Watch: 10 best things Noel Mazzone, Josh McCauley said after Arizona's preseason practice

UA's offensive coordinator 'in same chapter' with QB Khalil Tate in 2019

Arizona Wildcats quarterback Khalil Tate and offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone didn't have the season they had hoped for in 2018. 

The UA finished 5-7 and ended the year allowing rival ASU to overcome a 19-point deficit in the fourth quarter. Tate threw a costly interception late in the game, which allowed the Sun Devils to score on the ensuing drive. 

Although Tate's season ended on a sour note, he managed to average 278.8 yards in the last four games of the season, including a career-high 350 yards and five touchdowns against Colorado. Tate didn't impact the Wildcats with his legs such as his 2017 campaign and only rushed for two touchdowns last year, but the ankle injury from the road loss to Houston hobbled Arizona's quarterback for majority of the year. 

Now under Mazzone for the second season, the two look to move on from a rocky 2018 season. Mazzone told the Star in March, "We kind of went through our growing pains. I kind of understand him a little bit more, and he understands me a little bit more." 

Mazzone spoke about Tate's growth and other pertinent updates with Arizona's offense while former walk-on center Josh McCauley shared his reaction to being awarded a full-ride scholarship. 

Receiving a full-ride scholarship

Arizona center and former walk-on Josh McCauley on receiving a full-ride scholarship in the spring:

“It was a great moment for me. ... It was really cool. I loved it and it meant a lot.” pic.twitter.com/7jx6nQlW8h

— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) August 2, 2019

Jamarye Joiner moving to wide receiver

Arizona offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone says his “respect for @Jamaryejoiner is off the charts” after the former QB moved to wide receiver. “He was definitely selfless and put the team in front of himself.” pic.twitter.com/OyoO7SnMtM

— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) August 2, 2019

Wildcats' wide receivers provide depth

Noel Mazzone on Arizona’s wide receiver corps: “There’s a lot of youth, but a lot of talented youth.” pic.twitter.com/RnqQEDRAiD

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 2, 2019

Tate's progression from a center's perspective

Arizona center Josh McCauley says QB Khalil Tate has “grown a lot” as a leader this year. pic.twitter.com/IGyouQDOCO

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 2, 2019

Recruiting early

Noel Mazzone’s infant grandson Roman was at Arizona’s practice today. Mazzone jokingly says Roman is already on the UA’s radar for 2038.“I’ve already offered him. He said he’s gonna look at other schools first. He hasn’t committed yet. ... That was the highlight of my day.” pic.twitter.com/NUcGjqPfgA

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 2, 2019

Fixing mistakes in the red zone is a focus for Arizona

Noel Mazzone says Arizona has focused on red-zone offense this summer. pic.twitter.com/sjzbYVeiJY

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 2, 2019

Tate's leadership

Arizona offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone says Khalil Tate’s communication and leadership has been “night and day” compared to 2018. “He’s really starting to take ownership of the offense.” pic.twitter.com/lkEvpz14GZ

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 2, 2019

Grant Gunnell's maturity and growth

Noel Mazzone says freshman QB Grant Gunnell is “way ahead of the curve.” “He’s got a really high football IQ and he’s a perfectionist, which I like.” Mazzone says Gunnell has completed 70% of his passes during team offense in practice. pic.twitter.com/jpDPhb28fU

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 2, 2019

Difference in Year Two

Noel Mazzone on settling in as Arizona’s offensive coordinator in his second season at the UA: pic.twitter.com/tQ2WXt6hJf

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 2, 2019

Competition in practice

Arizona center Josh McCauley on the defensive tackles he faces during practice: pic.twitter.com/DnEK9JA5gu

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 2, 2019