2018 Arizona Football Recruiting Class
Feb. 7, 2018 // www.arizonawildcats.com @ArizonaFBall
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Arizona Athletics Communication Services // 520-621-4163 • 1 National Championship Drive • McKale Center Room 106 • Tucson, AZ • 85721-0096 Contact: Blair Willis ([email protected]) • 520-621-0914 (o) • 520-419-2979 (c)
Arizona Football Adds to 2018 Recruiting Class
After signing 16 in the December signing period, the Wildcats added four new members to their class Wednesday. TUCSON, Ariz. – The Arizona football program and head coach Kevin Sumlin announced four additions to the 2018 recruiting class. Safety Dayven Coleman, quarterbacks Kevin Doyle and Jamarye Joiner, and defensive end Adam Plant join a group of 16 student-athletes announced in December as part of the new early signing period. “This is a very balanced class with talented players on both sides of the ball,” Sumlin said. “The majority of our players signed in December, but we are excited about today’s additions to what is a group of young men that we are excited about. Our entire staff is looking forward to getting this group to campus and becoming a part of our program and our community.” The additions Wednesday bring the current class to 20 student-athletes, 11 of which are on offense and nine on defense. The class is comprised of 10 players from California, four from Texas, three from Arizona and one each from Georgia, Nevada and Pennsylvania. Wednesday’s announcements for Doyle and Joiner give the Wildcats a pair of quarterbacks in their 2018 recruiting class. Meanwhile, Coleman adds another versatile athlete in the secondary, while Plant offers size and athleticism for the defensive front. The 20-player class focused heavily on adding size to the lines on either side of the ball. Over a third of the total class – three offensive linemen and four defensive linemen – will bolster the depth in the trenches. Among the December signees, three are already enrolled an on campus. Defensive linemen PJ Johnson and Mykee Irving join offensive linemen David Watson as the early arrivals. Season tickets for the 2018 Arizona football season can be purchased at any time online (www.arizonawildcats.com/FB), in-person at the McKale Ticket Office and over the phone at 520-621-CATS during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. MST).
2018 Arizona Football Recruiting Class Name Tre Adams Jailen Bailey Steven Bailey McKenzie Barnes Dayven Coleman Kevin Doyle Jhevon Hill Mykee Irving Issaiah Johnson PJ Johnson Jamarye Joiner Donovan Laie Thomas Marcus Jake Peters Adam Plant Darrius Smith Nahe Sulunga David Watson Zach Williams Christian Young
Pos. WR WR OL CB S QB CB DT LB DL QB OL WR TE DE RB DE OL TE S
Ht. 6-3 5-11 6-2 6-2 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-4 6-2 6-5 6-2 6-6 6-3 6-4 6-5 5-9 6-3 6-5 6-3 6-2
Wt. 190 180 290 170 210 210 185 320 210 315 200 290 180 240 240 170 255 290 230 195
Hometown (High School/Previous School) Frisco, Texas (Wakeland HS) San Diego, Calif. (Lincoln HS) Litchfield Park, Ariz. (Peoria Centennial HS/Glendale CC) Fresno, Calif. (Edison HS) Mesquite, Texas (West Mesquite HS) West Chester, Pa. (Washington [D.C.] Saint John’s) San Bernadino, Calif. (Cajon HS) Calabasas, Calif. (Calabasas HS) Los Alamitos, Calif. (Los Alamitos HS) Sacramento, Calif. (Burbank HS/Sacramento State/City College of San Francisco) Tucson, Ariz. (Cienega HS) Oceanside, Calif. (Oceanside HS) San Diego, Calif. (San Diego HS) Rancho Santa Margarita , Calif. (Santa Margarita HS) Las Vegas, Nev. (Bishop Gorman HS) Pearland, Texas (Dawson HS) Inglewood, Calif. (Calabasas HS) Tucson, Ariz. (Amphi HS) Johns Creek, Ga. (Johns Creek HS) Richmond, Texas (Foster HS)
Meet the #ATeam18
Tre Adams Wide Receiver // 6-3, 190 Frisco, Texas (Wakeland HS) Signed with the Wildcats in December of 2017 … A lengthy receiver with big play abilities … Totaled 1,867 yards and 21 touchdowns on 127 career receptions … Superb senior season with 1,043 yards and 13 touchdowns on 68 grabs … As a junior, hauled in 51 catches for 717 yards and eight scores … Rated the No. 57 prospect in the Dallas-Fort Worth area by the Star-Telegram … Earned three stars and ranked the No. 200 overall receiver by ESPN … 247 Sports ranks him a three-star prospect and the No. 181 receiver … Also a three-star rank on Rivals.com … Helped Wakeland High School to a 7-4 record and playoff appearance in 2017.
