Arizona football held its media-day event Sunday, and it was the first time incoming freshmen and newcomers were made available to reporters.
Throughout the week, Star reporters Michael Lev and Zack Rosenblatt will bring you a Q&A with a different newcomer.
This morning's subject: freshmanΒ Jalen Cochran, one of the standout newcomers during fall camp for his size and skill-set on the defensive line.Β
BIO BASICS:
- Height/weight: 6-3, 240
- Position: Defensive end
- From: Plymouth, Michigan
- Rating: 3 stars (Scout.com)
On transitioning to Arizona: "Itβs a new experience coming from far away from home. In Michigan itβs humid, here itβs more dry. Itβs a huge difference. So far itβs just been grinding every day. The other main thing has been time management here. In high school itβs totally different, so itβs all about balancing time, getting your sleep, doing your homework, studying the playbook."
On the biggest change from high school to college football: "I feel like itβs a huge difference because in high school I was the man, here Iβm starting over basically. So itβs kinda fun seeing guys who are better or at the same level compete. Thatβs the main thing."
On his position change: I played a hybrid (in high school), now Iβm playing D-line, so Iβm basically starting over. Iβm still learning my stance and my gap responsibilities."
On what people in Michigan told him about RichRod: "Everybody heard of him. Everybody would say like βoh, heβs a tough coachβ, βheβs meanβ, stuff like that. I think, for me personally, I need a tough coach on me to motivate me to get better. So people saying that, it was still good to me."
On if it was tough picking Arizona over Michigan State: "I guess, I would say yeah because Iβm that local kid, but I kind of took it personal how they didnβt offer me sooner. But I understand itβs a process, and it goes on. Itβs no grudge on Michigan State, i just felt like here, it was a better fit here, I felt comfortable here. At the time it just felt right here."
