High school seniors throughout the country signed on the dotted line Wednesday, officially committing to their new colleges. For the Arizona Wildcats, Wednesday brought surprises — but mostly good ones.
A pair of four-star Texas recruits, cornerback Bobby Wolfe and wide receiver Jalen “Boobie” Curry, committed to the Wildcats before coach Kevin Sumlin’s afternoon news conference.
The 6-foot-2-inch, 180-pound Wolfe was originally committed to Texas A&M. He decommitted on Oct. 28, two days after he watched the Wildcats beat Oregon 44-15 in Tucson. Wolfe had offers from Ole Miss, Baylor and Arkansas when he chose Arizona.
Curry, who is listed at 6-2 and 197 pounds, had scholarship offers from dozens of major programs. He took official visits to Auburn, Penn State, Tennessee and the UA.
Sumlin called the duo of four-stars “two guys that are really good players and highly recruited.”
In the past, Arizona would lose players like Wolfe and Curry on signing day — sometimes to Pac-12 rivals.
Quarterback Braxton Burmeister (2017), offensive tackle Cody Shear (2017) and Pima College cornerback Haki Woods (2018) all spurned Arizona to play at Oregon. Shear flipped the morning of signing day.
Almost every player who had verbally committed to the UA signed a letter of intent on Wednesday, with the exception of Belgian defensive end Sylvain Yondjouen. Yondjouen decommitted from the UA in the morning, and soon after signed with Georgia Tech. Yondjouen had been Sumlin’s highest-ranked commit in the 2019 class — until Wolfe and Curry signed.
GREG HANSEN: Kevin Sumlin and the Wildcats 'hit all spots' with 2019 recruiting class
Wolfe said he chose Arizona in part because of Sumlin and the assistant coaches.
“Those are my guys. Them boys are about their energy and they have everything that I’m looking for,” he told the Star in November. “They keep it 100 and they want to see me play on that football field and that’s what I need. I need to play and they want me to play so that’s glory, we both win.”
That both players hail from football-mad Texas is a plus.
Wolfe said high school football in the Lone Star State is “more lit than college football; it’s more lit than the NFL I promise you, especially during playoff time. It’s amazing and it’s crazy,” Wolfe said. “We turn stadiums upside down out here in Texas, especially in high school football.
“And we have so many electrifying athletes in Texas, everybody can play ball.”
Wolfe, a cornerback, plays a position of need for Arizona. The Wildcats started walk-on Azizi Hearn and converted safety Troy Young at corner in their season finale against Arizona State.
Along with depth, Wolfe provides grit and confidence — and lots of it.
“I talk to quarterbacks any type of way I want to, because eventually I’m going to pick him off,” he said. “Throw it over here three times, I’m going to pick it off twice. … I don’t care if you have five stars or 50 stars, it really doesn’t matter because once you line up against me, it’s my plate versus your plate.”
It remains to be seen how he’ll fare at Arizona, but for a day that usually ends with the Wildcats losing one or two to another school, Wolfe was a huge reason why Sumlin walked around the Lowell-Stevens Football Facility upbeat and ready for 2019.
Recruiting: Player-by-player breakdown of the Arizona Wildcats' 2019 football class
Kevin Sumlin's first official class at UA is a potpourri of Texans, athleticism and experience
Updated
Several of the top high school and junior college athletes put their college decisions in ink on a national letter of intent for early signing day on Dec. 19.
Sumlin wanted to accomplish a few tasks for 2019: dive into the state of Texas, add junior college prospects for experience and reopen the Polynesian pipeline. Sumlin can check off each of those boxes with the 21 national letters of intent that his staff watched players sign Wednesday to attend UA next year.
Among those 21 signees are Bobby Wolfe, Jalen "Boobie" Curry and Jaden Mitchell. Wolfe and Curry, two of Sumlin's top-rated players in the class, committed and signed Wednesday. Mitchell was originally a member of the 2018 class, but rescheduled his enrollment and signed Wednesday after suffering a serious knee injury as a high school senior.
Here's a complete breakdown of the UA's current commitments.
Jalen "Boobie" Curry
UpdatedPosition: Wide receiver
Rank: Four-star, No. 25 position, No. 183 nationally
Height: 6-3
Weight: 208 pounds
Hometown (high school): Houston (St. Pius X)
When he committed: Dec. 19
Status: Signed national letter of intent
How he fits: Curry will get to work with high school teammate Grant Gunnell at UA. The Wildcats' receiving corps will have a much different feel than in 2018. Shun Brown, Shawn Poindexter and Tony Ellison, who combined to account for two-thirds of Arizona's receptions last season, are graduating. That leaves Devaughn Cooper, Cedric Peterson, Stanley Berryhill, Drew Dixon, Tre Adams and Thomas Marcus on the receiving end of Khalil Tate's passes.
