Watch: 10 best things Kevin Sumlin, Jace Whittaker said after Arizona's first day of fall practice

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Watch: 10 best things Kevin Sumlin, Jace Whittaker said after Arizona's first day of fall practice

Justin Spears
Jul 26, 2019
Jul 26, 2019 Updated Aug 14, 2019

The UA wrapped up its first day of preseason training camp on Friday.

Wildcats look to improve in second season under Sumlin

Kevin Sumlin, 2019 — Arizona Wildcats completed the first day of preseason training camp Friday evening. The UA looks to improve on a 5-7 season heading into 2019.
Justin Spears

Arizona kicked off preseason fall camp at the Cole and Jeannie Davis Sports Center and the newly named Dick Tomey outdoor practice fields on Friday as the Wildcats gear up for the 2019 season.

Entering his second season at the UA, head coach Kevin Sumlin and the Wildcats look to improve on a 5-7 2018 season, which ended with a loss to rival ASU after the Sun Devils overcame a 19-point deficit.

Fast forward to Friday, returning Wildcats and newcomers — freshmen and junior college transfers — were officially brought together for the first day of practice to move past a disappointing season after a season with the new coaching staff.

Sumlin and senior cornerback Jace Whittaker spoke to the media following Friday's practice, here's what they had to say.

Overall thoughts on first day of camp

Arizona head coach Kevin Sumlin after the first day of training camp:
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster)

Honoring the late Dick Tomey

Kevin Sumlin on Arizona naming the outdoor practice fields after the late Dick Tomey: “It’s a legacy that lives on. ... I thought it was a good idea and a great tribute.”
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster)

Dick Tomey's impact on Kevin Sumlin

What did Dick Tomey mean to Kevin Sumlin? :
— Justin Spears (@JustinESports)

Whittaker's overall thoughts on first day

Jace Whittaker on Arizona’s first day of preseason training camp:
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster)

JuCo linemen have important role for Arizona this season

Kevin Sumlin on the importance of adding JuCo defensive linemen: “You saw us last year. We need them now. There’s a reason why they came here.”
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster)

��Թ� native Jamarye Joiner moving from QB to WR

Kevin Sumlin on redshirt freshman moving to wide receiver: “He’s one of the top athletes on this team.”
— Justin Spears (@JustinESports)

How did Bobby "Hollywood" Wolfe receive his nickname?

Jace Whittaker on why the players nicknamed “Hollywood:” “We took off his shirt and his back said ‘Hollywood’ so that’s his name. We didn’t choose it, his tattoo artist did.”
— Justin Spears (@JustinESports)

Pac-12 schedule

Kevin Sumlin on Arizona’s conference schedule:
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster)

Son of former NFL star transfers to Arizona

Kevin Sumlin on Arizona adding Richmond transfer Samari Springs, son of Pro Bowl CB Shawn Springs:
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster)

Loss to ASU was a 'scar' for Arizona

Jace Whittaker says the loss to ASU in 2018 was a “scar.”
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster)

Practice notebook

Arizona first-year offensive line coach Kyle DeVan works with his unit during the first day of training camp.
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster)

Khalil Tate and the other Arizona quarterbacks take the field for the first day of preseason training camp.
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster)

Transfers Zach Lord (TE) and Trevon Mason (DL) are huge! Lord: 6-7, 275 poundsMason: 6-4, 285 pounds
— Justin Spears (@JustinESports)

-Transfer Samari Springs, who's listed as a safety, worked with the CB group. Freshman Jaxen Turner, who's listed at CB, worked with the safeties.-Players getting looks at PR: J.J. Taylor, Bam Smith, Brian Casteel, Christian Roland-Wallace, Stanley Berryhill, Jaden Mitchell
— Michael Lev (@MichaelJLev)

A few quick hits from the open practice period as training camp gets underway:-Jamarye Joiner, who moved from QB to WR this summer, looked natural catching the ball during individual work.-Mykee Irving, who moved from DL to OL in spring, is back with the DL.
— Michael Lev (@MichaelJLev)

WR Jailen Bailey, who appeared in two games for Arizona last season, is no longer with the program.
— Michael Lev (@MichaelJLev)

Liquor license outside Arizona’s new indoor practice facility. It’s expected to serve as a tailgate area before UA home games.
— Justin Spears (@JustinESports)