Increasing the tight end's role in Arizona's offense was one of many promises on Jedd Fisch's checklist when he accepted the head coaching job, which was evident after hiring a full-time tight ends coach, Jordan Paopao, and allowing program icon Rob Gronkowski to coach in the UA's spring game.
The Wildcats added to their depth at tight end by signing UNLV transfer — and Phoenix-area native, but born a Tucsonan — Alex Lines to the 2021 roster, Fisch confirmed following the UA's Pro Day at Arizona Stadium on Wednesday.
Lines, a 6-foot-5-inch, 245-pound former three-star prospect, played his freshman season with the Rebels and reunites with his position coach in Paopao, who recently coached at UNLV.
In his high school-playing days, Lines attended Queen Creek American Leadership Academy before transferring to Gilbert Higley, where he was teammates with UA edge rusher Jason Harris, who transferred from Colorado to Arizona following the hire of Fisch. Arizona walk-on offensive lineman Darrell Branch was also a part of Higley's 2019 squad.
As a member of the 2020 recruiting class, Lines signed with UNLV over Iowa State, Boise State, BYU, Memphis, Oregon State and Louisville, among others.
At UNLV, Lines participated in five games as a special teams contributor and didn't record any offensive statistics.
Now that he's a Wildcat, Lines joins a tight end room that features fifth-year senior Bryce Wolma, junior Stacey Marshall, redshirt sophomore Zach Williams and incoming freshman Colby Powers, among others.
Arizona is scheduled to begin its month-long spring practice period on Tuesday, with the spring game slated for April 24.