Curry joins incoming receivers Jalen Johnson and Jaden Mitchell, and should have the opportunity to compete for snaps right away as Kevin Sumlin's top-rated recruit in 2019. At 6-foot-3, Curry brings more height to an already taller-than-usual group.
Curry chose to play for the Wildcats over Arizona State, Auburn, Penn State, Florida State, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Ohio State and Oregon, among others.
Bobby Wolfe
UpdatedPosition: Defensive back
Rank: Four-star, No. 35 position, No. 328 nationally
Height: 6-1
Weight: 180 pounds
Hometown (high school): Houston (Madison)
When he committed: Dec. 19
Status: Signed national letter of intent
How he fits: Cornerback is a position of need for Arizona, considering the Wildcats had limited depth at that spot in 2018.
Senior Jace Whittaker played just one game in 2018 due to an elbow injury. Whittaker could medically redshirt, per the NCAA’s new four-game rule, and return in 2019. Lorenzo Burns also missed some time, which left true freshman McKenzie Barnes and walk-on Azizi Hearn to fill in. Even safety Troy Young, who the coaching staff wanted to convert into a utility-hybrid linebacker, moved over and played cornerback to provide the Wildcats depth.
Wolfe compared himself to Jacksonville Jaguars defensive back Jalen Ramsey, who's known for his boisterous attitude on and off the field.
He said it: "I’m not going to be a football player for the rest of my life and by the time I turn 40, I’m going to be an old man and it’ll be time for me to stop playing so of course education plays a big part in my decision. And I don’t want my parents worrying about me for the next four years.” — Wolfe
Jaden Mitchell
UpdatedPosition: Wide receiver
Rank (2018): Three-star, No. 186 position, No. 1,268 nationally
Height: 6-0
Weight: 180 pounds
Hometown (high school): Las Vegas (Desert Oasis)
When he committed: April 2017
Status: Signed national letter of intent
How he fits: Mitchell was one of Arizona's first recruits to the 2018 class, but chose to delay his enrollment until January 2019 as he recovered from a torn meniscus and ACL which he suffered as a senior at Desert Oasis. He chose UA over offers from UNLV and Hawaii, and stuck with the Wildcats even as they overhauled the coaching staff.
He'll compete for playing time among a new-look receiving corps that also includes newcomers Jalen "Bobbie" Curry and Jalen Johnson.
He said it: "Man... Tore my ACL first game, had to learn to walk, run, jump again, took extra classes & graduated early, had to greyshirt (wait a year), coaching change, not knowing what was going to happen & now I’m here. God is good. First in family to go to a university." — Mitchell tweeted along with a video of him opening his scholarship papers from UA a week before early signing day
Kane Bradford
UpdatedPosition: Defensive tackle
Rank: Three-star, No. 84 position, No. 1,384 nationally
Height: 6 feet 5 inches
Weight: 275 pounds
Hometown (high school): Dallas (Skyline)
When he committed: June 24
Status: Signed national letter of intent
How he fits: Arizona was one of two Power 5 conference schools to offer Bradford a scholarship. He picked the Wildcats over Baylor, Navy, Nevada, Grambling State, Alcorn State and Prairie View A&M. Why the Wildcats as opposed to Baylor, his home-state team? Think playing time. The three-star interior defensive lineman could step in immediately and play significant snaps in 2019. Arizona will lose starter Dereck Boles to graduation and could potentially be without PJ Johnson for the 2019 season, which would be a huge loss. That would leave Kurtis Brown, Mykee Irving, Finton Connolly, Sione Taufahema and Nahe Sulunga at defensive tackle. Only Connolly has experience. Bradford could step in right away and contribute to a defense that gave up 159.7 rushing yards per game.
He said it: “(Kevin Sumlin) wants me to go to Arizona really badly,” Bradford told 247Sports in June. “My daddy figured out that he was the old coach at Texas A&M. Coach Sumlin knows my head coach at Skyline and he understands just how good the players that come out of my high school are. He wants to make you into a better player. Coach Sumlin is a real respected man in my community.”
