Just as Arizona loses one recruit in its 2017 class, it gains another.

It's a big one, too.

Sunday night, junior college defensive linemanΒ Sione TaufahemaΒ announced his verbal commitment to the Wildcats.Β 

Taufahema brings some much-needed size to Arizona's defensive line, and is a candidate to receive immediate playing time. From College of the Canyons in Mission Hills, California, Taufahema checks in at 6-3 and 320 pounds, which would make him the biggest defensive lineman on Arizona's roster.

Taufahema is expected to enroll at the UA in January and participate in Arizona's spring drills, which began in February this past season.Β 

Arizona's only other defensive lineman weighing more than 310 pounds is freshmanΒ Justin Holt, the Salpointe Catholic product who is listed at 6-foot-2 and 314 pounds.Β 

With Taufahema's addition, the Wildcats are back up to 25 commitments for 2017 following the loss of receiverΒ Darrian McNeal, who flipped to Oregon earlier on Sunday. Taufahema took an official visit to campus this weekend.Β 

Scout.com lists Taufahema as a two-star recruit with offers from Hawaii, Massachusetts, Northern Illinois, Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Montana State. This past season for CofC, Taufahema amassed 24 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and one sack.

Since the end of the season, Arizona has prioritized two things in particular in recruiting β€” junior college prospects, and linemen (offensive and defensive) with size. Taufahema checks off both boxes, and Arizona emerged as a favorite for his commitment ever since offering him a scholarship on Nov. 28.

Including Taufahema, Arizona currently has three defensive tackles committed for the 2017 class, the others:Β Kurtis Brown andΒ Matt Leo, the latter of which visited with Oklahoma this past weekend and might eventually flip to the Sooners.Β 

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