Howdy, gang!
Been quite some time since I've jumped on the site but we're back!! I'm getting back into things by highlighting three 2020 signees who are ranked outside the 1,000 by recruiting services, but well within the top 1,000 in my personal rankings. These three didn’t have a whole lot of action during their recruitment process but I truly believe these are three of Arizona’s top prospects overall out of the 19 that they signed. Stacey Marshall Jr. Arizona lost long-time tight end commit Drake Dabney fairly late in the process. At the time he was Arizona’s highest-ranked prospect. A top 600 kid with over a dozen very solid Power Five offers. The staff rebounds with Stacey Marshall, out of Hutchinson Community College. A huge upgrade at the position in my opinion. The tight end has not been utilized in Noel Mazzone’s offense over the last two years, which is a shame considering how well Bryce Wolma performed as a true freshman two seasons ago. The staff elected not to recruit a tight end in the 2019 class, so hopefully Marshall now gives the offense the type of tight end they want to implement. Marshall comes in with a great frame at 6-foot-5, 255-pounds. He’s a complete tight end coming from a championship junior college program. He’s strong, physical and a great blocker. He’ll be able to stay on the field in all situations thank to his athleticism and pass catching abilities. At the time of his commitment, Marshall was a two-star prospect. He has since jumped up to three-star status, but ranks just inside the top 200 in regard to junior college prospects. 247Sports has him outside the top 250. Arizona was his only Power Five offer. I truly think Arizona gets a steal here. Marshall is complete player that has all the tools to be successful during his short time at Arizona. It’s going to hurt so bad when Arizona continues to fail at utilizing a tight end. Josh Baker I love Josh Baker. I hate to put lofty expectations on a guy who hasn’t even stepped foot on campus but I think he is Arizona’s best NFL prospect of this class and will come in and dominate. He’s built well at 6-foot-3, 280-pounds and moves extremely well. You can tell he is very well-coached by his footwork, hand placement and balance. He has such an extremely high floor entering the program to begin with and he can only go up with coaching by Kyle DeVan. I love Josh Baker as the immediate replacement for Josh McCauley at center after the 2020 season and if necessary he could play guard as well. I’m surprised his offer list didn’t grow after his senior season, as his only Power Five offers were Illinois and Kansas. This was a really good find by the staff to tap into Missouri and land Baker. To me he’s Arizona’s third highest prospect of this class and I’d peg him as a 650 prospect. Recruiting services have him ranked outside the top 1,100 overall, but I think 247Sports individual ranking is spot on at 680. Derick Mourning Derick Mourning looks like he is ready to play Pac-12 football. He might the most college-ready prospect of the 2020 class. He is a perfect fit for the new 3-4 defense coming off the edge with a terrific frame at 6-foot-1, 210 pounds. He is extremely quick, has great athleticism and speed. He understands where the play is flowing and can track the ball down easily. He has all the traits to be a successful edge player. The position group is very young and talented, but depending on how the staff switches up the personnel, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Mourning playing significant reps as a true freshman. He’s ranked just inside the top 1,200 overall, No. 78 among all outside linebackers and No. 147 among players in Texas. I agree far more with the folks at 247Sports on his ranking once again, as they have him just inside the 750. Arizona was his only Power Five offer as he was clearing up some academic issues which slowed down his recruitment. The staff takes a chance here but the upside is incredible with Mourning.
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(Photo via @LeifMags on Twitter)
When you think of big, nasty offensive linemen a lot of people don't think of Canada. But that's exactly what Arizona got in offensive lineman Leif Magnuson. His father also played football in the Pac-12 at Washington State when Kevin Sumlin was a coach there. That previous relationship and Leif's relationship with Arizona OL coach Kyle DeVan sealed the deal for aggressive lineman.
Read on to learn more about Magnuson. Favorite Food: "Steak, medium rare." Favorite Music Artist: "My favorite music artist is Roddy Rich." Hobbies: "Cooking, chess, and music. I'm great at making breakfast and wraps and such." Favorite Sports Team/Pro Athlete: "The (Seattle) Seahawks. My favorite athlete is Rob Gronkowski." Biggest Supporter Throughout Your Career: "Absolutely my parents, but my dad has been the biggest supporter. He's been there every step of the way." What You Like Most About Playing Football: "Man it's about dominating your opponent, whether that's 1v1 or as a team. But team is everything. I love the camaraderie and fighting together to win no matter what." Fondest Memory of Your Football Career: "Winning the Canadian National Championship with my U18 team, TeamSask in 2018." Major: "I'm torn between marketing and criminal justice. Probably marketing (business) though." Leif's Thoughts on Being a Wildcat: "Man, what a great place to be! I love that Gronk went there and it's in the Pac-12. A great history there. Got to turn things around and get back to winning 8, 9, 10 games. I'm hoping my class will be the ones to help out with that." Career Highlights: Senior Season:
Junior Season:
Sophomore Season:
(Photo via @djmourning on Twitter)
The Arizona Wildcats added a second impressive linebacker in 3-star Derick Mourning. He didn’t have an offer list that pops out at you, but don’t let that fool you. He has the size and skillset to be successful in the Pac-12. There were some academic issues, which caused his recruitment to slow down. But those appear to be resolved and it’s to Arizona’s benefit. Mourning is a great addition to the class.
Read on below to learn more about Mourning. Favorite Food: “Hamburgers.” Favorite Music Artist: “My favorite artist is Gunna.” Hobbies: “Lifting weights and playing video games.” Favorite Sports Team/Pro Athlete: “I like the (Houston) Texans and my favorite athlete is Jadeveon Clowney. I’ve been watching him since he was in high school.” Biggest Supporter Throughout Your Career: “Both my mom and dad.” What You Like Most About Playing Football: “The competition.” Fondest Memory of High School Career: “Catching a pick six in my first varsity game.” Major: “I actually wanted to major in kinesiology but they don’t have it so I’m in search of a new major.” Derick’s Thoughts on Being a Wildcat: “I’m really excited! I’ll get the opportunity to play early and It’ll be nice to face better competition.” Career Highlights Senior Season:
Junior Season:
Sophomore Season:
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