Derrion Clark
UpdatedPosition: Inside linebacker
Rank: Three-star, No. 74 position, No. 1,898 nationally
Height: 6-1
Weight: 215 pounds
Hometown (high school): Dallas (South Oak Cliff)
When he committed: June 23
Status: Signed national letter of intent
How he fits: Clark picked the Wildcats over Alabama A&M, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Stephen F. Austin, UTEP and UT-San Antonio. Clark could have a difficult time seeing the field as a true freshman. The Wildcats have depth at linebacker. Starters Tony Fields II and Colin Schooler were Arizona’s top two tacklers in 2018 and look to return next season as one of the top linebacker duos in the Pac-12. Anthony Pandy and Jacob Colacion are backing them up. Clark recorded 104 tackles as a senior at South Oak Cliff in Dallas and showcased his pass rushing abilities with seven sacks and 20 tackles for loss. UA special teams coach Jeremy Springer could use a player with Clark’s skillset running down the field on kickoffs and punts.
Josh Donovan
UpdatedPosition: Offensive tackle
Rank: Three-star, No. 13 position, No. 1,222 nationally
Height: 6-5
Weight: 330 pounds
Hometown (JuCo): College Station, Texas (Trinity Valley Community College)
When he committed: Nov. 25, 2018
Status: Signed national letter of intent
How he fits: Kevin Sumlin and staff wanted to accomplish two tasks for the 2019 recruiting class: Add more players from the state of Texas, as well as veterans at the junior college level. Sumlin can check off two boxes with landing Donovan. After Hawaiian offensive lineman Rocky Aitogi decommitted from Arizona and flipped to New Mexico, Donovan is currently the lone juco offensive lineman and is one of the biggest recruits for Arizona’s 2019 class. The three-star Donovan is ranked as the third-best prospect at the juco level in Texas and the 12th-best offensive tackle nationally. Looking ahead to the outlook of Arizona’s offensive line unit for next season, the Wildcats will lose experienced left tackle Layth Friekh to graduation, but return a slew of players that received solid playing time. The returners: Josh McCaulley, Cody Creason, Thiyo Lukusa, Michael Eletise, Donovan Laie, Bryson Cain and Texas A&M transfer Robert Congel.
Despite the inexperience, Arizona’s offensive line paved the way for the Cats to finish 36th in FBS and first in the Pac-12 in rushing with J.J. Taylor rushing for 1,434 yards. Although it could be tough for Donovan to squeeze into the rotation, he gives Joe Gilbert’s group much-needed depth, size and experience. Donovan could be one of Arizona’s most important recruits when it’s all said and done.
Paiton Fears
UpdatedPosition: Offensive tackle
Rank: Three-star, No. 7 position, No. 912 nationally
Height: 6-6
Weight: 327 pounds
Hometown (JuCo): Minneola, Florida (Hutchinson Community College, Kansas)
When he committed: Dec. 18
Status: Signed national letter of intent
How he fits: Fears' size is the icing on the cake for Arizona's offensive-line group for the 2019 class. Fears chose the Wildcats over offers from Baylor, West Virginia and Missouri. He joins a class of Floridian Jamari Williams, Marana's Jordan Morgan and Texas JuCo tackle Josh Donovan.
Head coach Kevin Sumlin emphasized prior and during his first season at Arizona that the Wildcats need to add depth to the roster with size and experience. On the other side of the line, Arizona has commitments from Eastern Arizona defensive tackle Myles Tapusoa and Navarro College's Trevon Mason.
Arizona's offensive line is expecting to return Josh McCaulley, Cody Creason, Thiyo Lukusa, Michael Eletise, Donovan Laie, Bryson Cain and Texas A&M transfer Robert Congel. With the additions of the 2019 class, Arizona's offensive line could be one of the team's strong suits moving forward.
Maurice Gaines Jr.
UpdatedPosition: Cornerback
Rank: Three-star, No. 148 position, No. 1,665 nationally
Height: 6-1
Weight: 185 pounds
Hometown (high school): Folsom, California (St. Thomas More, Connecticut)
When he committed: July 28, 2018
Status: Signed national letter of intent
How he fits: Gaines is a high-schooler, but a seasoned player. The three-star cornerback was initially a part of the 2018 class, but decided to reclassify to 2019 after “there was a situation where something was going on with one of my classes that I needed. At the time, I had broken my wrist so I had a serious injury so school really just fell off for me.” Gaines then transferred from Folsom High to St. Thomas More in Oakdale, Connecticut, for his final year. Fortunately for Gaines, he steps in at a perfect time and could play heavy snaps as a true freshman, considering cornerback is one of UA’s slimmest positions. Gaines is one of two cornerbacks for 2019, joining Chris Roland from Palmdale, California.
