What do recruiting analysts think of some of Arizonaβs verbal commitments β and possible additions β for the class of 2022?
The Star asked Blair Angulo, who covers the West region for 247Sports.com, and Adam Gorney, the national recruiting director for Rivals.com, to break down some of the Wildcats’ prospects. Here’s a portion of what they had to say:
Gorney on committed QB Noah Fifita of Servite High School in Anaheim, California: βFifita is a phenomenal playmaker and a great decision-maker. Heβs gonna lead the offense down the field in 10-yard chunks or take the top off and find somebody deep down the field. I love how he plays the game. Heβs super-competitive, smart, studies it. The only concern is the height. (Fifita is listed at 5-10.) He has moved up in the rankings because of his ability, but there has to be a ceiling on that. You just wonder about his limitations. ... But he could easily prove me wrong. Thereβs no doubt (about) his talent.β
Angulo on committed DE Russell Davis II of Chandler Hamilton High School: βRussell Davis is very undervalued. His potential is through the roof because of his frame β a 6-4, 225-pound player who could definitely be the next Jalen Harris in that scheme. Heβs going to be able to add about 30 pounds or so and maintain that quick twitch and speed. I would not be surprised if weβre talking in three or four years about an All-Pac-12 type of player.β
Gorney on committed TE Keyan Burnett of Servite: βBurnett is one of the best-looking kids in any Pac-12 class. He just needs to produce more. You kind of forget that heβs out there sometimes. It could be because he (Fifita) and T-Mac (receiver Tetairoa McMillan) have such a strong connection. But Burnett is definitely a willing blocker. He can split out, make you miss, break tackles.β
Angulo on committed OT Jacob Reese of Brighton High School in Salt Lake City: βI like Jacob Reece a lot. He was headed to Utah State. I thought he was player with a ton of potential β athleticism, size, frame. I always thought Utah State was going to get a steal, a player who could get drafted. I wouldnβt be surprised if he contributes early. Technique-wise, heβs solid. Heβs got a mean streak I really like.β
Gorney on committed LB Jacob Manu of Servite: βManu is a kid I really like, another undersized kid (listed at 5-11). Having done this over the years, I just stopped caring about linebacker size. Heβs not facing 235-pound running backs bowling him over in the SEC. The most important thing is playing in space and playing sideline to sideline. I donβt know if heβs as instinctual or talented (as Scooby Wright), but heβs a guy who can get on the field and get people on the ground.β
Angulo on whether McMillan will flip from Oregon: βI donβt think so. Heβs been a lifelong Oregon Ducks fan. He has been set on going there regardless of the coach. I just think heβs too enthralled and enticed by that childhood fandom. I donβt think he was ever going there because of the coach. ... But Iβve been wrong before.β
Gorney on whether McMillan will flip: βHeβs always wanted to play at Oregon. (New coach Dan) Lanning has made him a top priority. Itβs certainly tempting, but at this point Iβd be a little surprised if it happened. If it does, it would be absolutely huge. Heβs maybe the best receiver in the country. That would be a complete game-changer.β