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Watch: 8 best things Layth Friekh, Justin Belknap said after Arizona Wildcats' practice
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Watch: 8 best things Layth Friekh, Justin Belknap said after Arizona Wildcats' practice

  • Aug 8, 2018
  • Aug 8, 2018 Updated Jan 8, 2019

Left tackle Layth Friekh and defensive end Justin Belknap enter the 2018 season as two of Arizona's more consistent linemen. 

By Justin Spears / ÃÛÌÒÓ°ÏñAV

O-line and D-line

Arizona Wildcats football practice

Arizona Wildcats defensive end Justin Belknap (86) dons his helmet.

Mike Christy / ÃÛÌÒÓ°ÏñAV

On Arizona's offensive and defensive lines, Layth Friekh and Justin Belknap, respectively, are the Wildcats' most experienced.

The NCAA granted Friekh, a left tackle, an additional year of eligibility. But he's forced to miss the first two games of the season against BYU and at Houston, which could hurt the Wildcats up front considering UH has arguably the best player in college football with defensive tackle Ed Oliver. 

Belknap, a redshirt junior, is in his fourth year at UA and looks to be one of Arizona's consistent pass rushers and playmakers as a defensive end.

Friekh and Belknap spoke to the media after Arizona's practice on Wednesday, here's what they had to say:

Khalil Tate's SI cover

Arizona OT Layth Friekh on Khalil Tate making the cover: “It’s crazy. ... He doesn’t let it get to his head, but it’s definitely big time.â€

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster)

PJ Johnson's impact and hyping up walk-ons

Justin Belknap on having PJ Johnson aboard, and encouraging the walk-ons:

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster)

Difference between coaching staffs

Justin Belknap’s impression on the coaching staff/practices: “It’s definitely different than when it was with RichRod, but in a good way.â€

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster)

Frenemies

Arizona DE Justin Belknap on his in-practice rivalry with OT Cody Creason: “Every other play, we would get into a fist fight. ... It’s not hostile anymore.â€

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster)

Practice impressions

Layth Friekh says he matches up with Kylan Wilborn in practice. Friekh also talks about the overall vibe of practices.

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster)

Line thoughts

Layth Friekh’s thoughts on Arizona’s offensive and defensive line:

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster)

Mindset on defense

Arizona DE Justin Belknap on the defense’s mindset for this season, and entering his fourth camp in Tucson:

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster)

Boxing?

Justin Belknap says the players are comfortable with the new coaching staff, and the D-Line picked up boxing in the offseason to develop hand technique.

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster)

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