Arizona Wildcats Social Media Reactions: Another Louisiana commitment, big news tomorrow

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Class of 2015 Five-Star defensive tackle Kahlil McKenzie announces his decision between the Arizona Wildcats and Tennessee on Thursday. Will he become Arizona’s 19th Class of 2015 commitment on Thursday or will the Wildcats’ have to wait to fill that spot? My gut tells me Tennessee because of his family ties in Knoxville, but recruiting always has its surprises.

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If McKenzie commits to the Wildcats he could establish himself as the most decorated recruit to sign with Arizona. The Wildcats have signed three five-star recruits in the last 13 years, including two junior college defensive linemen (Gabe Long and Louis Holmes) in 2006 and cornerback Rob Golden in 2008. None became an all-conference selection although Holmes was a second-team choice in 2006. Long transferred to Utah before playing a down because of academics. Golden had an impressive career but went undrafted before Pittsburgh signed him to a free agent contract.

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McKenzie’s dad is Reggie McKenzie, general manager of the Oakland Raiders.

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Arizona’s 18th commitment is its fourth from the state of Louisiana, the third in the last week. Kendrick Jackson is a linebacker from Haynesville (La.) High School. He follows running back Orlando Bradford of Shreveport Calvary Baptist, safety Antonio Parks of Reserve (La.) East St. John and defensive end Kendal Franklin of New Orleans Easton.

Proud to say that I'm committed to the University of Arizona! #Beardown #Wildcats

— Kendrick Jackson1⃣5⃣ (@15Kjackson) July 10, 2014

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If Jackson, Franklin, Parks and Bradford sign in February (verbal commitments are non-binding), Arizona will have at least five players from Louisiana on next year’s roster. Patrick Glover, who moved from New Orleans to Phoenix after Hurricane Katrina, will be a senior cornerback in 2015.

Chances are Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez and his staff are toasting over the commitment of Jackson, who was also heavily recruited by Arkansas. The Razorbacks are coached by Bret Bielema, who along with Alabama’s Nick Saban, is a proponent for slowing down no-huddle spread offenses. Jackson told Scout.com last month: “Arkansas is at the very top of my list. In fact, I would like to get up there and see the place and commit. I am hoping to do that this summer, but if not I will take an official visit during the season.” Arizona assistant coach Calvin Magee pulled off an upset with the recruitment of Jackson. That was a speedy turnaround by Jackson (no pun intended).

CLASS OF 2015 ARIZONA FOOTBALL COMMITMENTS (18)
Stars based on Scout.com’s rating. Rank indicates national ranking.

OFFENSE (9)

DEFENSE (9)

ALLSPORTSTUCSON.com publisher, writer and editor Javier Morales is a former Arizona Press Club award winner. He also writes articles for Bleacher Report and Lindy’s College Sports.