Arizona spring football: Young cornerbacks ready to start making plays for Wildcats’ secondary

TUCSON, ARIZONA - AUGUST 30: Defensive back Jay'Vion Cole #8 of the Arizona Wildcats breaks up a pass intended for Wide receiver Tama Uiliata #8 of the Hawaii Warriors during the third quarter at Arizona Stadium on August 30, 2025 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Patrick Mulligan/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Arizona is bringing back one of the best cornerbacks in the Big 12 in Jay’Vion Cole. That didn’t stop the staff from bringing in more help.

A good majority of the room comes from the transfer portal, but most have not seen a lot of time on the field at their previous schools. On one hand, that could be a sign of inexperience. On the other hand, that brings an eagerness to get on the field and start making plays.

For cornerbacks coach Chip Viney, as long as each player fits within the program and meets the standards set by the staff, then the on-field results will show.

“So far, I love the group that we have, a great group of guys, love learning, love coming in and getting extra work, which really can go a long, long way in the process,” said Viney.

The first addition from the portal was Wyoming transfer Tyrese Boss. In his time in Laramie, he had 39 tackles and five pass breakups. Boss played 643 snaps and allowed just 26 receptions on 45 targets with no touchdowns.

“I just loved how he competed and the young man has been a thrill to have, loves the process and really fits us,” said Viney.

Not only is Boss finding his spot on the team, he is finding out just how nice the weather is in Tucson. The weather might be ideal, but it was the position battle that brought him to Arizona.

“It’s kind of good to sit back in the hot summer weather, but the competition was really the biggest thing,” said Boss on what brought him to Arizona. “I think I’ve been adapting very well to it.”

One drill that has stood out during spring practices is where the corners have to wear a boxing glove while trying to cover a receiver. The main goal is to make sure the corner is always maintaining leverage.

“It gets your feet really activated, having to move the leverage and change leverage with just your feet,” said Boss. “It’s different, but it’s really gonna happen at the end of the day, so I think it’s a really good drill.”

Alongside Boss is Charlotte transfer Dwight Bootle II. He started six games and recorded 38 tackles and a fumble recovery. In 222 snaps, he only allowed two touchdowns.

“He’s a young man that brings a lot of energy to the room and he’s the guy that I think is gonna make a lot of plays for us this year,” said Viney.

Someone who has had to wait their turn and learn from the veterans is redshirt junior Johno Price. With his wealth of knowledge, he is primed to become a key piece of the Wildcats’ defense.

A large amount of credit goes to just how much defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales pushes Price, along with the rest of the corners.

“Coach G pushes us, not only on the field, but off the field,” said Price. “He just wants us to be the best.”

At the end of the day, it’s going to be Cole that will be the voice of the room. Not just because of his production last season, but because of his everyday hard work ethic.

“He knows how to attack the work and does everything right,” said Price. “He’s a great listener, even better teammate, and it’s like a guy to always count on.”

Cole will have one side of the boundaries on lockdown, so that means whoever ends up on the other side will need to be ready to be picked on.

Usually when a star corner is on one side, the offense will look to attack the other side. Viney doesn’t believe in that.

“See, I think that’s a myth,” he said. “I think the offense is going to attack wherever they want to attack. If that’s the case, absolutely that other guy needs to be prepared to answer the call when the offense is attacking.”

Whether it be Price, Bootle II, or Boss, they will need to be ready. It could also be a guy like Oregon transfer Daylen Austin, who is not participating in spring ball but is positioned to be a key contributor.

Even a new and young face in Zuri Watson or Xaier Hiler can be a factor in how well the corners perform this season. Regardless of who it is on the other side of Cole, they will need to be ready to do their job.

“It doesn’t matter, left side, right side, field, boundary, those two edge guys, those two perimeter guys, got to be ready to cover and do their jobs,” said Viney.