Watch: 11 best things OC Noel Mazzone, C Josh McCauley said after Arizona's spring practice

UA's offense faces challenge in replacing key starters for 2019

Arizona is heading into its second year under offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone, and the Wildcats are looking to replace an abundance of key starters. 

UA lost wide receivers Shawn Poindexter, Shun Brown and Tony Ellison, and offensive tackle Layth Friekh, to graduation.

The returners: quarterback Khalil Tate, running back J.J. Taylor, tight end Bryce Wolma, center Josh McCauley, guard Cody Creason and tackle Donovan Laie, who played left tackle when Friekh was out.

Last season, Tate threw for 2,530 yards, which was nearly 1,000 more than his breakout sophomore year; but he only rushed for 224 yards as a junior.

The Wildcats welcome two freshmen from Houston, quarterback Grant Gunnell and receiver Boobie Curry. Both were top recruits in Arizona's 2019 class. Gunnell finished his high school career as Texas' all-time state high school football passing leader, and will wear No. 17 for the UA this season. 

Mazzone and McCauley spoke to the media following Arizona's spring practice on Monday, here's what they had to say.

Wide receiver unit

Arizona offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone on UA’s wide receiver group: pic.twitter.com/ioSqcrFrNS

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 26, 2019

Why wasn't Khalil Tate a runner in 2018?

Offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone says Khalil Tate’s lingering ankle injury and learning to be a drop-back passer kept him from running the ball more in 2018. pic.twitter.com/w0yCz0FFtu

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 26, 2019

Khalil Tate not penciled in as starter

Is Khalil Tate considered a “returning starter” for Arizona? Offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone: “Not this spring. We’re gonna give everybody equal shots. ... For me just to hand it to you and say ‘Yeah, you’re already the guy don’t worry about it,’ I don’t think that’s right.” pic.twitter.com/gRSqe0HfUJ

— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) March 26, 2019

Overall assessment of the quarterbacks

Noel Mazzone on Arizona’s quarterback room and Khalil Tate’s progress: pic.twitter.com/q2Hm8EPgCq

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 26, 2019

Mazzone and Tate went through 'growing pains' in 2018

Noel Mazzone says him and Khalil Tate went through “growing pains” last season, but are more comfortable now heading into the second season working together. pic.twitter.com/XujDZRIfiL

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 26, 2019

Grant Gunnell gains experience by enrolling in the spring

Noel Mazzone on freshman QB Grant Gunnell: “We’re excited about where his progress is right now.” pic.twitter.com/3A6M6x82GG

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 26, 2019

Kevin Doyle and Jamarye Joiner's progress

Noel Mazzone on freshmen QBs Kevin Doyle and Jamarye Joiner: pic.twitter.com/NyZ5Ed24cy

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 26, 2019

No more Heisman buzz for Tate

Noel Mazzone on not having the hype and added pressure around Khalil Tate as a preseason Heisman contender like last year: “If he goes out and is Khalil instead of someone he’s not, I think he’s fine.” pic.twitter.com/nLk8BeFntV

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 26, 2019

Arizona's 'Iron Man'

Noel Mazzone calls walk-on center Josh McCaulley the “Iron Man.” pic.twitter.com/Z4aI9xuK9N

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 26, 2019

Offensive line already a tight-knit group

Center Josh McCaulley says the offensive line unit “came together as a group quick” through the first week of spring practice. pic.twitter.com/Zg1cDIDipo

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 26, 2019

Kyle DeVan's impact as a coach

Josh McCaulley on working with new offensive line coach Kyle DeVan: pic.twitter.com/e1vrhUDEPo

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) March 26, 2019