Jailen Bailey Wide Receiver // 5-11, 180 San Diego, Calif. (Lincoln HS) Signed with the Wildcats in December of 2017 … A speedy playmaker that competed in track and field in addition to his football career … As a senior, hauled in 37 receptions for 865 yards and nine touchdowns … Added 104 rushing yards and a score on seven carries … Ranked a three-star prospect and the No. 120 receiver nationally by ESPN … Also rated a three-star recruit by 247 Sports.
Steven Bailey Offensive Line // 6-2, 290 Litchfield Park, Ariz. (Peoria Centennial HS/Northern Arizona/Glendale CC) Signed with the Wildcats in December of 2017 … Began collegiate career by playing at Northern Arizona University in 2016 … Transferred to Glendale Community College as a top contributor up front in 2017 … Ranked as a top 100 JUCO prospect by Rivals.com … Played high school football at Peoria Centennial HS … As a senior, Arizona Republic named him in an All-Arizona performer as he helped pave the way to the school’s first state football championship in Division I … Ranked as the No. 1 center in Arizona by Scout.com…Was a two-time First Team All-State, All-Section, and All-District honoree… Named to the All-Division Arizona First Team…Voted as the MVP for the offensive line by his teammates twice…Helped lead team to back-to-back state championships in 2014 and 2015…Participated in the U.S. Army National Combine…Invited to participate in the Blue-Grey All-American game.
McKenzie Barnes Cornerback // 6-2, 170 Fresno, Calif. (Edison HS) Signed with the Wildcats in December of 2017 … Considered a top cover corner prospect … As a senior, totaled 35 tackles and broke up 28 passes. Also caught five passes for 52 yards and two touchdowns … Helped Edison High School to a 7-5 record and playoff appearance … As a junior, racked up 56 tackles, broke up 15 passes and forced two fumbles … Ranked a top 100 corner by 247 Sports, which lists him as a three-star prospect … Also earned three stars from ESPN and Rivals.com, which ranked him the No. 83 overall player in California.
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#ATeam18
Meet the #ATeam18
Dayven Coleman Safety // 6-2, 210 Mesquite, Texas (West Mesquite HS) Announced his signing with the Wildcats in the February signing period … An aggressive secondary player that can also play closer to the line of scrimmage … As a senior, totaled 71 tackles, eight tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, two interceptions and four passes defended … ESPN ranks him a threestar recruit and the No. 43 safety nationally … Earned a three-star ranking from 247 Sports, which also listed him as the No. 58 safety … Also a three-star prospect on Rivals.com.
Kevin Doyle Quarterback // 6-3, 210 West Chester, Pa. (Washington [D.C.] St. John’s High School) Transferred to St. John’s High School for senior season where he led program to 9-2 record and the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference championship for the first time 1989 … It was the school’s first undefeated record in the WCAC since 1976 … Team was ranked No. 25 in USA Today Super 25 … Named the All-Met Offensive Player of the Year after completing 61 percent of his passes and throwing for 22 touchdowns … Ranked a four-star prospect and the No. 19 pocket passer by ESPN … Earned three starts and also ranked No. 19 pro style quarterback by 247 Sports … Rivals.com tabs him a three-star player and the No. 6 overall player in the Washington D.C. area.
Jhevon Hill Cornerback // 6-3, 185 San Bernardino, Calif. (Cajon HS) Signed with the Wildcats in December of 2017 … A top playmaker as a corner for Cajon High School, which rolled up a 14-2 record en route to the CIF Southern Section Division 4 title in 2017 … As a senior, totaled 60 tackles, three interceptions and nine passes defended … Also returned 10 kickoffs for a total of 255 yards … As a junior, collected 12 tackles, two interceptions and two passes defended … Ranked a three-star prospect and the No. 75 overall athlete by ESPN … 247 Sports ranks him a threestar recruit and the No. 71 athlete … Rivals.com gives him three stars and considers him the No. 46 safety nationally, while ranking him the No. 72 overall player in California.
Mykee Irving Defensive Line // 6-4, 320 Calabasas, Calif. (Calabasas HS) Signed with the Wildcats in December of 2017 and enrolled in January … A big presence up front that helped Calabasas High School to a 10-2 record as a senior … Totaled 19 tackles, one sack and an interception … Transferred from Chaminade High School where he played as a junior, totaling 28 tackles and a sack … Ranked a three-star recruit and the No. 80 defensive tackled by ESPN … Rated the No. 78 defensive tackle and a three-star grade from 247 Sports … Rivals.com also lists him as a three-star prospect.
