Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez has called the 2017 recruiting class potentially the “best ever” for the Wildcats. Coming off a rough 3-9 campaign, the Wildcats need all the help they can get. Star reporter Zack Rosenblatt is previewing Arizona’s recruits in the weeks leading up to the Feb. 1 national signing day. All ratings according to Scout.com.
Name: Jose Ramirez.
Position: Outside linebacker.
Height: 6-3.
Weight: 209 pounds.
Hometown (high school): Auburndale, Florida (Auburndale Senior).
Rating: Two stars.
Other offers: South Alabama, Northern Illinois, Bowling Green, North Dakota State.
2016 stats: 114 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, 1 blocked punt.
Who he is: A former South Alabama recruit and late Arizona commit. Ramirez played in high school with Jessie Britt, who committed to the UA last year but hasn’t joined the team yet.
How he fits: The Wildcats are desperate for depth at linebacker after losing their top five tacklers at the position . As an early enrollee, Ramirez has a chance to play right away.
He said it: “As a linebacker I just think I’m quick, fast, I can play outside the box, I’m an athletic linebacker so if I have to guard somebody I can do that for you. I know there’s a lot of passing in the Pac-12, so you need diverse linebackers and I just feel like I fit the system. I can guard people and I can stop the run too.” — Ramirez
Here's Ramirez's Hudl highlight video
