By Justin Spears / Arizona Daily Star
After Team Defense handled Team Offense 55-46 in Arizona's spring game on Saturday, the Wildcats put the bow on Kevin Sumlin's first spring practice period.
The last month was all about becoming familiar. Whether it was the coaches getting to know each other, or the staff learning the players without looking at their name taped on their helmets. But now that spring football is finished, it's time for the team to take some time off and return in late July for the start of preseason camp.
Much like last Saturday's open practice, Arizona's defense looked one to 10 steps ahead of the offense. Cornerback Jace Whittaker stripped the ball from surging running back Nathan Tilford and nearly ran it back for a touchdown. Safety Jarrius Wallace also added two interceptions, and the defense stopped the offense in the red zone on several occasions, leading to either a Josh Pollack or a Lucas Havrisik field goal.
The Wildcats still have a lot of work to do as the program heads into a new chapter of Arizona football. With a Heisman hopeful quarterback in Khalil Tate, a defense that flashed potential two Saturdays in a row and new coaching staff, the Wildcats could reach new heights this season. For now, Sumlin and Co. are still adjusting to their new lives in Tucson.
Sumlin spoke to the media for the first time since the start of spring practice, here's what he had to say.
