The Arizona Wildcats have been pursuing multiple 2017 wide receiver prospects, addressing the lack of height and depth coming in the near future. The offense will take a big hit losing Trey Griffey, Nate Phillips and Samajie Grant after the 2016 season to graduation.
Arizona already has three verbal commitments from wide receivers and figure to be in great shape to land a couple more pass catchers in this recruiting class. I really like the athleticism of Drew Dixon, as well as his 6-foot-4, 200 pound frame. Give Brian Casteel some time and he will be an extremely productive receiver in this offense. Then Bryce Gilbert added his name to the mix on Monday.
Now onto the remaining uncommitted prospects:
Joseph Lewis
The big name is 5-star Joseph Lewis out of Augustus Hawkins, the second-ranked receiver in the nation and 11th prospect overall. Arizona is actually in decent shape to land him. Nebraska, Notre Dame and USC are all potential players as well, but it helps having Greg Johnson committed already. While I still think the Wildcats are on the outside looking in, this is still something to keep your eye on.
Bruce Judson
The more I think about this one the more I like Arizona’s chances. He’s definitely taken a tumble in the rankings and the incoming offers have slowed down. By the time National Signing Day rolls around, I don’t think Judson will be a 4-star anymore. Still, I think his talents would fit well in the offense and his recruiting ability could bring a few more talented Florida prospects to Tucson. Pitt might be the leader for his services now, but with Nick Smith and Robert Porcher IV, two of his best friends, taking kind to Arizona, this could be nice a package deal.
Bryan Thompson
Another big receiver, Thompson stands in at 6-foot-3, 190 pounds. He has a handful of Pac-12 offers, including Arizona State, Washington State and Washington. Arizona is doing well with him, constantly staying in communication. Ranked 367th in the nation, Thompson is on the verge of being ranked as a 4-star prospect.
Maurice Bell
This is a receiver that could be making his decision any day now. He had Arizona in his original top five without even visiting campus. He then rescinded his top five with the intent of keeping his options open and allowing other schools to offer. He had previously given Colorado a soft verbal commitment but was really blown away by his Iowa visit.
This is another Inland Empire guy that Arizona is doing well with. They were able to get him on campus and now he will visit Michigan the weekend of June 18th. His college decision should be coming soon thereafter or sometime in July.
Jeremy Singleton
I haven’t spoken to Singleton in a while so I’m not sure where his interest is but he could be someone to remember. He’s picked up offers to Missouri and South Carolina, adding to his list which includes Arkansas and Vanderbilt. He said location will not be a decision factor, which means getting him out of SEC country might not be impossible. He also said that the Pac-12 is the best conference and being a part of the offense adds to his intrigue.
Jordan Pouncey
He seemed to be very intrigued by his Arizona offer and will take an official visit to Arizona. But since I last spoke to him he picked up offers to Notre Dame and Florida. Being related to Maurkice and Mike Pouncey, I think he’s Florida bound. But if he still intends to take an official visit to Arizona, I won’t rule them completely out.
Warren Jackson
I’m going to have Arizona as my Crystal Ball prediction for Jackson. Checking in at 6-foot-5, this is a guy that the Wildcats could desperately use. When he visited back in March he said he fell in love with campus and plans to visit again this summer. While he said he wanted to wait until the end of his season, I get a feeling that he could commit during his visit. His offer list isn’t superb and there are a few bigger schools that have begun communication, but I think Arizona is the landing spot for Jackson.
Chris Brooks
Honestly not too sure what has been keeping Brooks from committing, but I expect him to commit to Arizona. Washington State seems to have captured his attention a bit, but Brooks has been sold on Arizona for quite some time now. Although he is listed as a running back, the Wildcats want to use him in the slot.