“Tell them... tell the team to bear down.” — John Byrd “Button” Salmon, 1926
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Meet the #ATeam18
Issaiah Johnson Linebacker // 6-2, 210 Los Alamitos, Calif. (Los Alamitos HS) Signed with the Wildcats in December of 2017 … A tackling machine that helped Los Alamitos to a 7-4 record and playoff appearance in 2017 … Named All-CIF Southern Section and the Sunset League Defensive Player of the Year as a senior … Racked up 140 tackles and six sacks as a junior after posting 76 stops and eight sacks as a sophomore … Ranked a three-star recruit and the No. 30 inside linebacker by 247 Sports … ESPN ranks him a three-star prospect and the No. 43 inside linebacker … Rivals.com lists him as a three-star and the No. 82 ranked player overall in California.
PJ Johnson Defensive Line // 6-5, 315 Sacramento, Calif. (Burbank HS/Sacramento State/City College of San Francisco) Signed with the Wildcats in December of 2017 and enrolled in January … One of the top JUCO defensive line prospects in the country … Helped team to Capital City Bowl in 2017, totaling 17 tackles, 4.5 sacks and a forced fumble at City College of San Francisco … Ranked a three-star recruit and the No. 20 JUCO defensive tackle prospect by ESPN … Earned three stars and rated the No. 31 JUCO defensive tackle prospect by 247 Sports … Prior to enrolling at City College of San Francisco, he attended Sacramento State … Appeared in all 11 games on the defensive line in 2015 … Recorded five tackles at Southern Utah and four at Weber State for his season highs…Was credited with 2.5 tackles-for-loss, a sack and a forced fumble at WSU…Had at least one tackle in eight of the 11 games … A 2014 graduate of Burbank HS in Sacramento where he was a two-time first team All-Metro League selection … Played on both the offensive and defensive lines for the Titans.
Jamarye Joiner Quarterback // 6-2, 200 Tucson, Ariz. (Cienega HS) Announced his signing with the Wildcats in February … A highly recruited dual-threat quarterback that prepped at nearby Cienega High School … Passed for 2,196 yards and 21 touchdowns while rushing for 1,399 yards and 18 touchdowns as a senior … Led Cienega to a 12-1 record an appearance in the state semifinals … Named first-team all-state by the AIA … Ranked the No. 16 dual threat quarterback and a three-star prospect by 247 Sports … ESPN ranks him a three-star recruit and the No. 24 dual-threat quarterback … Rivals.com tabbed him the No. 3 player in Arizona and No. 22 dual threat quarterback overall.
Donovan Laie Offensive Line // 6-6, 290 Oceanside, Calif. (Oceanside HS) Signed with the Wildcats in December of 2017 … An athletic lineman that impressed at the Polynesian Bowl following senior season at Oceanside High School … Rated a three-star recruit by Rivals. com, including the No. 52 offensive tackle nationally and No. 80 overall player in California … Ranked a three-star recruit and a top-100 tackle by 247 Sports as well as ESPN.
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#ATeam18
Meet the #ATeam18
Thomas Marcus Wide Receiver // 6-3, 180 San Diego, Calif. (San Diego HS) Signed with the Wildcats in December of 2017 … A talented two-sport player in football and basketball … As a senior, caught 23 passes for 464 yards with nine touchdowns. Also ran 45 times for 424 yards and nine scores, while passing for 175 yards and three touchdowns … Combined junior and senior totals include 1,444 passing yards and 22 passing touchdowns, 821 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns, and 841 receiving yards and 12 receiving touchdowns … Ranked a three-star recruit by ESPN and 247 Sports.
Jake Peters Tight End // 6-4, 240 Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif. (Santa Margarita HS) Signed with the Wildcats in December of 2017 … A prototypical tight end prospect that helped Santa Margarita High School to the playoffs as a senior … Hauled in 13 receptions for 131 yards … Rated a three-star recruit and the No. 38 overall tight end by ESPN … Also earned three stars from 247 Sports, which ranks him the No. 57 tight end nationally … Rivals.com listed him as a three-star prospect.
Adam Plant Defensive End // 6-5, 140 Las Vegas, Nev. (Bishop Gorman HS) Announced his signing with the Wildcats in the February signing period … Totaled 52 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and a blocked field goal in 2017 … Helped Bishop Gorman to a state championship, a 13-2 record and a No. 7 ranking in the USA Today Super 25 … … Rivals.com lists him as a four-star player, including the sixth-best prospect in Nevada and the No. 23 strong side end in the nation … Ranked a three-star prospect by ESPN and 247 Sports, which also tabbed him the No. 40 weak side defensive end nationally.
