The Arizona Wildcats are preparing for their Pac-12 home opener against USC. It’s a big moment for both the current team and the future Wildcats. Much of the team’s Class of 2019 grew up in Southern California watching the Trojans.
One of them is Chris Roland, a three-star recruit from Knight High School in Palmdale, California. Roland is listed as the No. 139 athlete in the nation per 247Sports’ composite rankings. The two-way star chose Arizona over Oregon State, New Mexico and San Jose State in July, in part because of his relationship with cornerbacks coach Demetrice Martin. Martin, like Roland, is a SoCal guy: He grew up in Pasadena and coached at both USC and UCLA before joining UA coach Kevin Sumlin’s staff.
The Star talked to 6-foot, 180-pound Roland about his decision to come to UA and what the Wildcats will be getting out of him in the future:
Since you’re from Palmdale, did you grow up watching USC?
A: “I really didn’t have a favorite team, but I did follow USC growing up. There’s just something about them.”
What made you decide to select Arizona over the other offers?
A: “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.”
Describe coach Martin’s reputation in Southern California.
A: “He’s well-known, and he’s going to ‘keep it 100’ with you throughout the whole recruiting process, and he’s not going to tell you one thing and then he means another thing. He’s always going to keep it real with you. He doesn’t make any promises, he just lays it all out right in front of you. We have a really good relationship.”
You’re listed as an athlete on several recruiting websites, or two-way player, but with coach Martin recruiting you, does that mean you will be playing cornerback at Arizona?
A: “Yeah, he’s primarily recruiting me to play cornerback.”
What will the Wildcats be getting out of you next season?
A: “A playmaker. I have the ability to make plays and I’m hoping to come in and change a few things and come in and help. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help the team.”
You visited Tucson for an unofficial visit during the summer. What did you like about the city and university?
A: “I’m from Palmdale, and it is hot out here, too, and I know it’s a little bit more hotter out there, but the weather is kind of similar. It looked beautiful out there.”
Growing up, which players did you idolize?
A: “There were a lot, but the one I mainly looked up to was Charles Woodson.”
What do you think about Arizona’s season so far?
A: “We just came off a victory last week against Oregon State. We started off a little slow, but I feel like we’re gonna do well throughout the season.”
What makes Sumlin an intriguing head coach to you?
A: “Everything. Just him as a person. Besides football, I know he’ll lead me in the right direction and not so much being a football player, but just being a man. I know I’ll be good in his hands.”
Have you always lived in Palmdale?
A: “I was actually born in Long Beach, and we moved out here from L.A. because my mom wanted to live in a better environment. Us growing up there, we would’ve gotten into some trouble so we moved to Palmdale.”
What’s the recruiting process been like for your mom?
A: “She’s a single mother, and I’m the only boy so she’s never been through this process before or anything at all. She’s happy with my decision and I am, too. She knows that the decision I made was good, and she’s happy. She doesn’t really know too much about this stuff, but she threw me a little advice. Not about football, but life in general, and that’s what helped me pick Arizona.”