Starter Lorenzo Burns is expected to return, but the biggest question is whether Jace Whittaker will return. Whittaker is arguably Arizona’s best option at cornerback and only appeared in one game this season due to a lingering elbow injury. Per NCAA’s new rule, players can appear in no more than four games before deciding to redshirt. There’s three options for Whittaker: redshirt and return, enter the NFL Draft or become a graduate transfer. That decision hasn’t been made, so it’s possible the Wildcats could be without Whittaker for another season. When he was out, freshman McKenzie Barnes, walk-on Azizi Hearn and utility player Troy Young filled in. Although they all return, Gaines could find himself fighting for playing time as a true freshman.
He said it: “When I went to Arizona, I just wanted to feel at home with the place and I was in a good place with coach (Demetrice Martin) from his previous job when he recruited me in the class of 2018. I’ve established a good relationship with him over the last few years. When I transferred, I didn’t know whether I was going to go class of 2018 or 2019; he was a big part of making sure I did everything right. When he gave me the word that Arizona was a place that I needed to be, I took his word for it and then when I went up there, I talked to coach (Kevin) Sumlin, coach (Marcel) Yates and I got to know them. When they told me everything that I needed to hear, I felt at home with them and I could tell them anything.”
Grant Gunnell
UpdatedPosition: Quarterback
Rank: Three-star, No. 15 position, No. 418 nationally
Height: 6-6
Weight: 222 pounds
Hometown (high school): Houston (St. Pius X)
When he committed: June 6, 2018
Status: Signed national letter of intent
How he fits: Grant Gunnell probably won’t start as a freshman if Khalil Tate decides to return to Arizona, but the Wildcats could have their quarterback of the future, or at least he looks the part and has the reputation to become the next gunslinger at UA.
Per 247Sports.com, Gunnell is Arizona’s second-highest ranked recruit behind Belgian defensive end Sylvain Yondjouen, and comes in with high expectations based off what he’s done at one of the highest levels of high school football in the country.
In October, the three-star Gunnell became all-time passing yards and touchdowns leader in Texas prep history and finished his high school career at Houston’s St. Pius X with 16,108 and 195, respectively. He broke Hunter Lile’s record. Lile played from 2011-14. Gunnell passed notable Texas quarterbacks along the way including Drew Brees, Nick Foles, Andrew Luck, Matthew Stafford, Case Keenum, Patrick Mahomes and Baker Mayfield. Gunnell isn’t the prototypical dual-threat quarterback like Tate or the more recent prospects to come through the UA in the past, but his stature and arm resemble a player like Foles. How does that translate to Noel Mazzone’s offense?
Mazzone has worked with pocket-passing quarterbacks like Gunnell such as 6-foot-7-inch Brock Osweiler at ASU and 6-foot-4-inch Josh Rosen at UCLA who’s now starting as a rookie for the Arizona Cardinals. “Those are guys that look like me — spitting images,” Gunnell told the Star in September. “That was one of the main things I was looking for. I’m kind of what he wants.” With Tate at quarterback, the Wildcats could be more prone to running run-pass-option plays, but with the less-mobile Gunnell in the backfield, UA could run a similar style of offense to when Foles played from 2009-11. If Tate leaves Arizona, the quarterback job is wide open and Gunnell could be the one that gets his number called. If Tate stays, the Arizona quarterback room will be full, considering current freshmen Jamarye Joiner and Kevin Doyle return, plus Rhett Rodriguez and K’Hari Lane are also expected to be back at the UA in 2019. No shortage of quarterbacks in Tucson, at least for next season.
He said it: “A once-in-a-generation-type quarterback,” St. Pius X head coach Erik DeHaven said. “Everything he does on the field is the same as what he does off the field. There’s no difference between the two. He’s a positive leader of our young men. He is who he is. He’s special.”
Jalen Johnson
UpdatedPosition: Wide receiver
Rank: Three-star, No. 136 position, No. 1,270 nationally
Height: 6-2
Weight: 183
Hometown (high school): Corona, California (Eleanor Roosevelt)
When he committed: July 13, 2018
Status: Signed national letter of intent
How he fits: The last time Arizona had a tall wide receiver from Corona, California, he caught a Hail Mary pass in the corner of the north end zone against the Cal Golden Bears. Austin Hill played at Arizona from 2011-14 and recorded 2,310 yards in his career in Tucson.
Johnson could have a similar career at Arizona, and the Eleanor Roosevelt High wide receiver could receive significant playing time as a freshman.
Johnson was one of several Arizona recruits that committed over the summer and he selected the Wildcats over Utah, Oregon State, Colorado State and New Mexico.
