Arizona Football

Arizona Wildcats recruiting class marked by athleticism and versatility

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Rich Rodriguez talks about his Class of 2014 recruits with recruiting coordinator Matt Dudek standing nearby during Arizona's #AZOKGDay show (ArizonaWildcats.com video capture)

Rich Rodriguez talks about his Class of 2014 recruits with recruiting coordinator Matt Dudek standing nearby during Arizona’s #AZOKGDay show (ArizonaWildcats.com video capture)

HOW THEY RATED ARIZONA’S CLASS BEFORE TODAY
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Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez made the comment today during the Wildcats’ #AZOKGDay (OKG stands for “Our Kinda Guy”) Show on ArizonaWildcats.com that the incoming recruits signed today and current players have the ability to play on both sides of the ball.

Rodriguez went so far as to say linebacker Scooby Wright is capable of playing running back.

Time will tell if UCLA linebacker/running back Myles Jack has started a trend that will reach the Wildcat program, but Arizona has recruits that can (and probably will) play on both sides, if necessary.

Salpointe product Cameron Denson, of Arizona’s highest rated Class of 2014, is listed as a receiver prospect but may also play defensive back as well, according to Rodriguez. Los Angeles (Calif.) Salesian High School linebackers Jamardre Cobbs and Marquis Ware may also be used on the offense.

Denson’s Salpointe teammate Kaelin Deboskie, a wide receiver prospect, has reportedly signed his national letter of intent but Arizona has not officially announced the signing.

QUICK NOTES: A major signing-day coup for Rodriguez was the signing of Bellevue (Wash.) defensive tackle Marcus Griffin, a four-star-rated prospect by Rivals and Scout who chose the Wildcats over Cal, Washington State and Mississippi State. … Beaverton (Ore.) receiver recruit Jordan Morgan won’t sign today because he won’t enroll until Spring 2015 because of possible academic reasons, according to Anthony Gimino, posting at TucsonNewsNow.com. … Defensive tackle Sharif Williams, a defensive tackle rehabbing a knee injury, will also not enroll until 2015. … As is customary with place-kickers, Josh Pollack (Highland Park, Ill.) won’t be on scholarship this fall, but he is expected to walk-on for a semester and compete for playing time. … Gimino also reports that unsigned recruit J.R. Hunt, a safety from Chandler High School, may have to go the junior-college route first before playing major college football.

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TODAY’S SIGNEES

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— One of a handful of recruits who can potentially play on both sides of the ball, according to Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez

— Also recruited by Oklahoma defensive coordinator Mike Stoops, Arizona’s former head coach.

— Very physical player who can also handle the rigors of playing defensive end.

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— Highest-rated Arizona recruit overall, unanimous four-star recruit by all recruiting services who is extremely physical with a non-stop motor.

— Scout.com No. 1 Middle Linebacker Prospect in the West.

— Similar to UCLA’s Myles Jack, Cobb has the versatility to play inside or outside and can play some fullback or tight end on the offensive side of the ball.

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— Wood committed to Arizona after narrowing his list down to also include Oregon and UCLA.

— Wood uses his size to his advantage and has very soft hands for a big guy (6’5 and 235).

— Figures prominent in Arizona’s plans to loosen defense off the line with talented receivers returning.

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— Fresno pipeline includes Brewer, who was an early commit to Arizona

— Brewer is known for his aggressive, physical and menacing style.

— Quality pass defender and solid with run support.

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— Whittaker is coming off a knee injury late in his senior season but should be ready in the fall.

— Boise State, San Diego State and Washington State also heavily recruited him.

— Tempted to join his brother J.J. Whittaker (a senior-to-be receiver at San Diego State) but chose Arizona instead.

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— Walton chose Arizona over offers from Indiana, Ball State, Middle Tennessee, Navy, Florida International and Buffalo.

— Intelligent with 3.9 GPA and exceptional score of 24 on the ACT.

— Played tackle in high school but is expected to play guard for Arizona.

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— Considered a tough, physical and athletic cornerback

— Missed his entire sophomore season with a broken leg but came on strong the last two years.

— Played cornerback upon his return after playing running back early in his football career.

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— Wilson is a powerful back who can run between the tackles but has breakaway speed as well.

— He can catch the ball out of the backfield and runs strong until the end of the play.

— Similar to Ka’Deem Carey, Wilson gets stronger as the game goes on.

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— Also recruited by Utah, Notre Dame and North Carolina State

— Good fit for the Arizona offense with his ability to make plays with his feet, but he’s still a pass-first quarterback.

— Dawkins experienced in playing big games, leading his high school team to the CIF-SS championship as a sophomore and playing for one of the more high-profile teams in California.

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— Rivals considers him a wide receiver because of his versatility

— Committed blocker when lined up as an in-line TE but known for ability to free up for a pass.

— Colorado and Colorado State showed the most interest in Cloy.

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— Decommitted from USC after being first to commit for the Trojans in the 2014 class.

— Opted for Arizona after USC new hire Steve Sarkisian reportedly did not communicate with him.

— Originally, Poland wanted to enroll at USC early. However, he now plans to be at Arizona in the summer.

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— Ellison helped Granite Bay win the CIF State D-I title last year, playing running back and receiver, and he’ll play receiver for the Wildcats.

— Fresno State and Wyoming also extended scholarship offers to the 5-foot-11, 162-pound prospect.

— Suffered a knee injury midway through last season but should be fully rehabilitated for fall practice; a redshirt candidate.

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— Committed to Arizona first out of the three Salesian High School prospects (Cobbs and linebacker prospect Marquis Ware are the others).

— Colorado State, Idaho, Houston, San Jose State and SMU showed the most interest other than Arizona.

— Cobb is very active as a safety with great closing speed and very good ball skills.

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— Tall, long and athletic at 6’5″ and 260.

— Chose Arizona over Washington and Nebraska.

— True left tackle prospect because of athleticism and mobility.

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ARIZONA CLASS OF 2014
Compiled by Anthony Gimino (@AGWildcatReport)
*Already enrolled. x-Signed today.
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WILDABOUTAZCATS.net publisher, writer and editor Javier Morales is a former Arizona Press Club award winner. He also writes articles for Bleacher Report, Lindy’s College Sports and TucsonCitizen.com.

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