Watch: 14 best things Jace Whittaker, Demetrice Martin said after Arizona's spring practice

Whittaker looks to lead young cornerback group after missing most of 2018

Arizona's cornerback group last season was arguably the slimmest position for the Wildcats, and it wasn't because of weight.

With starter Jace Whittaker missing all but one game in 2018 with an unspecified arm injury, Lorenzo Burns was the lone starter in Demetrice Martin's first season coaching the cornerbacks. Whittaker wasn't the only cornerback injured; Malik Hausman and Malcolm Holland were also out with injuries.

Walk-on Azizi Hearn played in eight games for the Wildcats and safety Troy Young moved over to cornerback for the Territorial Cup game against ASU. Freshman McKenzie Barnes played in five games.

The Wildcats added freshmen Christian Roland-Wallace and Houston native Bobby Wolfe to the group this season. Roland-Wallace has practiced with Arizona this spring while Wolfe will wait until the summer.

Now with more experience, Whittaker and Burns look to lead Arizona's cornerback group. Whittaker and Martin spoke to the media following Friday's spring practice, here's what they had to say. 

Whittaker's 2018 experience

Arizona cornerback Jace Whittaker on the “frustrating” experience missing most of the 2018 season with an injury: pic.twitter.com/gfg0ZUVNC7

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 6, 2019

Whittaker's decision to return to Arizona

Jace Whittaker on why he decided to play another season at Arizona rather than declaring for the NFL Draft or becoming a grad transfer: “When I commit to something, I stick with it. There was a reason why I came here to begin with.” pic.twitter.com/bWgT4P1mZU

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 6, 2019

Recruiting players to come to Arizona

Demetrice Martin on using the new indoor facility as a recruiting tool: “I downplay it when I’m away and then let them get here so they can get the shock-and-awe factor.” pic.twitter.com/K595WuGXnY

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 6, 2019

'Confident' Bobby Wolfe

Demetrice Martin on incoming freshman CB @iambobbywolfe1: “He has a confident personality, let’s just say that. All the traits you want in a cornerback.” pic.twitter.com/tLSMp5qkEG

— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) April 6, 2019

Arizona's hidden gem in Christian Roland-Wallace

Arizona cornerbacks Coach Demetrice Martin on freshman @chrisroland_: “He’s a different type of cat. ... He’s kind of a hidden gem. It was a task to keep him here.” pic.twitter.com/xbKWMa4qgk

— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) April 6, 2019

Roland-Wallace turning heads this spring

Jace Whittaker says Christian Roland-Wallace has been the most impressive newcomer DB this spring. “You guys will be seeing him a lot this year.” pic.twitter.com/61KdqYrcS2

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 6, 2019

Grading the young players

Jace Whittaker on how the underclassmen cornerbacks played in 2018: “They’re still here. I think they survived and I think they succeeded.” pic.twitter.com/fWbQAExvLQ

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 6, 2019

Rise of Barnes

Demetrice Martin says CB McKenzie Barnes has shown improvement this spring. pic.twitter.com/GYySG9x90L

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 6, 2019

Patience is key

Jace Whittaker says he learned patience sitting out last season. pic.twitter.com/YuUqkdqNsS

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 6, 2019

Perfect season for Whittaker

Jace Whittaker on the ideal season for Arizona: pic.twitter.com/fomGSYPWM7

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 6, 2019

Good cop, bad cop

Arizona cornerbacks Coach Demetrice Martin says Jace Whittaker had a coaching role when he was sidelined in 2018. Martin and Whittaker played good cop/bad cop with the cornerbacks. “I was the bad cop of course.” pic.twitter.com/U9bqX74rwO

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 6, 2019

Finding a coaching role

Jace Whittaker on coaching the younger cornerbacks: pic.twitter.com/wJFNoU39ob

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 6, 2019

Dealing with depth

Demetrice Martin on the cornerback depth at Arizona: pic.twitter.com/T9tO5cnJlF

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 6, 2019

Troy Young's abilities at cornerback

Demetrice Martin on cornerback Troy Young: pic.twitter.com/hIQyP7NxIo

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 6, 2019