The Wildcats lose 6-foot-5-inch Shawn Poindexter —who tied Hill’s single-season touchdown record this season — the speedy Shun Brown and Tony Ellison to graduation. Arizona’s top three wide receivers are all gone and the top returners are Cedric Peterson and Tucsonan Stanley Berryhill III.
Considering Johnson is currently Arizona’s only wide receiver commit in the 2019 class, he could start as a true freshman and fill Poindexter’s role with his height.
It’s never ideal to have an inexperienced player step into a huge role immediately, especially because Johnson is considered the 133rd-best wide receiver in the nation per 247sports.com, but he could grow with the baptized-by-fire method.
Poindexter was a junior college prospect and a former volleyball player, but improved the more he played, which is a situation Johnson could find himself in.
Jordan Morgan
UpdatedPosition: Offensive tackle
Rank: Three-star, No. 135 position, No. 1,734 nationally
Height: 6-5
Weight: 270
Hometown (high school): Tucson (Marana)
When he committed: June 14, 2018
Status: Signed national letter of intent
How he fits: Morgan is considered to be one of the best-kept secrets in Arizona and it could be because he’s not active on social media. Before the 2018 season, Kevin Sumlin and offensive line coach Joe Gilbert capitalized on the hidden gem right in their own backyard.
Of course once Morgan committed, he opened the eyes of other programs and landed offers from ASU and USC. But he is firmly committed to the UA.
“My favorite was Oregon, but when I was younger, I used to like Arizona, but I didn’t think I would be going there,” he said.
The three-star offensive tackle is listed as the 32nd-best prospect in Arizona for 2019, per 247Sports.com. Morgan became the second local lineman in two years to head to UA, joining Amphitheater High product David Watson.
Unlike Mason, Morgan could have a difficult time seeing the field early because Gilbert returns every starter from 2018 except for left tackle Layth Friekh. The returners: Josh McCaulley, Cody Creason, Thiyo Lukusa, Michael Eletise, Donovan Laie, Bryson Cain and Texas A&M transfer Robert Congel.
Fortunately for Morgan, the left tackle spot is up for grabs and it could be the reason why the Marana tackle alternated between the left and right side of the line last season. Morgan will have to compete with junior college transfers Josh Donovan and Paiton Fears. It’s possible that Morgan will not see the field as a true freshman, but he could carve out a prosperous career as the hometown hero.
He said it: “It’s surprising — shocking — that no one knew about Jordan before I got here. One of the most athletic and biggest lineman that myself and the coaching staff has seen. He’s just a freak, he really is. … He’s an animal and U of A is going to get a hometown hero.” — Marana head coach Louie Ramirez
Trevon Mason
UpdatedPosition: Defensive tackle
Rank: Three-star, No. 15 position, No. 1,657 nationally
Height: 6-6
Weight: 280 pounds
Hometown (JuCo): Arlington, Texas (Navarro College)
When he committed: Nov. 25, 2018
Status: Signed national letter of intent
How he fits: Mason was Arizona’s fourth defensive line commitment to the 2019 class, joining Dallas defensive tackle Kane Bradford, Eastern Arizona’s Myles Tapusoa and Belgian defensive end Sylvain Yondjouen.
Mason is ranked as the seventh-best junior college prospect in Texas and 13th-best defensive tackle nationally, per 247Sports.com.
He could be one of the more important recruits of the 2019 class when it’s all said and done, because not only does he fill a position of need, but he’s recently played two years at Navarro College in the state of Texas.
According to the Navarro College roster, Mason’s 6-foot-6-inch frame made him the tallest defensive lineman on the roster. His size, experience and Texas pedigree could make him a viable asset for the UA’s defensive front.
Mason had offers from Southern Miss and Nebraska, but chose the UA for playing time. Arizona will lose starter Dereck Boles to graduation and could potentially be without PJ Johnson — another juco product who played at City College of San Francisco — for the 2019 season. That would leave Kurtis Brown, Mykee Irving, Finton Connolly, Sione Taufahema and Nahe Sulunga at defensive tackle.
Connolly is the only one out of that group who has received consistent playing time.
If Johnson does return and with the other prospects, including Mason, the Wildcats could have a monstrous defensive front, especially the interior group. Considering Arizona coughed up 4.2 yards per rush this year, the Wildcats could use large bodies to fill the gaps, but Mason weighing only 280 pounds allows him to move around and make plays.
