Now that we've had a moment to breathe after the chaos of signing day, let's look ahead to 2017.
I wrote about what Arizona's plan of action might be here, so to add a companion piece to that story, here are some names to watch out for as the Wildcats delve into the 2017 recruiting cycle.
All ratings are according to Scout.com.
Braxton Burmeister, quarterback
- 6-1, 195 pounds
- From: La Jolla Country Day (Calif.) HS
- Rating: 4-star, No. 211 overall, No. 17 quarterback, No. 6 QB in the West, No. 2 in California
- Why: He's already has a verbal commitment to Arizona, but when you commit as early as he does (November 2014), you're going to have to keep recruiting him. Especially at that position, and as a four-star recruit. Just look at how the Shea Patterson saga went for the Wildcats.
Bruce Judson, athlete
- 5-10, 171 pounds
- From Cocoa (Fl.) HS
- Rating: 4-star, No. 110 overall, No. 10 athlete, No. 7 in the South, No. 3 in Florida.
- Why: The Wildcats offered Judson in January and he'll visit campus later this month. He's a former Ohio State commit and Judson has since added offers from Louisville, Pittsburgh and Maryland.
Darnay Holmes, cornerback
- 5-10, 185 pounds
- From: Calabasas (Calif.) HS
- Rating: 5-star, No. 11 overall, No. 1 corner
- Why: He's the brother of UA receiver Darick Holmes, a former teammate of UA safety Isaiah Hayes and, most importantly, he recently listed the Wildcats in his Top-7. That list also includes Alabama, Nebraska, Ohio State, Stanford, UCLA and Washington, so this one might be a longshot.
Isaiah Pola-Mao, safety
- 6-4, 190
- From: Mountain Pointe (Phoenix) HS
- Rating: 4-star, No. 24 safety overall, No. 4 in the West, No. 1 in Arizona
- Why: He fits the mold of what Arizona is looking for in its defensive recruits at 6-foot-4 and he's a top-level in-state recruit. Rich Rodriguez wants to start winning these in-state battles, so don't be surprised if UA goes after Pola-Mao hard. Arizona visited his school earlier this month.
Thomas Graham, cornerback
- 5-11, 170 pounds
- From: Rancho Cucamonga (Calif.) HS
- Rating: 4-star, No. 32 overall, No. 4 corner, No. 2 in the West
- Why: Donte' Williams offered Graham shortly after being hired. Graham plays for Armond Hawkins' Ground Zero 7-on-7 program, for which Williams has a very good connection and relationship with. It helped in Arizona's pursuit, and signing, of Chacho Ulloa in 2016.
Jaelan Phillips, defensive end
- 6-5, 230 pounds
- From: Redlands East Valley (Calif.) HS
- Rating: 4-star, No. 163 overall, No. 14 defensive end, No. 1 in the West
- Why: Again, he fits the mold of what Arizona is looking for size-wise and he's from the Southern California area. The Wildcats offered him a scholarship in the midst of the National Signing Day hubbub.
Isaac Slade-Matautia, inside linebacker
- 6-1, 220
- From: St. Louis School in Honolulu, Hawaii.
- Rating: 4-star, No. 12 inside linebacker, No. 1 in the West
- Why: Arizona wants to tap back into the Polynesian recruiting landscape, as it did in securing OL Michael Eletise in 2016, and Slade-Matautia fills a position of need (linebacker) while also coming as one of the top recruits in Hawaii.
Brian Casteel, wide receiver
- 6-1, 200
- From: Charter Oak (Calif.) HS
- Rating: 3-star
- Why: Receiver will be an area of need for Arizona in 2017 (Trey Griffey, Samajie Grant and Nate Phillips will all be gone) and the Wildcats are believed to have interest in Casteel. He hasn't been offered by anyone besides Washington State yet, though.
Bryce Gilbert, wide receiver/tight end
- 6-5, 230 pounds
- From: Gilbert Higley
- Rating: Unrated
- Why: The Wildcats offered Gilbert on Tuesday, and ASU quickly followed. He's unknown now, but will be someone to keep an eye on.
