Wednesday turned into an impromptu "Summer Signing Day" for the Arizona Wildcats football program. The UA announced the additions of the prospects it added since spring practices ended in April.
In a video posted on Arizona football's X (Twitter) page, first-year UA head coach Brent Brennan said, "You're always trying to add pieces that you think can help your football team."
"When we think about the transfer portal, we're thinking about what impacts this year's team, the 2024 team," Brennan said. "The transfer portal can vary, too. You can have players a part of your program for six months, and then you can have players a part of your program for two or three years. We've had a little bit of both of those things. We're excited about all of the additions."
Brennan noted Arizona's effort to add depth to the defensive line and running backs after losing starters and significant role players. Brennnan said "we're excited about the key pieces" added to the wide receiver room during the spring transfer portal period.
"We're excited to see them train in the summer and get them going to work, and get to fall camp to see what it looks like," he said.
One-by-one, Arizona rolled out the virtual red carpet on its social media platforms for the newest additions to UA football.
Here's a look at who they are:
Arizona landed former Memphis defensive tackle Jarra Anderson through the transfer portal.
Jarra 'Bear' Anderson
Position: Defensive tackle
Height: 6-2
Weight: 260 pounds
Hometown (former school): Katy, Texas (Memphis)
The rundown: Anderson played one season at Memphis, before entering the transfer portal. Anderson recorded 10 tackles, two stops for loss and 1.5 sacks in 11 games at Memphis. He was named to Pro Football Focus' All-Freshman Team in 2023.
He said it: "The kid is explosive. His acceleration off his stance, disruption on their side of the ball, just a good, solid football player that can very well play all four positions, but is definitely a threat inside for us. It's a good get for us. ... He just adds to what we have in terms of our front, our pressure, our stunts and the fundamentals that come with it. I think he'll be fine." — Arizona defensive line coach Joe Seumalo
New Mexico running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (5) is tackled during a college football matchup on Sept. 2, 2023, in College Station, Texas.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt
Position: Running back
Height: 5-11
Weight: 204 pounds
Hometown (former school): Montgomery, Alabama (New Mexico)
The rundown: Croskey-Merritt played four seasons at Alabama State before his lone season at New Mexico in 2023, where he rushed for 1,190 yards — which ranked 23rd in college football — and 17 touchdowns. Croskey-Merritt averaged 6.3 yards per carry last season. Croskey-Merritt’s 17 rushing touchdowns ranked fifth nationally; he finished with 18 total touchdowns.
Croskey-Merritt ended the year with a 92.7 offensive grade on Pro Football Focus, which was eighth-best nationally. The former New Mexico star initially planned to attend Arizona, then he committed to Ole Miss before returning to the Wildcats.
He said it: “He’s a big-play football player, he’s a do-it-all (player), he can catch the ball, run the ball, block — he does it all, so I’m really excited to have him bring a different element to our backfield. ... He’ll have a chance to play in the Big 12, represent us and give us that leadership and experience that we need to take this football team to the next level. I think he’ll be a great addition to this team.” — Arizona running backs coach Alonzo Carter
Adam Damante
Position: Quarterback
Height: 6-2
Weight: 180 pounds
Hometown (former school): Gilbert (Northern Arizona)
The rundown: Damante, who will be among the backups for Arizona star Noah Fifita, passed for 1,146 yards, six touchdowns and nine interceptions for NAU last season. As a standout at American Leadership Academy, where he was teammates with current UA freshman wide receiver Brandon Phelps, Damante passed for 8,772 touchdowns and 109 touchdowns. In 2022, Damante was named a finalist for the Ed Doherty Award given to the top high school football player in Arizona.
He said it: "I think the biggest thing is, even though he was young, he showed a lot of poise in the pocket, and you can see that the players were playing for him. He had the ability to move around and make some plays, and you could see his moxie a little bit and he's someone that we might be interested in." — Arizona offensive coordinator Dino Babers
Demetrius Freeney
Position: Cornerback
Height: 6-0
Weight: 190 pounds
Hometown (former school): San Leandro, California (Miami)
The rundown: Freeney joins the Wildcats after one season at Miami, where he signed to play for former UA secondary coach Jahmile Adae. Freeney appeared in three games during his one season in Miami, but didn't record any stats.
Before Miami, Freeney starred at College of San Mateo in Northern California. Freeney had two interceptions, six pass break ups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in one season at College of San Mateo. Freeney is the latest College of San Mateo product to join the Wildcats since the hiring of Brennan, joining wide receiver Reymello Murphy, cornerback Johno Price, defensive end Cyrus Durham and wide receiver Jeremiah Patterson.
He said it: "He's a long, physical, press corner who can run, which is exactly what we're looking for to add to the cornerback room. I see 'Meech' fitting right into our room that's already pretty deep. But he's given himself to compete for a starting role, but also adding value to the team on special teams and various positions he can play." — Arizona cornerbacks coach Chip Viney.