Kyle Ostendorp
UpdatedPosition: Punter
Rank: Three-star, No. 10 position, No. 2,877 nationally
Height: 6-2
Weight: 195 pounds
Hometown (high school): Phoenix (Desert Vista)
When he committed: May 21, 2018
Status: Signed national letter of intent
How he fits: Ostendorp is one of the top punters in Arizona and finished his 2018 campaign seventh in the state in yards per punt (42.7). As the first to commit to the UA’s 2019 class, the three-star player comes at a perfect time and could start immediately.
The Wildcats will lose 2018 starter Dylan Klumph, a grad transfer from Cal, and Jake Glatting, a senior who started in 2017. That leaves redshirt junior Matt Aragon as the only punter on the roster for 2019. Klumph averaged 42.2 yards per punt last season. Ostendorp’s longest punt as a senior at Desert Vista High School in Phoenix was 62 yards, and he pinned 18 kicks inside the opponents’ 20-yard line.
He said it: “Kyle is a very good high school punting prospect that shows potential to be great. A big, tall, strong athlete with an ideal frame for a college punter. He punts for excellent distance. His hang time needs to improve. … The tools are there to do so.” — Chris Sailer, trainer and kicking specialist, in his evaluation of Ostendorp on ChrisSailerKicking.com.
Chris Roland
UpdatedPosition: Athlete
Rank: Three-star, No. 127 position, No. 1,649 nationally
Height: 6-0
Weight: 180 pounds
Hometown (high school): Palmdale, California (William Knight)
When he committed: July 29, 2018
Status: Signed national letter of intent
How he fits: Roland is being recruited as an athlete, but the Arizona Wildcats want him to play cornerback in Tucson, and rightfully so. The only other cornerback currently committed in the recruiting class is Maurice Gaines Jr., but the Wildcats struggled to maintain depth at the position in 2018.
Senior Jace Whittaker played just one game in 2018 due to an elbow injury. Whittaker could medically redshirt, per the NCAA’s new four-game rule, and return in 2019. Lorenzo Burns also missed some time, which left true freshman McKenzie Barnes and walk-on Azizi Hearn to fill in. Even safety Troy Young, who the coaching staff wanted to convert into a utility-hybrid linebacker, moved over and played cornerback to provide the Wildcats depth.
Whittaker didn’t participate in Senior Day ceremonies before the UA’s final game, so it’s possible he could return to Arizona, become a graduate transfer or enter his name in the NFL draft. But if Whittaker comes back to Arizona and Burns returns, three-star Roland would add much-needed depth for a position group that struggled with consistency and gave up an average of 440 yards through the air in 2018.
Roland could understudy Whittaker for a season and take over the reins as a sophomore. At 6-foot, 180 pounds, Roland is the same build as Whittaker, which could make for a pleasant transition for Demetrice Martin’s cornerback unit.
He said it: “The culture that’s there, it’s something that I want to be a part of. I feel like I fit in that program and since the first day coach (Martin) recruited me, I knew he wouldn’t lead me in the wrong direction. That’s pretty much it. I can see myself there for three to four years.” — Roland, on why he chose to attend the UA.
Eddie Siaumau
UpdatedPosition: Safety/Outside linebacker
Rank: Three-star, No. 140 position, No. 1,895 nationally
Height: 6-2
Weight: 210 pounds
Hometown (high school): Pago Pago, American Samoa (Leone)
When he committed: July 28
Status: Signed national letter of intent
How he fits: Kevin Sumlin has embraced at least one of Dick Tomey’s keys to building a winning program: re-opening the Polynesian pipeline.
Siaumau fits the bill. He is the fourth American Samoa player to sign with the UA in the last eight years.
The three-star recruit is listed as a safety, but the Wildcats’ only loss from the position is Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles. Scottie Young Jr., Jarrius Wallace, Tristan Cooper, Xavier Bell, Troy Young, Christian Young, Chacho Ulloa, Isaiah Hayes and Dayven Coleman are all expected to return. The safety room will be crowded in 2019, which isn’t the ideal situation for Siaumau if he wants to play early.
Siaumau told 247Sports.com that Yates wants to utilize him as an outside linebacker/edge rusher, the same position played by Kylan Wilborn and Lee Anderson. Wilborn will be a junior in 2019, while Anderson will be entering his senior season. If Siaumau redshirts as a true freshman, he would be in line to play in 2020.
