Watch: 9 best things J.J. Taylor, Jace Whittaker said after Arizona Wildcats' practice
Running back J.J. Taylor and cornerback Jace Whittaker spoke to the media after Arizona's third practice.
By Justin Spears / Arizona Daily Star
Third practice in the books
Updated
Veteran UA cornerback Jace Whittaker (17) is back for a final season after missing almost all of 2018 because of injuries.
The Wildcats have officially practiced three days and the common topic of discussion for the Wildcats is the weight each player has either gained or lost since the end of the last season.
Players that were slightly overweight, lost weight. Players that needed to pack on a few pounds to add size, gained weight in the right places.
UA cornerback Jace Whittaker gained nearly 10 pounds from last season and weighs 190 pounds. J.J. Taylor first entered the program at 160 pounds, and now weights 185 pounds with hopes of gaining five more pounds. Is it diet? Possibly. First-year strength and conditioning coach Brian Johnson has made an immediate impact with players and developing their size in a short span before the season starts.
Whittaker and Taylor spoke to reporters Monday about more than just their body weight. Check out what they had to say:
Motivation
UpdatedArizona gave up 34 points per game in 2017. Jace Whittaker and the defense uses that stat to stay hungry this season. “Nobody liked that.” pic.twitter.com/GGdd14X9mt
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 6, 2018
'Bullying the little guy'
UpdatedJ.J. Taylor on “bullying the little guy” and working with the QBs in the new offense: pic.twitter.com/VzZEEtEOaV
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 6, 2018
Staying healthy
UpdatedArizona CB Jace Whittaker on first impressions from fall camp and staying healthy: pic.twitter.com/7gReFWw4c4
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 6, 2018
Taylor's scouting report
UpdatedJ.J. Taylor on Khalil Tate’s work ethic, and working with the other RBs: pic.twitter.com/iSOCjNQo1w
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 6, 2018
Stanley Berryhill surprising folks
UpdatedJace Whittaker has been impressed with WR Stanley Berryhill so far during training camp: “I think you guys will see him a lot this year making plays for us on Saturday nights.” pic.twitter.com/qPmrlBPOed
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 6, 2018
Improved offense
UpdatedArizona RB J.J. Taylor says the offense improved compared to last season and a major point of focus for him was developing speed. pic.twitter.com/D8KtrfKRB1
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 6, 2018
Outlook on defense
UpdatedJace Whittaker on Arizona’s defense this season: “Just wait on it. It’s going to be an exciting year.” pic.twitter.com/2v6OE1vwXF
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 6, 2018
New coach, same style
UpdatedJace Whittaker is now on his fourth CB coach in four years. Demetrice Martin has similar characteristics to the previous three and “excels at it.” pic.twitter.com/X4xBT5MgUE
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 6, 2018
O-line
UpdatedJ.J. Taylor on the offensive line: “That unit has always been together.”Taylor also mentions that he’s been surprised with the tempo of the first three days of practice. pic.twitter.com/zadFKGE3GH
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 6, 2018
