Yardbarker
x
3 Wildcat Players Reflect on Win Over Hawaii
Aug 30, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Hawaii Rainbow Warriors wide receiver Max Ware (7) catches the ball while Arizona Wildcats defensive back Gavin Hunter (23) begins to push him out of bounds during the fourth quarter of the game at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

After Brent Brennan spoke to the media on Monday, it was the players and coaches who spoke to the media on Tuesday.

Michael Wooten helped pave the way on the offensive line for a strong performance from the run game for Arizona.

Gavin Hunter took advantage of an extended opportunity with UA down multiple starting defensive backs in Saturday's win over Hawaii. He logged two tackles and recorded an interception.

Malachi Bailey recorded three tackles with one tackle for loss and 0.5 sack in his Arizona debut after transferring from Alcorn State.

Here are some takeaways from what Wooten, Hunter and Bailey had to say about last Saturday's win over Hawaii and this upcoming game against Weber State.

On how the defense performed:

Hunter: "We were able to go out and get the job done, come away with the win. That's really all we were worried about. Just real grateful we were able to go out there and do that."

On the transition from Alcorn State to Arizona for Bailey:

Bailey: "Just buying into what my coaches was preaching and teaching which was effort, execution and accountability. We live by that, so that was something I had to come along with.

I'm loving the transition from my HBCU to this power four program. It has been a great experience."

On the transition to moving to the interior offensive line for Wooten:

Wooten: "I felt like just my body type, I'm a pretty Iong body so everything happens quicker inside. At tackle, you're playing in space and this offseason, I lost a lot of body fat. I gained muscle, so I just felt like that transition went well on the inside."

What it's like for players at FCS schools to get a chance to play FBS schools:

Bailey: "That's what you want. That's everything you can ask for to showcase your talent on a big stage. Kudos to all the FCS guys who do it, who put in work every day and every week just like we do. They prepare just like how we do...

We got a great opponent this week and we're going to take them as serious as anybody else."

On the sequence of Hunter recording a penalty and then an interception two plays later:

Hunter: "Watching the film, I didn't have to grab him (on the penalty). I had good coverage, kind of lost the ball and just grabbed him when I didn't need to. That's definitely something I can learn from and improve going forward.

Two plays later on the interception, it was really just a testament to my brothers around me. Coach (Gonzales) just emphasizes what to do and how to do it... My brothers and my coaches were able to put me in a good spot to where I was able to make a play."

Please share with us our thoughts on the defensive effort the Wildcats put together against Hawaii in the team’s 34-point victory. To do so, follow us on our X account by clicking on the link.


This article first appeared on Arizona Wildcats on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!