He said it: “I’m super excited and I can’t wait to play at the next level. I think I will prove everyone wrong, but will continue to be humble and work hard everyday. No days off. I’m glad to be chasing my dreams at a great school. I can’t plan the future right now, but I know one thing is that I will work hard to get the spot no matter what.” — Siaumau, to 247Sports.com
Myles Tapusoa
UpdatedPosition: Defensive tackle
Rank: Three-star, No. 9 position, No. 1,127 nationally
Height: 6-3
Weight: 325 pounds
Hometown (JuCo): Salt Lake City (Eastern Arizona College)
When he committed: Nov. 27
Status: Signed national letter of intent
How he fits: Tapusoa grew up in Utah and played junior college football in Thatcher, but is still technically a part of the UA’s burgeoning Polynesian pipeline. He has an American Samoa emoji flag next to his profile name on Twitter.
Defensive line coach Iona Uiagalelei recruited Tapusoa, convincing him to choose the Wildcats over offers from Houston, New Mexico, Idaho and Oregon State. Tapusoa was a onetime Houston commit who flipped to the Wildcats in the fall. He recently received an offer from Oregon.
The EAC product could immediately be a part of Arizona’s defensive plan. The Wildcats lost starting defensive tackle Dereck Boles to graduation and could potentially be without 335-pounder PJ Johnson, who is petitioning the NCAA for a sixth year of eligibility.
The UA returns just five defensive tackles, not counting Johnson: Kurtis Brown, Mykee Irving, Finton Connolly, Sione Taufahema and Nahe Sulunga. Of the five, only Connolly played significant snaps during the 2018 season.
Tapusoa’s learning curve may not be very steep. The three-star recruit played against junior college competition over the last two seasons. Tapusoa will be pushed by another junior college product, the 6-6, 280-pound Trevon Mason.
Dallas high school standout Kane Bradford is also expected to compete in camp. Tapusoa likely isn’t going to waltz into the starting spot right away, but he’s an appealing option for the Wildcats.
He said it: “Coaches have shown a lot of love to me and my family and have welcomed us with open arms! Tucson felt like home, (and) everything seemed to fit perfectly.” — Tapusoa, on Twitter
Jaxen Turner
UpdatedPosition: Safety
Rank: Three-star, No. 73 position, No. 1,000 nationally
Height: 6-2
Weight: 175 pounds
Hometown (high school): Moreno Valley, California (Rancho Verde)
When he committed: Oct. 21
Status: Signed national letter of intent
How he fits: Turner’s form of commitment was slightly different than the others in Arizona’s 2019 class. Rather than a “I’m committing to…” social media post, Turner put together a two-part video of him and his Rancho Verde teammates at a bowling alley, with Arizona’s home win versus Cal playing on the projector above their lane. After bowling a strike, Turner looked at the camera and put on a red Arizona hat. He chose the Wildcats over Cal, ASU, Boise State, Utah, Washington State, Nevada and Oregon State.
Turner grew up an Arizona basketball fan; his favorite player was Stanley Johnson, who played in Tucson during the 2014-15 season. Like Johnson, Turner is from Southern California.
“I don’t know him personally, I just liked to watch him play,” Turner said.
Turner is one of two safeties in the 2019 class, joining American Samoa’s Eddie Siaumau. Turner was recruited by cornerbacks coach Demetrice Martin.
The Wildcats lose Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles to graduation, but Scottie Young Jr., Jarrius Wallace, Tristan Cooper, Xavier Bell, Troy Young, Christian Young, Chacho Ulloa, Isaiah Hayes and Dayven Coleman are all expected to return. While Turner may not play much as a true freshman, his versatility in the secondary could make him an important part of Arizona’s future.
He said it: “I really wasn’t on a football phase, but more of a basketball phase. I followed basketball more once I got into high school. I was like, ‘Oh, they’re (UA) good at football, too.’ So that’s the complete dream school right there for me. That’s my dream school that I want to go to. They’re getting a smart on-the-field and off-the-field player. I’m very athletic and I bring aggressiveness.” — Turner
Kwabena Watson
UpdatedPosition: Edge rusher
Rank: Three-star, No. 59 position, No. 866 nationally
Height: 6-3
Weight: 220 pounds
Hometown (high school): Fresno, California (Edison)
When he committed: June 24
Status: Signed national letter of intent
How he fits: The three-star edge rusher picked Arizona over offers from LSU, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Oregon, USC and Nevada. Watson was recruited by Arizona safeties coach John Rushing, who has strong ties to Northern California.
Watson finished his senior season with 52 tackles and led the team with four sacks. He could be one of the recruits that takes the Kevin Sumlin era to new heights. Watson told the Star in October that Arizona plans on using him as a standup defensive end or outside linebacker, similar to Chicago Bears star Khalil Mack or the Denver Broncos’ Vonn Miller.