Anthony Garcia
Position: Quarterback
Height: 6-1
Weight: 192 pounds
Hometown (former school): Sacramento (San Jose State)
The rundown: Garcia joined San Jose State in 2022 as a three-star quarterback out of Capital Christian High School in Sacramento. In three seasons at Capital Christian, Garcia threw for 2,885 yards, 36 touchdowns and five interceptions. Garcia didn't play at SJSU. Garcia's father, Aaron Garcia, played 19 seasons in the Arena Football League and passed for 62,159 yards and 1,336 touchdowns.
He said it: "I think the biggest thing they talked about was how he was handling the scout team and He definitely has some legs on him. He has the ability to move around in the pocket and make plays, not only with his arm but also his legs. We're excited about what he may add to the quarterback room, and we're looking forward to having him come down." — Babers
Arizona Justin Holloway is shown during a 2020 game when he played for Ohio.
Justin Holloway
Position: Long snapper
Height: 6-3
Weight: 206 pounds
Hometown (former school): Venice, Florida (Ohio)
The rundown: Holloway has been playing college football since the 2018 season — all of his seasons were at Ohio. Holloway has played in 27 games for Ohio over the last two seasons, and caught a pass for a two-point conversion on a fake PAT during the 2022 Arizona Bowl at Arizona Stadium; the Bobcats beat Wyoming in overtime.
He said it: "We're looking for those guys to be unnoticed. Nobody knows how important the deep snapper is until you don't have one. It's a thankless job. They go out during very key parts of the game, and if they're really good, you don't even notice them. ... His football IQ is great. He can cover in space and get an extra 'gunner' down the way Justin runs. That stuff is so valuable." — Arizona linebackers coach and special teams coordinator Danny Gonzales
Arizona Wildcats land former Stanford edge rusher Lance Keneley through the transfer portal.
Lance Keneley
Position: Defensive end
Height: 6-5
Weight: 250 pounds
Hometown (former school): Mission Viejo, California (Stanford)
The rundown: In three seasons at Stanford, Keneley had 67 tackles, eight stops for loss and 2.5 sacks in 31 games. Keneley started the first nine games last season, including Stanford's loss to Arizona.
Keneley was in the game during the play that resulted in former UA quarterback Jayden de Laura injuring his ankle on the Arizona sideline at the end of the third quarter, which then sparked the start of the Noah Fifita era for the program.
Arizona defensive coordinator Duane Akina was the defensive backs coach at Stanford during Keneley's first two seasons in Palo Alto in 2021 and '22.
He said it: "He's a veteran player. ... The kid can play. This is a great get for us. He's athletic, long, smart and real savvy. He's a perfect addition for us. ... Tough and rugged, but he's a great kid." — Keneley
Chase Kennedy
Position: Defensive end
Height: 6-3
Weight: 231 pounds
Hometown (former school): Dallas (Utah)
The rundown: Kennedy appeared in seven games over two seasons for the Utes and had one tackle.
He said it: "Everything you would want out of an edge guy. ... But I'm excited about what he can do and be a threat off the edge for us." — Seumalo
Shancco 'Ise' Matautia
Position: Offensive line
Height: 6-2
Weight: 346 pounds
Hometown (former school): Anaheim, California (New Mexico)
The rundown: Matautia graduated from Servite High School, where he was teammates with Arizona star quarterback Noah Fifita, wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, linebacker Jacob Manu and tight end Keyan Burnett.
With four of Arizona's five starters on the offensive line back from last season, and sophomore Raymond Pulido moving over to left tackle this spring, right guard has been one of Arizona's most highly competitive positions. Redshirt junior Leif Magnuson, who appeared in 11 games last season, Northwestern transfer Alexander Doost and San Jose State transfer Ryan Stewart were among players competing at right guard this spring. At New Mexico, Matautia played guard and started 20 games for the Lobos from 2021-23. He transferred to the Wildcats' in-state rival Arizona State, but re-entered the portal after the spring.
He said it: "I really, really love Shancco's versatility. I think he definitely can play inside, but can also slide outside with his athleticism. He's a real mauler-type guy. He really wants to move the line of scrimmage, so I'm really excited about him." — Arizona offensive line coach Josh Oglesby
Former Old Dominion wide receiver Reymello Murphy is one of several additions the Arizona Wildcats made through the transfer portal this spring.
Reymello Murphy
Position: Wide receiver
Height: 6-0
Weight: 185 pounds
Hometown (former school): Freemont, California (Old Dominion)
The rundown: In 13 games last season, Murphy led ODU in receiving yards (502) and ranked 27th in college football in yards per catch (17.9) in his only season with the Monarchs. Before his lone season at Old Dominion Murphy had 17 catches for 297 yards and three touchdowns at San Mateo Community College in 2022.
He said it: "His experience is a really big part in why we went and got him out of the portal this year. He's played a lot of football. ... He has a unique ability to attract a deep ball. When he's playing outside, he has a really good feel for timing in the passing game, and he also doesn't drop the football so that's always great to be able to have receivers to catch. I expect him to make a lot of big plays this year down the field, and bring a lot of experience as well as comfortability within the room and make sure we're all gelling together." — Arizona wide receivers coach Bobby Wade
Former San Jose State tight end Sam Olson runs during a game against USC in 2023.
