Arizona Wildcats coach Kevin Sumlin and his staff have reeled in their first potentially game-changing recruit.
Four-star prospect Grant Gunnell – the third-ranked pro-style quarterback in the country for the class of 2019 – announced Wednesday that he has committed to Arizona.
Thanks to God, Family, Friends, Coaches and Teamates. COMMITTED. #EraZona19 #BearDown pic.twitter.com/R7rOmIpUV6
— Grant Gunnell (@grantgunnell7) June 6, 2018
Gunnell previously was committed to Texas A&M, where he formed a relationship with Sumlin and offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Noel Mazzone. Sumlin brought Mazzone, among others, with him to Tucson.
Gunnell, who plays at St. Pius X High School in Houston, de-committed from A&M on Feb. 13. He recently listed his finalists as Arizona, Cal, Ohio State and UCLA.
Gunnell, who’s listed at 6-6 and between 220 and 222 pounds, is Rivals’ 70th-ranked overall prospect. 247Sports ranks him 97th nationally.
Sumlin consistently landed highly rated recruited classes at A&M, and he was expected to significantly boost Arizona’s recruiting yield. Gunnell isn’t the first player to commit to the UA since Sumlin became coach, but the 2019 quarterback is by far the highest rated with the highest national profile.
If Gunnell keeps his commitment and attends Arizona, the Wildcats will be stocked at quarterback for years to come. Current starter and Heisman Trophy candidate Khalil Tate has two more years of eligibility. Incoming freshman Kevin Doyle and Jamarye Joiner are set to join the team this summer.
Gunnell recently competed in the Elite 11 quarterback competition, although he did not advance.
Gunnell has passed for 9,909 yards and 126 touchdowns over the past two seasons at St. Pius X. He also rushed for 779 yards and 13 scores.
