Watch: 10 best things J.J. Taylor, Noel Mazzone said after Arizona's preseason practice

Wildcats expect another productive season from their star running back

While Arizona finished the 2018 season on a sour note and failed to qualify for a bowl game, 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.

Taylor and Arizona offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone spoke after practice on Friday, here's what they had to say. 

Hard-working Taylor

Arizona offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone has been impressed with running back J.J. Taylor’s work ethic. “He puts in the most mileage everyday. He’s a hard worker.” pic.twitter.com/MU5ilhI3mJ

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 10, 2019

Wiley's impact so far in training camp

Noel Mazzone says freshman RB @_michaelwiley has “wiggle” and “really good knowledge of the game.” pic.twitter.com/cOUUIivFR8

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 10, 2019

'Play like a nickel, not five pennies'

Noel Mazzone on Arizona’s offensive line: pic.twitter.com/l4WKshwNgN

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 10, 2019

Working with DeMarco Murray

Arizona offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone on adding @DeMarcoMurray to the staff: pic.twitter.com/fzfr6L3J1x

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 10, 2019

Kevin Doyle returning to form

Noel Mazzone on QB Kevin Doyle getting more reps in practice after missing time with a shoulder injury: “Looked like he had zip on the ball. ... Thankfully we’ll get him back.” pic.twitter.com/kQGrjdvMXx

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 10, 2019

Looking ahead to the morning

Noel Mazzone on what he anticipates for Arizona’s scrimmage Saturday morning: pic.twitter.com/DTEHeim5vv

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 10, 2019

What it's like to have an All-Pro running back as a coach

Arizona RB J.J. Taylor on playing under @DeMarcoMurray: pic.twitter.com/s2fsdhqkjI

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 10, 2019

Communication with offensive line and running back depth

J.J. Taylor on Arizona’s scrimmage, offensive line and depth at the RB position: pic.twitter.com/8RYtzbHVdS

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 10, 2019

T-minus two weeks 'til season opener

Arizona RB J.J. Taylor on the state of the Wildcats with two weeks left until the season opener: pic.twitter.com/WU2GrhSRtY

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 10, 2019

Grant Gunnell's maturity

J.J. Taylor on freshman QB @grantgunnell7: pic.twitter.com/WADyc3Fo9T

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 10, 2019