Arizona beating out big-timers for recruits
JOHN MOREDICH
Tucson Citizen
December 23, 2005
The University of Arizona's football team has not backed away from anybody in terms of recruiting.
That may start paying dividends on game days with the signing of three prominent junior college players.
The Wildcats have recorded victories over USC, LSU, Oregon and Texas, among others, in recent weeks on the recruiting trail.
Despite a 6-16 record over the past two seasons, the Wildcats pulled off two key wins over two-time defending champ USC to sign defensive end Louis Holmes and defensive tackle Gabe Long.
Arizona also recorded a victory with the signing of first-team Grid-Wire All-American James Tretheway.
"Getting guys like this shows how strong we have developed the program and how far the maturity level of the program has come to attract the quality of players like that and to beat some of the competition that we have," Arizona coach Mike Stoops said yesterday.
Arizona has 16 other known commitments who can sign on Feb. 1, including Nate Ness, another JC Grid-Wire first-team All-American, from El Camino (Calif.) College.
The Wildcats pulled off a recruiting bonanza by signing Holmes, the national recruiting services' top junior college player.
Holmes, from Scottsdale Community College, is arguably the most sought-after player Arizona has ever signed.
"Some people are saying that he is afraid of competition. That is not the case. He wants to take us to the next level," Stoops said. "He is a big-time player. He is a dynamic player who will bring some excitement and some stability along our D-line, but so will Long. This enters us in another phase for our program."
Long, from Fullerton, Calif., was rated the top defensive tackle after the 2004 season by College Football News. He will help provide needed bulk along the defensive front.
Stoops has made it no secret the Wildcats need more physical presence at the line of scrimmage. But he may not be talking so much about that after receiving letters of intent from players slated to enroll in January and take part in spring practice.
"In order to win consistently at this level, you have to control the line of scrimmage and have a physical presence about you. That is something we have worked on improving," Stoops said. "We needed guys like this to put more pressure and speed on the field for us. We have struggled in that area."
Arizona was exploited defensively at times in 2005, especially against the run, allowing 184 yards per game. That was mostly because of the lack of containment in the trenches.
Holmes brings a huge presence with not only his 6-foot-5, 280-pound frame but also with his aggressive play.
"He is so unique. To have that size, strength and speed is not typical for your average player," Stoops said. "He is so explosive. There is so much he can do. It is crazy. As a staff, we are really excited about working with him and seeing what he can do for us on the field."
Holmes ended his two-year JC career with 192 tackles, 40 tackles for loss and 16 sacks.
Long sat out this season after committing to USC a year ago, then not meeting the Trojans' academic requirements.
The 6-4, 280-pound tackle had 13 sacks as a freshman and eight sacks after his first five games of the 2004 season.
"(Long) is physical, and his strength is impressive," Stoops said. "He has kept himself in good shape. We don't think there will be any problem with him being out for a year after (going) through spring ball and our offseason conditioning program."
The addition of Tretheway along the offensive line can only help, as well.
The 6-6, 305-pound lineman from San Mateo (Calif.) JC can play either guard or tackle.
"Tretheway really gives us some options along the offensive line," Stoops said. "He is a very intelligent player who has a long body and gives us great options."
Options along both front lines have not been a luxury for the Wildcats until now.
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