After a stretch of decommitments, the Arizona Wildcats were searching for some good recruiting news. Arizona found it with some recent commitments, but the best recruiting development in a while has to do with a player already committed.
Running backΒ Nathan TilfordΒ plans to enroll at the UA early and participate in the team's spring drills, the Star has learned. Arizona's spring semester begins on Jan. 11.
Tilford is rated a four-star recruit and Arizona's highest-rated 2017 commit, according to Scout.com. As an early enrollee, he'll join quarterback Braxton Burmeister, tight end Bryce Gilbert, linebacker Tony Fields and linebacker Jose Ramirez. Defensive lineman Sione Taufahema, a junior college transfer, has already signed his letter of intent and will join the Wildcats next week as well.
Tilford's addition is particularly considering the Wildcats need for healthy β and talented β running backs after the way the 2016 season transpired. After injuries toΒ Nick Wilson andΒ J.J. Taylor, coupled with the dismissal ofΒ Orlando Bradford, the Wildcats found themselves starting converted receiverΒ Samajie Grant at running back as the season wound down.
Wilson and Taylor will both return for the Wildcats, but it's unclear if they'll be available for spring drills.
As a senior at Colony High School β Grant's alma mater β Tilford rushed for 2,031 yards and 30 touchdowns.Β
Tilford's analysis on Scout.com pegs him as a "physical player" who is "very tough to bring down" in the open field. He's listed at 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds.
Check back to Tucson.com later tonight for more on Tilford's early enrollment.
