Watch: 10 best things DL coach Iona Uiagalelei said after Arizona's spring practice

Wildcats look to battle size and depth concerns in 2019

Arizona's defensive line has a gap to fill for the 2019 season. A 641-pound gap after the Wildcats lost defensive tackles PJ Johnson and Dereck Boles. Johnson declared for the NFL Draft in January while Boles wrapped up his last season in 2018.

Arizona's returners on the defensive line include JB Brown, Finton Connolly, Jalen Cochran, Issaiah Johnson, Nahe Sulunga, My-King Johnson and Justin Belknap. The stud linebackers have also worked with the defensive line group, which is a unit of Jalen Harris, Kylan Wilborn and Lee Anderson. 

Arizona's focus on the recruiting trail was to lure players with size and experience to the UA. The Wildcats landed two junior college prospects in Myles Tapusoa and Trevon Mason along with Dallas defensive tackle Kane Bradford. 

UA defensive line coach Iona Uiagalelei discussed the defensive line group following Arizona's spring practice on Monday, here's what he had to say. 

Replacing Boles and Johnson

Arizona is losing 641 pounds from last year’s defensive line with PJ Johnson and Dereck Boles gone. How does DL coach Iona Uiagalelei replace them? pic.twitter.com/KVo3fOZoiI

— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) April 2, 2019

What is the right amount of depth for UA at defensive line?

Iona Uiagalelei says 12 defensive linemen is the depth he wants for Arizona. pic.twitter.com/34eFB1Hgdq

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 2, 2019

Addressing the depth

Iona Uiagalelei says the newcomers will help Arizona’s defensive line particularly inside.“I can’t wait to get them all in.” pic.twitter.com/Z9BhBfB8KX

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 2, 2019

Rise of Jalen Harris

Iona Uiagalelei says Jalen Harris has been one of Arizona’s top edge rushers this spring. pic.twitter.com/0x3RddloCW

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 2, 2019

Myles Tapusoa's absence and working with Kylan Wilborn

Iona Uiagalelei on missing Myles Tapusoa and Kylan Wilborn’s improvement: pic.twitter.com/Ot5NjQLk5n

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 2, 2019

Using the Polynesian pipeline in recruiting

Arizona DL coach Iona Uiagalelei on re-establishing the Polynesian pipeline in recruiting players to UA: “They know the history we have at Arizona. Their uncles and relatives played here. ... Guys are really interested in playing here.” pic.twitter.com/DASuvEWZX3

— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) April 2, 2019

Moving Jalen Cochran to the interior

Iona Uiagalelei on moving Jalen Cochran to defensive tackle: “He’s gonna be a great inside guy for us.” pic.twitter.com/BaMBQwNs1q

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 2, 2019

My-King Johnson's progress

Iona Uiagalelei on how My-King Johnson can get into the rotation this season: pic.twitter.com/a7kL4TGGUn

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 2, 2019

PJ Johnson going pro

Iona Uiagalelei talks about PJ Johnson declaring for the NFL Draft. Uiagalelei says the Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers have reached out to him about Johnson. pic.twitter.com/sRnYp3DB3t

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 2, 2019

OT Donovan Laie has NFL potential

Iona Uiagalelei says Arizona OT Donovan Laie has been impressive this spring. “I think he’s gonna be playing on Sundays.” pic.twitter.com/ULZ5wzl7Fd

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 2, 2019