Watch: 8 best things DeMarco Murray said after Arizona's preseason practice

Ex-NFL star excited to coach arguably UA's deepest position group

It's tough to argue a position group deeper than Arizona's running backs.

UA running back J.J. Taylor had one of the best seasons at his position in program history. Taylor produced 1,434 all-purpose yards as a sophomore and only two running backs in Arizona history have done more: Ka'Deem Carey — twice — and Trung Canidate. Taylor's 2018 campaign gave him third-team All-America honors and a spot on the All-Pac-12 First Team. 

Now a redshirt junior, Taylor will return as Arizona's top running back and will share the backfield with Gary Brightwell, Nathan Tilford, Bam Smith and freshman Michael Wiley who's received kudos from teammates and coaches during training camp. 

Their coach? Former star NFL running back DeMarco Murray who is entering his first year as the Wildcats' running backs coach after he was hired in January. Murray spoke to the media following Arizona's practice Wednesday, here's what he had to say. 

Thoughts on the RB group

DeMarco Murray on working with Arizona’s running backs heading into his first season as a coach: pic.twitter.com/wl47dCiU9l

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 15, 2019

Biggest surprise since entering the coaching ranks

DeMarco Murray on what surprised him when he first took over as the Arizona RBs coach: pic.twitter.com/Khb3tR3eNu

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 15, 2019

Differences in college football over the last decade

DeMarco Murray on the difference between college football now versus when he played for @OU_Football: pic.twitter.com/bDhUguxFMA

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 15, 2019

Using Taylor as the model running back

DeMarco Murray on coaching Arizona running back J.J. Taylor: “He’s a guy you want to model your running back group after.” pic.twitter.com/lkunA6jPUf

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 15, 2019

Tilford's progression

Arizona RBs coach DeMarco Murray on Nathan Tilford: “His size is unbelievable, but I think his confidence is finally starting to show.” pic.twitter.com/rzZ5iEr14B

— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) August 15, 2019

Rotation

DeMarco Murray on the UA running back rotation: pic.twitter.com/pTInVz2hy9

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 15, 2019

State of running backs in the NFL

DeMarco Murray on the state of the running back position in the NFL: pic.twitter.com/DVejP8yx1e

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 15, 2019

Competition for Taylor's backup

DeMarco Murray on the competition for the backup RB spot at Arizona: pic.twitter.com/2dAXhWany7

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 15, 2019