Arizona Wildcats football logo OLD

The Arizona Wildcats have lost another potential graduate transfer to a Carolina school.

Defensive lineman Gaelin Elmore announced Saturday that he will play for East Carolina next season. ECU and Arizona were the finalists for the 6-foot-6, 275-pounder, who had 9.5 tackles for losses, including four sacks, and four fumble recoveries in 29 games for Minnesota.

Elmore would have been eligible to play immediately at Arizona, which has been seeking reinforcements for its defensive front. The Wildcats received a commitment from former USC defensive tackle Noah Jefferson, but he likely won’t be eligible until 2018.

Arizona was a finalist for former Florida offensive lineman Cameron Dillard, who visited Tucson before choosing to attend North Carolina. Former LSU quarterback Brandon Harris also had Arizona on his radar before committing to UNC.

Arizona is in the running for former Boise State defensive lineman Dereck Boles. Boles was dismissed from Boise in February 2016 after getting into an altercation with a teammate.

Boles was charged with felony mayhem after biting off part of safety Chanceller James’ ear, according to reports. Last month an Idaho jury found Boles not guilty.

Boles (6-3, 290) played last season at Coffeyville (Kansas) Community College, so he would be eligible in 2017. He had 66 tackles, five sacks and a forced fumble in 11 games for the Red Ravens.

Boles played for Boise State in 2014 and ’15, when UA defensive coordinator Marcel Yates was the Broncos’ DC. Boles, who's from Lakeland, Florida, will be a redshirt junior next season.

Become a #ThisIsTucson member! Your contribution helps our team bring you stories that keep you connected to the community. Become a member today.