When Muizz Tounkara stepped outside in Tucson during his official visit at Arizona, he realized, in the words of fellow Houston native and artist Beyoncé, this ain't Texas.
Tounkara, a three-star wide receiver from League City, Texas and newly-added commit in Arizona's 2025 recruiting class, said Tucson summers are "really different."
"I thought I was going to be sweating, but it's a dry heat," said Tounkara, who also held offers from Houston, Penn State and Arkansas. "In Texas, if you stand in the sun, you start sweating. But Arizona is dry. Nose starts bleeding and you need to hydrate. It's different, but I think it's better in my opinion. ... It's horrible in League City. Absolutely horrible. ... Even in the morning, you go outside at 8 or 9 in the morning and start sweating. ... I can't wait to get out of Texas."
In less than a year, the Houston-area native will be a Wildcat and a part of a large contingent of players from Texas joining the UA in 2025. The 6-3, 195-pound Tounkara is one of eight Texans in Arizona's 20-player '25 recruiting class. The eight Texas commits are the most for Arizona since 2019. Arizona has commits from Texas, Arizona, California, Florida and Hawaii.
Arizona picked up a commitment from three-star Texas wide receiver Muizz Tounkara for 2025.
"I think in recruiting it doesn't matter where you are, it all comes down to relationships and trust, and you have to do a great job of building trust with those players and families and high school coaches and junior-college coaches or whatever that is," said Arizona head coach Brent Brennan. "I think good people can recruit in any area of the world. It doesn't matter where you are."
Tounkara is the fourth wide receiver in Arizona's 2025 recruiting class, joining Orlando star Isaiah Mizell, Chandler native Gio Richardson and Dallas-area standout Terry Porter. San Antonio-area two-way star Sean Robinson can also play wide receiver.
Tounkara joined ESPN Tucson's "Spears and Ali" Wednesday morning to talk about his commitment to the UA, his NFL comparison, Texas football and his passion for cars, among other topics.
Why did you choose Arizona?
A: "It was really the coaches. I built a great relationship with Bobby Wade, the receivers coach, and the head coach, Brent Brennan. Those are my dudes and my guys. They treated me like family, and they care about me on and off the field, which is more than just football. At the end of the day, it's all about relationships, and those two are my guys, so that's why I chose Arizona."
How did Arizona make you feel comfortable in the recruiting process?
A: "They came late in my recruitment, but they were pushing really hard for me to go on my (official visit). I sat back and looked at all of the information and it's just good for me. And I was one of their top receivers on the board, so they were talking to me every day and made me feel like a top priority. That means a lot in the recruiting process."
Arizona picked up a commitment from three-star Texas wide receiver Muizz Tounkara for 2025.
What is the plan for at Arizona next season?
A: "They want me to be the X (receiver) just like (Tetairoa McMillan) and run, catch, high-point, everything. That's how they see me, then I can also play slot for better matchups."
Have you watched McMillan play?
A: "Just clips online. I haven't seen him play with my own two eyes, but I'm planning on going out there to see a game."
How was the experience at the UA during your official visit?
A: "It was a blessing. It was hot, of course. I'm not used to that because I live in Texas. It was a blessing meeting T-Mac and all of the other wide receivers. Malachi Riley, Montana (Lemonious-Craig), they all treated me like family. They were recruiting me hard, too. I credit the bond to everybody; the players, the coaches, the staff, everybody."
How much did Wade's NFL background and Brennan's history of coaching receivers influence your decision?
A: "It helps a lot, especially Bobby Wade. He always preached development and I know that he's going to be there. I know I'm going to be developed, and when it's all said and done, I'm going to be one of the best receivers. I trust the coaches to get me right on the field, in the weight room, off the field, everything. It means a lot."
What is Arizona getting out of you as a player?
A: "I'm really an athlete. I return kicks, I return punts, I play defensive back, too, and I play receiver. I'm a deep threat and I can catch and run routes. Arizona fans, I can't wait to go there and show myself. I've been underrated my whole life. I can't wait to prove anyone who ever doubted me wrong. Arizona fans, ya'll are getting a dog. Be ready."
Arizona picked up a commitment from three-star Texas wide receiver Muizz Tounkara for 2025.
How would you describe the football culture in Texas?
A: "Texas is competitive. In my opinion, it's the best state for football, but that's just my opinion. I think it's competitive and we want to play for some of the best teams, and I think Arizona has a chance to be one of the best teams in college football. The opportunity to play for one of the best teams in the area, there's nothing more they could give me."
Which NFL or college receivers would you compare yourself to?
A: "Prime Julio Jones. Tee Higgins, too. The hands, the size, the high-point ability, the route-running and sneaky speed. That's what a lot of people don't realize, I'm really fast, too. I also try to compare my release to DaVante Adams — and Calvin Ridley. I try to copy my game after them."
What's your football origin story?
A: "Growing up, I never really played football. I always played soccer and ran down the field and had great footwork. In the eighth grade was when I started taking sports seriously. I was always a basketball-soccer dude, but was never a football dude, because my mom always thought it was unsafe to play at a young age with all of the head injuries and stuff. In the eighth grade was when I started training and my confidence went up and just went from there. ... Seeing everybody play, it was an up-and-coming sport, so I wanted to try it. I was always the biggest dude in my school, so I tried it and it turned out well."
What do you like to do outside of football?
A: "I like to hang out with my friends, spend time with my family, put on (outfits) and take pictures. I'm big on cars, so I work on cars and look at cars. I have a nice car myself and it really helps.
What kind of car?
A: "Mustang GT 5.0. ... I drive the speed limit and I'm a really safe driver. I know what I have to lose and I think about that every time I step into the car."
What do you think about Arizona joining the Big 12 and playing in Texas every season for at least one road game?
A: "It's big. I have confidence in my team to go out and win the Big 12 championship and go from there. They're an underrated team, too. They had a really good year last year, but I feel like this season they'll blow the top off."
