Watch: 10 best things Scottie Young Jr., Marcel Yates said after Arizona's preseason practice

UA safety emerging as leader in the Wildcats' secondary

At this time last year, Scottie Young Jr.'s future at Arizona was murky. The junior safety, who started for the Wildcats as a true freshman, was in the middle of a suspension that kept him out from team-related activities between spring ball and most of the 2018 preseason training camp. 

Almost a year ago to the date, Young was reinstated to the UA and would serve a one-game suspension in the season opener against BYU. After returning, Young contributed 38 tackles and a career-high three interceptions.

Recently, Young participated in his first spring practice period and first preseason training camp since 2017. Arizona head coach Kevin Sumlin and multiple Wildcats have noted Young as an emerging leader in the UA's defense. 

Young had the chance to speak with the media along with defensive coordinator Marcel Yates after Arizona's practice on Tuesday, here's what they had to say. 

Going through 'trials and tribulations'

Last year, Arizona safety Scottie Young Jr. was suspended throughout spring ball and preseason training camp. Back as an emerging leader on the Wildcats’ defense, here’s what @_scottieoo learned from his time away from the team: pic.twitter.com/sz7kkOLh11

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 7, 2019

Young's growth

Arizona defensive coordinator Marcel Yates on Scottie Young Jr.’s maturity and leadership: pic.twitter.com/cLCPQCEPw5

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 7, 2019

Switching jersey numbers from 19 to 6

Arizona safety Scottie Young Jr. (@_scottieoo) says switching his jersey number from 19 to 6 is a “reincarnation of myself.” Young also says he wanted to wear No. 6 in honor of fellow Helix High School alum and UA legend @chuckcecil26. pic.twitter.com/AycdVMxyIN

— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) August 7, 2019

Growing with Arizona's leaders

Marcel Yates on coaching Arizona’s leaders on defense over the previous three seasons: pic.twitter.com/V6v3McHfwM

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 7, 2019

Adding depth to the defensive line

Marcel Yates on Arizona’s defensive line: “We have depth now.” pic.twitter.com/7R87OH5PKG

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 7, 2019

Getting JuCo players up to speed

Marcel Yates on JuCo transfer DT Trevon Mason: pic.twitter.com/HO3fAK0svv

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 7, 2019

Freshman DB Jaxen Turner's progress

Marcel Yates on freshman safety Jaxen Turner: pic.twitter.com/cl1B97wlQn

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 7, 2019

Gaining trust and getting players to buy in

How does a coach gain trust in their players? @CoachYatesAZ: pic.twitter.com/T1HWgpMsQU

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 7, 2019

Stopping the run is No. 1 priority

Stopping the run is Arizona’s top priority on defense for the 2019 season, per Marcel Yates. pic.twitter.com/1KOPw05s5J

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 7, 2019

Most impressive freshmen defensive backs

Scottie Young Jr. says @iambobbywolfe1 and @chrisroland_ have been the most impressive freshmen DBs. pic.twitter.com/bGahlsEEag

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 7, 2019