Watch: 8 best things defensive line coach Iona Uiagalelei said after Arizona Wildcats' practice
- Updated
The JUCO jump
UpdatedBy Justin Spears / Arizona Daily Star
Iona Uiagalelei (pronounced Yo-na Yoo-ga-leh-lee) knows that he's in unchartered waters in his first season as Arizona's defensive line coach.
He's never coached at the Division-I level. Nor D-II, and not even D-III, unless you want to count to his graduate assistant career at his alma mater Southern Utah.
He was the defensive coordinator at Mt. San Antonio College since 2006 and the associate head coach since 2010 before coming to Arizona. He's coached several standout players, but his most recognizable one is Oakland Raiders linebacker Bruce Irvin.
He doesn't have any Pro Bowl linebackers on his roster right now, but he does get to work with returners Dereck Boles, Justin Belknap, Finton Connolly and hybrid outside linebacker Kylan Wilborn. The defensive line showed improvement in 2017, but still finished seventh in sacks and ninth in rush defense in the Pac-12.
In the midst of coaching the defensive line, Uiagalelei wants to establish his presence on the program by adding speed up front, and developing the pipeline for Polynesian. And after speaking to the media following Wednesday's practice, it was discovered that he is also a master chef when it comes to cooking chicken and rice for his players.
Here's the best from Uiagalelei on Wednesday.
The process
UpdatedIona Uiagalelei on how he got offered the defensive line coach position at Arizona: pic.twitter.com/P9XtCsMson
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 5, 2018
Adjusting to new life
UpdatedArizona defensive line coach Iona Uiagalelei on adjusting from coaching JUCO football to D-I: pic.twitter.com/Mf7LMKjABj
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 5, 2018
Never sugarcoat players
UpdatedIona Uiagalelei: “A good coach to me is someone that coached me up, and tells me the truth. That’s the way I am with my players, so I get the most out of them.” pic.twitter.com/oUXBuCN1Ur
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 5, 2018
Recruiting JUCO
UpdatedIona Uiagalelei on recruiting at the JUCO level: pic.twitter.com/EV1yuEtjqV
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 5, 2018
'Example on this defense and this team'
UpdatedIona Uiagalelei says the defensive line is going to be hardest working group for Arizona: “They think we’re a cross country team. ... We’re gonna set the tone. We’re gonna be the example on this defense and this team. That’s the mindset that I try instill on our players.” pic.twitter.com/8t7ZKb85eg
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 5, 2018
Polynesian pipeline
UpdatedIona Uiagalelei says he wants to establish a pipeline to bring more Polynesian recruits to play at Arizona: “That’s the only way I know how to do. That’s what I did at Mt. SAC, I’m gonna get that started in Arizona.” pic.twitter.com/JvR3fP7ypr
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 5, 2018
Home-cooked meals
UpdatedIona Uiagalelei says he brings players over to his house to eat home-cooked meals. His specialty? Chicken (baked, boiled or fried)🍗 and rice🍚. pic.twitter.com/ZNSg20u6um
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 5, 2018
Standouts
UpdatedIona Uiagalelei breaks down which defensive linemen have stood out in spring practice: pic.twitter.com/ErfBEeqKxb
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) April 5, 2018
More information
- New Arizona DL coach Iona Uiagalelei determined to rebuild the Wildcats’ Polynesian pipeline
- Lawsuit: Rich Rodriguez's lawyers say he used 'reasonable care' to prevent, correct sexual harassment
- The latest on Khalil Tate, Gary Brightwell and others, via Arizona Wildcats WR coach Theron Aych
- Watch: 6 best things wide receivers coach Theron Aych said after Arizona Wildcats' practice
- ‘Quarterback builder’ Noel Mazzone tackles his latest project: Khalil Tate and the Arizona Wildcats
- Five things we’ve learned about the Arizona Wildcats’ recruiting strategy under Kevin Sumlin
- Watch: 9 best things cornerbacks coach Demetrice Martin said after Arizona Wildcats' practice
- Meet Jeremy Springer, who's determined to bring 'championship special teams' to the Arizona Wildcats
- Recruiting: These uncommitted 2019 prospects are considering the Arizona Wildcats
- Watch: 10 best things offensive line coach Joe Gilbert said after Arizona Wildcats' practice
- Watch: 10 best things running backs coach Clarence McKinney said after Arizona Wildcats' practice
- Watch: 10 best things wide receivers coach Taylor Mazzone said after Arizona Wildcats' practice
View this profile on Instagram#ThisIsTucson 🌵 (@this_is_tucson) • Instagram photos and videos
Most viewed stories
-
This new restaurant is coming soon, bringing Southern favorites to Tucson
-
60 fun events happening in Tucson this weekend Sept. 19-22 🥨
-
This nameless taco stand makes delicious al pastor tacos straight from the trompo
-
The iconic Barbie truck is returning to Tucson with exclusive merch 🎀
-
60 fun events happening in Tucson this weekend Sept. 12-15 🛼🎬
-
100 fun events happening in Tucson this September 2024 👻🎶
-
35 FREE events happening in Tucson this September 2024 💸
-
At 6 months old, Tucson's baby elephant has made her way into the big girl pool
-
Where should I eat in Tucson? A GIANT list of bucket list spots for every craving
-
We're hosting a bookish happy hour with author meet-and-greets and a scavenger hunt 📚