Sam Olson
Position: Tight end
Height: 6-3
Weight: 242 pounds
Hometown (former school): Visalia, California (San Jose State)
The rundown: Olson joined San Jose State in 2020 and had 45 receptions for 594 yards and six touchdowns in his four years with the Spartans. Olson had the fourth-most receiving yards (310) for SJSU last season.
Olson will become a part of Arizona's scholarship tight end group that also includes redshirt senior Roberto Miranda, junior Keyan Burnett, redshirt sophomore Tyler Powell, redshirt freshman Dorian Thomas and freshman Dylan Tapley.
He said it: "Sam has grown a lot throughout his time with us at San Jose, but he came in ready to go and really competitive. He's the only guy I've had that got playing time as a true freshman, which is a testament to his competitiveness and maturity. ... An all-around guy, crafty, he's not the biggest tight end, but he understands how to use technique." — Arizona tight ends coach Matt Adkins
Jeremiah Patterson
Position: Wide receiver
Height: 5-10
Weight: 178 pounds
Hometown (former school): Union City, California (College of San Mateo)
The rundown: In two seasons at College of San Mateo, Patterson caught 90 passes for 1,118 yards and 15 touchdowns as the Bulldogs' slot receiver. After losing slot receiver Kevin Green Jr. to Washington, the Wildcats added Reymello Murphy (Old Dominion), who was 27th in FBS in yards per catch last season, and Patterson.
He said it: "He's electric. He's really fast in the short area of quickness, and he's really difficult to press at the line of scrimmage. He has elite ball skills and has the ability to catch the ball in traffic, and all of those are attributes to play at the next level." — Wade
Then-Mississippi running back Kedrick Reescano (21) warms up before a game at Alabama on Sept. 23, 2023.
Kedrick Reescano
Position: Running back
Height: 6-0
Weight: 210 pounds
Hometown (former school): Houston (Ole Miss)
The rundown: Reescano was a four-star prospect out of New Caney High School (Texas) in 2023. Reescano signed with Ole Miss over Arkansas, Mississippi State, Houston, Nebraska, Oklahoma State and Penn State, among others. Reescano totaled 5,182 yards of total offense and 75 touchdowns in four seasons at New Caney. As a junior, Reescano placed second in triple-jump in the Class 5A Texas track and field championships.
He said it: "Very athletic, dynamic and very special. ... We're really excited to have him here. He's physical, can do it all. He can catch the ball, run the ball and do everything you want out of a running back. He'll be a great addition to our room." — Carter
Former San Diego State offensive lineman Jonah Rodriguez is transferring to the Arizona Wildcats.
Jonah Rodriguez
Position: Offensive tackle
Height: 6-4
Weight: 275 pounds
Hometown (former school): San Diego (San Diego State)
The rundown: Rodriguez signed with the Aztecs over Arizona, San Jose State, Colorado, Boise State and Arizona State, among others, out of Madison High School in 2023. Rodriguez entered the transfer portal following a redshirt season with the Aztecs.
He said it: "Jonah is an amazing talent and has the ability to play all five positions. ... Great combination of speed and strength, which is going to be huge for us in the offensive line room. ... I saw his name pop up (in the transfer portal) and I called him right away, and it was like we picked up right where we left off. It was awesome getting him here on the trip and not having that weird, awkward, buffer stage where we're getting to know each other, because we already had history together." — Oglesby
Southern California defensive lineman Stanley Ta’ufo’ou runs to the end zone for a touchdown after recovering a fumble by Nevada during the second half the Trojans’ 66-14 win in Los Angeles on Sept. 2, 2023.
Stanley Ta'ufo'ou
Position: Defensive line
Height: 6-2
Weight: 275 pounds
Hometown (former school): Tongatapu, Tonga (USC)
The rundown: Ta'ufo'ou became a mainstay in USC's defense during the 2021 season and appeared in 12 games with nine starts. In 36 games over his five-year career at USC, Ta'ufo'ou recorded 55 tackles, 7.5 stops for loss, a sack and three fumble recoveries, including a 23-yard touchdown return against Nevada last season.
Ta'ufo'ou becomes Arizona's most experienced defensive lineman for the upcoming season and bolsters a position group that lost nine scholarship players from the 2023 season, including all four starters.
He said it: "Stan's a grown man. ... To have him as a veteran player and all of the plays he's played at a very high level with USC, so he's accustomed to doing all of that and facing fast bodies. He fits right in, he's explosive, athletic, smart. He'll fit right in." — Seumalo
Michael Wooten
Position: Offensive tackle
Height: 6-4
Weight: 310 pounds
Hometown (former school): Simi Valley, California (Oregon)
The rundown: Wooten joins Arizona after two seasons with the Ducks. Wooten, who starred at Sierra Canyon High School in Chatsworth, California, was recruited by Arizona State, Colorado and Utah in 2022 but signed with Oregon. Wooten bolsters Arizona's depth at tackle.
He said it: "I think the sky's the limit for Mike. With the training he's going to get in the strength and conditioning program as well as the changes we're going to make to his game overall on the offensive line, it's going to make huge dividends for him." — Oglesby
