Arizona Football: Catching up with the Voice of the Wildcats Brian Jeffries

It’s that time again, our favorite time! Time for our annual IMG sports network interview with the Voice of the Wildcats, Brian Jeffries.

Where in the world is Brian Jeffries? One day he is in Pullman Washington announcing a football game in 28-degree weather with Lamont Lovett to his right in a tiny booth way up high in the stadium. The next day he is on the beautiful 80-degree Hawaiian Island of Maui announcing a basketball game.

We caught up with one of the most engaging, interesting, knowledgeable Arizona Football play-by-play announcers to get his thoughts going into the final game of the regular season against rival ASU. A winning season and bowl game invites are on the line for the Wildcats as they host the Sun Devils on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018.

Here is the interview:

ZZ: What, for you, is the highlight of the football season so far?

Brian: The back to back wins over Oregon and Colorado. The players have continued to work hard and that’s beginning to show. The team is playing better due to better execution and the emergence of some additional players who weren’t receiving as many snaps earlier in the season. The loss at WSU was a step back, but then again, the Cougars are the top team in the Pac-12.

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ZZ: Which player(s) on offense and on defense do you think has the most potential going into the final games of the season?

Brian: On defense, Jalen Harris has become a big factor. His play along with Colin Schooler and Tony Fields II gives the Wildcats added depth on the front seven.
On offense, I’d like to see Shawn Poindexter catch more passes. His size is a weapon. Opponents have done a lot to deny him the ball. As of this writing, his last six catches have all gone for touchdowns.

ZZ: What do you think you predict will be the outcome of the season as far as regular-season wins and losses?

Brian: The goal is to become bowl eligible. Beating ASU would accomplish that. Bowl games are great building blocks for the program and a well-deserved reward for the current players. A win over ASU would mean a second place finish in the Pac-12 South. That’s another accomplishment that shouldn’t be overlooked. [Woah, didn’t know that there is so much to play for!]

ZZ: What have you learned about the Wildcats season that you didn’t know before?

Brian: The team is very resilient. It’s tough to bounce back from losses, but this group has stayed focused and the work ethic has been excellent.

ZZ: Which city in the Pac-12 is your favorite city to visit?

Brian: Seattle and Salt Lake City probably rank higher simply because each is a good walking city. You don’t need a car or cab to find good restaurants and other activities.

ZZ: You have so much joy when you announce the game and the Wildcats do well, you also have a ton of insight that the announcers on TV do not have, what else do you think is a good reason for people to turn off their TV sound and turn on IMG sports network?

Brian: The hometown announcers always have a passion for the team they cover. While it’s important to remain objective, it’s no secret that you want your team to do well. Knowing the players and their love for the UA gives you even greater pride in representing them in a positive fashion.

ZZ: What do you love most about your job?

Brian: Working on campus I really enjoy seeing all the student-athletes on a daily basis. It may sound corny, but watching a player arrive as a freshman and witness them growing as a person and an athlete is special. Broadcasting three sports [Football, Basketball and Baseball] is so exciting because there’s always a new season ahead. Despite the long hours and long travel, when game day arrives it’s worth all the hard work to see the team perform.

(PS, I’m writing this as I sit on the balcony of my hotel room in Maui. There are some nice perks)

ZZ: Do you have any advice for coach Sumlin and his staff for the rest of the season?

Brian: Keep on working hard. The best is yet to come.

ZZ: Your favorite restaurant in Tucson?

Brian: Too many to name one.

ZZ: How do you prepare for every game? What do you do in your spare time? Family?

Brian: It’s like I never left school. Homework from Monday until game time. Lots of reading and research.

Spare time is limited during the seasons. I’m trying to grow a garden. Basil has been my one success. I like to go see movies, not knowing anything about the storyline.

With both kids at the UA, it’s really cool seeing them on campus.

ZZ: What was Their first UofA experience?

Brian: Both my son and daughter grew up UA fans, for obvious reasons. Each has worked as my spotter during home football games over the years. That has only enhanced their love for the school and the teams.

Jeffries was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012:

Next. More on Arizona Basketball on ZZ.... dark

Brian, we thank you for sharing your time with Wildcats fans and hope you enjoy Maui! Keep doing what your doing, we love it! Bear Down for Life!

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