Watch: 12 best things Kevin Sumlin, J.J. Taylor said after Arizona's first spring practice

Wildcats open up spring practice in new indoor practice facility

Arizona kicked off another spring practice period Monday evening and head coach Kevin Sumlin now enters his second season at the UA. Arizona began practice in the new Cole and Jeannie Davis Sports Center, an $8 million indoor facility across from Arizona Stadium that finished in February. 

The Wildcats finished the 2018 season with a 5-7 record, which was capped off by allowing rival ASU to overcome a 19-point deficit in the fourth quarter to beat Arizona 41-20 in Tucson. Arizona missed out on a bowl game for the second time in three seasons. 

Now the Wildcats return star players like quarterback Khalil Tate, running back J.J. Taylor and linebackers Colin Schooler and Tony Fields II. Defensive backs Jace Whittaker and Scottie Young Jr. will also return as veterans for the Wildcats this season. 

Taylor was named to the Associated Press All-American Third Team in 2018 after rushing for 1,434 yards and six touchdowns as a sophomore. 

Sumlin and Taylor spoke to the media following Monday's practice, here's what they had to say along with bonus clips. 

Overall thoughts

Arizona head coach Kevin Sumlin on the first day of spring practice: pic.twitter.com/m7NlpJuUM2

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 19, 2019

Breaking in the new digs

Arizona running back J.J. Taylor on UA’s new indoor facility: pic.twitter.com/kSBETDekss

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 19, 2019

Hiring ex-NFL running back DeMarco Murray

Kevin Sumlin on hiring ex-NFL standout DeMarco Murray as Arizona’s running backs coach: “His knowledge of the game and ability to present information was as good as anybody’s.” pic.twitter.com/G0f6k7DM7p

— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) March 19, 2019

DeMarco Murray is a huge addition for recruiting

Kevin Sumlin says DeMarco Murray will help Arizona in recruiting, “particularly Vegas and Dallas.” pic.twitter.com/lY1BjLp3QL

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 19, 2019

J.J. Taylor on working with DeMarco Murray

Arizona RB J.J. Taylor on having DeMarco Murray as a coach: “He hasn’t been out of the league that long so it’s pretty cool.” pic.twitter.com/fvqgNhwqY9

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 19, 2019

Leadership for Arizona

Kevin Sumlin on leadership: pic.twitter.com/9u4McA5tbc

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 19, 2019

Goals for the 2019 season

Kevin Sumlin says consistency is one of Arizona’s biggest goals for this season. pic.twitter.com/ZjE7A7YFVw

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 19, 2019

Results, not accolades, only matter for J.J. Taylor

Arizona RB J.J. Taylor on being named an AP All-American in 2018: “It was a bland reaction. ... Only thing I care about is winning games. That’s it.” pic.twitter.com/96jyAhYG1x

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 19, 2019

Junior college transfers expected to have roles this season

Kevin Sumlin on Arizona’s JuCo transfers: “We gotta get those guys going. They’ll have a significant impact on our success next fall.” pic.twitter.com/6HJxpIyHje

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 19, 2019

Hiring new offensive line coach Kyle DeVan

Kevin Sumlin on adding offensive line coach Kyle DeVan to the staff: “He brings a lot to the table.” pic.twitter.com/7n1NXOonqv

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 19, 2019

Day Day Coleman switches from DB to LB

Kevin Sumlin says switching Day Day Coleman from safety to linebacker gives Arizona an athletic rotation at linebacker. “We need to get (Colin) Schooler off the field more.” pic.twitter.com/O86F50cPKY

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 19, 2019

Assessment of the running backs group

J.J. Taylor on Arizona’s running backs: “Everybody in that group is considered family.” pic.twitter.com/HcawT8TfsQ

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 19, 2019

Incoming freshman QB Grant Gunnell practices for the first time

Arizona offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone working with freshman QB Grant Gunnell. Gunnell is Texas’ all-time passing yards leader at the high school level. pic.twitter.com/rSD6aR85sZ

— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) March 19, 2019

Bonus clips from first day of spring practice

Arizona Wildcats warming up for their first day of spring football practice. 🏈 pic.twitter.com/tvbmUoFiBs

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 19, 2019

Arizona QBs by number: Khalil Tate (14)Grant Gunnell (17)Kevin Doyle (12)Jamarye Joiner (10)Rhett Rodriguez (4)Luke Ashworth (13) pic.twitter.com/NkKVQkrB2A

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 19, 2019

UA offensive line getting some work in. pic.twitter.com/QDoNPV2K11

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 19, 2019

Defensive line getting some work in. pic.twitter.com/RJTO9kA5iO

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 19, 2019