Star reporter Zack Rosenblatt is counting down the UAβs recruits in the days leading up to Feb. 1, national signing day.
Name: Brian Casteel
Position: Wide receiver
Height: 6-1
Weight: 200 pounds
Hometown (high school): Covina, California (Charter Oak)
Rating: Three stars, No. 89 receiver, No. 14 in the West, No. 11 in California
Other offers: Washington State, San Diego State, Nevada, New Mexico
2016 stats: 644 rushing yards, 766 receiving yards, 25 total touchdowns
Who he is: A versatile receiver who did a little bit of everything at Charter Oak. He rushed for 17 touchdowns and added eight receiving. On defense, he amassed 72 tackles, two sacks and three interceptions and helped out in the return game.
Casteel was initially upset by the departure of cornerbacks coach DontΓ© Williams, but said heβs still committed to the Wildcats. Coaches from UCLA, Oregon and Washington State have been in contact with Casteel with hopes he changes his mind.
How he fits: Arizona needs playmakers at wide receiver, particularly with Samajie Grant, Trey Griffey and Nate Phillips all gone.
If Casteel can pick up Arizonaβs system, he has a shot to play as a freshman. Just two returning Wildcats have more than 20 career catches: Shun Brown (33) and Tyrell Johnson (23).
He said it: βWhat caught my eye the most (about Arizona) was how everybody treated each other like family.β β Casteel
Casteel remains firm with the Arizona Wildcats despite outside interest.
