Watch: 10 best things offensive line coach Joe Gilbert said after Arizona Wildcats' practice

Back to college

Justin Spears / Arizona Daily Star

Like a few others on Arizona's coaching staff, offensive line coach Joe Gilbert has seen it all when it comes to football. 

Entering his 32nd season of coaching, Gilbert has coached at the college level and most recently in the NFL. From 2013-17, he served as the Indianapolis Colts' offensive line coach. 

Now he gets to reunite with a long-time friend Kevin Sumlin. Both worked together for the 2008 season at Houston. 

For five seasons, Gilbert was accustomed to coaching offensive linemen at the highest level in the NFL, but now gets to work with players that are hungry to reach that level in their playing careers.

Notable offensive linemen: Left tackle Layth Friekh (Sr.), center Nathan Eldridge (Redshirt Jr.), Michigan State transfer Thiyo Lukusa (Redshirt So.), tackle Edgar Burrola (Redshirt Fr.), tackle Cody Creason (Redshirt Jr.), tackle Bryson Cain (Redshirt So.) and Michael Eletise (Redshirt So.).

Arizona has nine underclassmen currently on roster during spring practice, and that number will only grow once all of the 2018 recruits start summer practice. With Gilbert adjusting back to college and coaching a group of wide-eyed players, the offensive line is expected to go through growing pains, which should call for an interesting season ahead for the unit.

Gilbert spoke to the media after Friday's practice, here's what he had to say.

The opportunity to coach at Arizona

Arizona offensive line coach Joe Gilbert on his relationship with Kevin Sumlin and how the opportunity at the UA developed: pic.twitter.com/2c8oO06gbJ

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 7, 2018

'No egos'

Joe Gilbert on Arizona’s coaching staff: “This is my 32nd year of coaching and I’ve been in a lot of different places with a lot of different people, and there are no egos on this staff.” pic.twitter.com/hHdC7NBD6c

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 7, 2018

College vs. NFL

Joe Gilbert, former @Colts offensive line coach, breaks down the differences between coaching college football and the NFL. pic.twitter.com/9ZhXjhfSSJ

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 7, 2018

Different speed

Joe Gilbert on NFL’s uptempo offense vs. college: “In the NFL, you think that you go fast. That ain’t fast. This is fast.” pic.twitter.com/wRkTlNv4jD

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 7, 2018

Recruiting

Joe Gilbert on recruiting players to Arizona: “We got a great product here. Great schools, great facilities. ... I think when you get them here in front of Coach Sumlin and the staff, we got a chance. It’s just a matter of getting them here.” pic.twitter.com/lyhVXDf2Hx

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 7, 2018

O-line work ethic

Joe Gilbert has been really pleased with the overall work ethic from the Arizona’s offensive lineman. He also speaks on the youth of the o-line. pic.twitter.com/iF33X68lN5

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 7, 2018

The veteran duo

Does it help to have left tackle Layth Friekh and center Nathan Eldridge back on the o-line as the anchors?Joe Gilbert: pic.twitter.com/F5kTla57EO

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 7, 2018

Thiyo Lukusa's progress

Joe Gilbert on Michigan State transfer Thiyo Lukusa: pic.twitter.com/SSAJpovrif

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 7, 2018

Tucson has 'good food'

Joe Gilbert on Tucson: “You guys got good food, that’s for sure.” pic.twitter.com/CWn4TiPe2n

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 7, 2018

Saturday's scrimmage

Joe Gilbert on what he’s looking from the offensive line in Arizona’s scrimmage/open practice tomorrow morning: pic.twitter.com/Yxz6WteiyB

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 7, 2018