye when we asked him. He had never played the position before. It’s really made him more of a cerebral football player now.”
Brown and Ellison were very productive last year. What’s the next step for them?
A: “The next step for them is to continue to develop. We’re not going to ask them to stop with what we did a year ago. That’s the past. The next focus is on continuing to get those guys to understand what we’re doing – continue to play hard, play fast and win championships. That’s the goal.”
Casteel played a little bit last year and made one great catch. What’s the scouting report on him, and what are the areas where he needs to grow?
A: “Brian’s role will continue to develop. He’s a versatile athlete. He can play inside and outside. He’s gotta continue to get stronger. Again, he’s a 19-year-old kid. We’re continuing to push him. He’ll continue to get faster. That’s where he’ll help us.”
Who are some defensive players who’ve stood out so far?
A: “That’s a great question. Obviously our two linebackers (Tony Fields II and Colin Schooler). You can never not point them out. They show up every practice. No offense to the other positions, but those guys are young, and they’re going to be special.”