Two-year UA starter Kylan Wilborn returns for his third season at stud linebacker, but Watson could also play behind Jalen Harris or JB Brown. Harris and Brown were converted from outside linebacker to defensive end at the start of the 2018 season. Expect Watson to follow a similar path when he arrives in Tucson.
He said it: “The main reason why I decided to commit to the University of Arizona was because they have a big medical facility and when I grow up, I wanted to become a surgeon. I want to become a general surgeon. When I was younger, I would always read medical books and watch medical shows. … ‘Untold Stories of the ER,’ ‘Trauma,’ ‘Paramedics,’ ‘Mystery Diagnosis,’ stuff like that.” — Watson
Michael Wiley
UpdatedPosition: Running back
Rank: Three-star, No. 94 position, No. 1,601 nationally
Height: 5-11
Weight: 175 pounds
Hometown (high school): Houston (Strake Jesuit)
When he committed: May 26
Status: Signed national letter of intent
How he fits: The three-star running back was the second commit of the 2019 class behind Phoenix punter Kyle Ostendorp. Wiley selected the Wildcats over McNeese State, Princeton and Yale. His stature, skill set and jersey number (21) resemble current Arizona starter J.J. Taylor, who was named to The Associated Press All-Pac-12 team as an all-purpose player.
Wiley finished his high school career with 2,632 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns, and is a track star at Strake Jesuit. Wiley was recruited by UA’s former running backs coach Clarence McKinney before he accepted the Texas Southern head coaching job.
With his speed and shiftiness, Wiley could contribute on special teams right away. It’s going to be harder for him to see the field as a running back. Taylor will return as the starter with soon-to-be junior Gary Brightwell as the backup, and Darrius “Bam” Smith and Nathan Tilford also in the mix.
He said it: “I’m a very disciplined player that works hard and plays with a chip on his shoulder.” — Wiley, in a text message to the Star
Jamari Williams
UpdatedPosition: Offensive line
Rank: Three-star, No. 61 position, No. 1,271 nationally
Height: 6-4
Weight: 275 pounds
Hometown (high school): Fort Lauderdale, Florida (Cardinal Gibbons)
When he committed: Nov. 1
Status: Signed national letter of intent
How he fits: Arizona has pulled athletes out Florida in the past, but they’ve mostly been skill position players. Arizona offensive line coach Joe Gilbert was able to pick up Williams, a three-star recruit, after he decommitted from Louisville. Williams will join a veteran group that includes returners Josh McCaulley, Cody Creason, Thiyo Lukusa, Michael Eletise, Donovan Laie, Bryson Cain and Texas A&M transfer Robert Congel.
Williams played tackle in high school, but is expected to switch to guard. He plans on learning center to give the Wildcats depth behind McCauley. Nathan Eldridge, who started over McCauley in 2017, is transferring.
He said it: “Off the field, I’m always joking and just a goofy person. I always care about my friends. I don’t know if I have a picture on Twitter, but I walk around with a little Chucky doll, that’s my alter ego. I try to give you nightmares and I’m really aggressive and physical. I’m not dirty, but I just play the game with a lot of passion and love. The game has done so much for my life. I also try to bring a lot of swag to it. You’re gonna see that Florida swag when I get to Arizona.” — Williams
Sylvain Yondjouen
UpdatedPosition: Defensive end
Rank: Three-star, No. 47 position, No. 739 nationally
Height: 6-4
Weight: 232 pounds
Hometown: Brussels
When he committed: Nov. 24
Status: Decommitted; signed national letter of intent with Georgia Tech
How he fits: The biggest mystery of Arizona’s 2019 class may just turn out to be the most important one. The three-star Belgian edge rusher is Arizona’s highest-ranked recruit and the 25th-best defensive end for the 2019 class, according to 247Sports.com. His tall frame with room and projectable body type makes him one of the UA’s most intriguing recruits.
Yondjouen verbally committed to the Wildcats during the first half of the Territorial Cup game against ASU, picking the Wildcats over offers from Cincinnati, Colorado and Virginia. Yondjouen runs the 40-yard dash in 4.58 seconds, good speed for a defensive lineman. But he’s only played football since age 16, and played against lesser competition overseas.
Yondjouen adds depth to a defensive end rotation that includes returners Jalen Harris, JB Brown, Jalen Cochran and Justin Belknap. By the time Yondjouen becomes a junior, he could become Arizona’s most imposing defensive player.
He said it: “They’ll get the best of me. No, but seriously, I am a team player. It is very important for me to feel myself in a family with my teammates and my coaches. If I feel like that, I’ll be a leader, a motivator and also a killer on the field. I don’t want to look arrogant but I really love to win.” — Yondjouen.
