Cienega star Jamarye Joiner went to Arizona Stadium on Saturday night without any immediate plans for his college future.
Then he watched Brandon Dawkins start the game against No. 9 Washington by completing 11 straight passes. He saw Dawkins burst for a 79-yard touchdown, and finish the game with 176 total rushing yards.
Arizona lost in overtime, but Joiner still left the stadium with a different attitude: He knew wanted to be a Wildcat.
Sunday night, Joiner informed UA coach Rich Rodriguez that he was verbally committing to play for Arizona, making him Arizona’s first commitment for its 2018 class.
“I decided to pull the trigger …because of (Saturday’s) game,” Joiner told the Star. “I really saw myself in the role of Brandon Dawkins and envisioned myself making big plays.”
Joiner is listed at 6 feet 1 and 180 pounds, and his ability to play multiple positions has paid dividends for undefeated Cienega. On the season, he’s collected 581 passing yards, 358 rushing yards, 20 receiving yards and 11 total touchdowns — with zero interceptions for the 5-0 Bobcats.
It’s been a bumpy road getting to this point for Joiner — after a stellar freshman season at Salpointe Catholic High, Joiner was expelled and missed the 2015 season. He transferred to Cienega before this season.
After that stellar freshman campaign with the Lancers, colleges took notice and Joiner was receiving heavy interest, but that faded after his expulsion.
Now, he’s set to be a Wildcat.
“It feels good,” Joiner said.
Joiner isn’t rated yet by any of the online scouting services, but most recruits aren’t rated until the end of their junior season.
Fittingly, Joiner will get a shot against his old school on Friday when the Bobcats travel to Salpointe for a 7 p.m. showdown.
