Watch: 8 best things Layth Friekh, Justin Belknap said after Arizona Wildcats' practice
Left tackle Layth Friekh and defensive end Justin Belknap enter the 2018 season as two of Arizona's more consistent linemen.
By Justin Spears / Arizona Daily Star
O-line and D-line
Updated
Arizona Wildcats defensive end Justin Belknap (86) dons his helmet.
On Arizona's offensive and defensive lines, Layth Friekh and Justin Belknap, respectively, are the Wildcats' most experienced.
The NCAA granted Friekh, a left tackle, an additional year of eligibility. But he's forced to miss the first two games of the season against BYU and at Houston, which could hurt the Wildcats up front considering UH has arguably the best player in college football with defensive tackle Ed Oliver.
Belknap, a redshirt junior, is in his fourth year at UA and looks to be one of Arizona's consistent pass rushers and playmakers as a defensive end.
Friekh and Belknap spoke to the media after Arizona's practice on Wednesday, here's what they had to say:
Khalil Tate's SI cover
UpdatedArizona OT Layth Friekh on Khalil Tate making the @SInow cover: “It’s crazy. ... He doesn’t let it get to his head, but it’s definitely big time.” pic.twitter.com/fmwz1MvtGn
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 8, 2018
PJ Johnson's impact and hyping up walk-ons
UpdatedJustin Belknap on having PJ Johnson aboard, and encouraging the walk-ons: pic.twitter.com/mGt0yX8xcg
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 8, 2018
Difference between coaching staffs
UpdatedJustin Belknap’s impression on the coaching staff/practices: “It’s definitely different than when it was with RichRod, but in a good way.” pic.twitter.com/A7STHXQbZX
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 8, 2018
Frenemies
UpdatedArizona DE Justin Belknap on his in-practice rivalry with OT Cody Creason: “Every other play, we would get into a fist fight. ... It’s not hostile anymore.” pic.twitter.com/4A4mJagcoH
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 8, 2018
Practice impressions
UpdatedLayth Friekh says he matches up with Kylan Wilborn in practice. Friekh also talks about the overall vibe of practices. pic.twitter.com/BItU72qEUu
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 8, 2018
Line thoughts
UpdatedLayth Friekh’s thoughts on Arizona’s offensive and defensive line: pic.twitter.com/cHHYae5nlH
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 8, 2018
Mindset on defense
UpdatedArizona DE Justin Belknap on the defense’s mindset for this season, and entering his fourth camp in Tucson: pic.twitter.com/yQkEaIYdCL
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 8, 2018
Boxing?
UpdatedJustin Belknap says the players are comfortable with the new coaching staff, and the D-Line picked up boxing in the offseason to develop hand technique. pic.twitter.com/iaj2tzwc45
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) August 8, 2018
