What Arizona football team coaches and players said during the first week of spring practice

The initial week of spring practice has concluded, with 12 additional sessions planned, culminating in the Spring Game on April 27. Following each session, various UA coaches and players have engaged with the media, discussing the progress of the offseason and outlining expectations for the remainder of the spring.

Here are the top comments from those interviews

Head coach Brent Brennan

Brent Brennan reflects on the challenges and excitement of his first few months, particularly navigating new elements like the transfer portal and NIL. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships with players.

Brennan praises the team’s self-driven work ethic during the offseason and the significance of player-led teams. He highlights the return of Tacario Davis as a boost for the team’s cohesion and performance.

Brennan outlines the goals for spring practice, focusing on fundamental skills development. He describes his coaching style as one of encouragement and energy, emphasizing the role of leaders in fostering a positive practice environment.

Offensive coordinator Dino Babers

The coach emphasizes the importance of spring practice in assessing the team’s status and strengths, emphasizing the need to discover where they stand and what they possess. He praises quarterback Noah Fifita’s exceptional qualities and intelligence, foreseeing a promising future for him.

He highlights the team’s camaraderie and inclusivity, particularly in welcoming new coaches. Regarding the offensive line, he stresses the need for full health and unity, recognizing their pivotal role in team success. He remains flexible about his coaching scheme, waiting to see the team’s composition. Despite coaching changes, many players opted to return, reflecting the team’s strong bond and unity.

QB Noah Fifita reflects on the transition to the new coaching staff, noting the blending of different coaching styles and terminologies. He expresses excitement about Coach Babers’ leadership and his role as a leader on the team.

OL Jonah Savaiinaea discusses his connection with Coach Oglesby and the team’s decision to stay united after the coaching change.

Defensive coordinator Duane Akina elaborates on the defensive changes, emphasizing aggression and intelligence in the secondary. He emphasizes teaching defensive concepts from an offensive perspective.

LB Jacob Manu praises teammate Ka’aihue for his work ethic and Coach Akina’s leadership. He aims to improve his mental game to outsmart opponents.

LB Kamuela Ka’aihue reflects on his freshman year and the challenges of coaching changes, seeing it as a learning experience.

LB Taye Brown discusses his freshman experience and looks forward to the upcoming season with a new coaching staff.

CB Tacario Davis explains his decision to stay with the new coaching staff and his switch to a single-digit jersey number. He credits his improvement to consistent practice.

CB Treydan Stukes credits Coach Akina for the team’s growth and highlights the importance of having Davis back on the team.

S Gunner Maldonado discusses the decision to stay with the team and the unity among teammates. S Dalton Johnson reflects on the overwhelming support from the university community after announcing their return.