Darrius Smith Running Back // 5-9, 170 Pearland, Texas (Dawson HS) Signed with the Wildcats in December of 2017 … A shifty back that led Dawson High School to a 6-4 record and playoff appearance in 2017 … Racked up 1,874 rushing yards, 20 rushing touchdowns and 384 receiving yards over sophomore and junior seasons … Ranked the No. 76 overall running back and a three-star recruit by ESPN … Also earned three-star ranks by 247 Sports and Rivals.com.
“Tell them... tell the team to bear down.” — John Byrd “Button” Salmon, 1926
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Meet the #ATeam18
Nahe Sulunga Defensive End // 6-3, 255 Inglewood, Calif. (Calabasas HS.) Signed with the Wildcats in December of 2017 … A key defensive playmaker that teamed with fellow signee Mykee Irving to lead Calabasas High School to a 10-2 mark in 2017 … Totaled 17 tackles and three sacks in seven games played … A three-star prospect by Rivals.com, which lists him as the No. 73 player in California … Also earned three stars from ESPN and 247 Sports, which considered him the No. 45 strong side defensive end recruit in the country.
David Watson Offensive Line // 6-5, 290 Tucson, Ariz. (Amphi HS) Signed with the Wildcats in December of 2017 and enrolled in January … A talented offensive lineman that prepped at nearby Amphi High School … Earned a three-star grade from ESPN and was ranked the No. 65 offensive tackle nationally … Listed as a three-star prospect by 247 sports and two stars by Rivals.com.
Zach Williams Tight End // 6-3, 230 Johns Creek, Ga. (Johns Creek HS) Signed with the Wildcats in December of 2017 … A versatile big receiver that may also project as a tight end … As a senior, totaled 46 catches, 837 yards and four touchdowns in 10 games … Rated a three-star prospect by ESPN, including the No. 209 receiver … 247 Sports rates him a three-star recruit and the No. 146 ranked receiver … Also earned three stars from Rivals.com.
Christian Young Safety // 6-2, 195 Richmond, Texas Signed with the Wildcats in December of 2017 … A versatile defensive back with a nose for the ball … As a junior, totaled 54 tackles, 12 passes broken up, four interceptions and a forced fumble … Was a second team all-district selection … Rivals.com considers him the No. 57 cornerback nationally and the No. 69 player in Texas … ESPN lists him a three-star player and a top-100 safety national … Ranked No. 62 safety and a three-star prospect by 247 Sports.
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#ATeam18
/ArizonaFootball
/ArizonaFBall
/ArizonaAthletics
Arizona Athletics Communication Services // 520-621-4163 • 1 National Championship Drive • McKale Center Room 106 • Tucson, AZ • 85721-0096 Contact: Blair Willis ([email protected]) • 520-621-0914 (o) • 520-419-2979 (c)
Arizona Football Adds to 2018 Recruiting Class
After signing 16 in the December signing period, the Wildcats added four new members to their class Wednesday. TUCSON, Ariz. – The Arizona football program and head coach Kevin Sumlin announced four additions to the 2018 recruiting class. Safety Dayven Coleman, quarterbacks Kevin Doyle and Jamarye Joiner, and defensive end Adam Plant join a group of 16 student-athletes announced in December as part of the new early signing period. “This is a very balanced class with talented players on both sides of the ball,” Sumlin said. “The majority of our players signed in December, but we are excited about today’s additions to what is a group of young men that we are excited about. Our entire staff is looking forward to getting this group to campus and becoming a part of our program and our community.” The additions Wednesday bring the current class to 20 student-athletes, 11 of which are on offense and nine on defense. The class is comprised of 10 players from California, four from Texas, three from Arizona and one each from Georgia, Nevada and Pennsylvania. Wednesday’s announcements for Doyle and Joiner give the Wildcats a pair of quarterbacks in their 2018 recruiting class. Meanwhile, Coleman adds another versatile athlete in the secondary, while Plant offers size and athleticism for the defensive front. The 20-player class focused heavily on adding size to the lines on either side of the ball. Over a third of the total class – three offensive linemen and four defensive linemen – will bolster the depth in the trenches. Among the December signees, three are already enrolled an on campus. Defensive linemen PJ Johnson and Mykee Irving join offensive linemen David Watson as the early arrivals. Season tickets for the 2018 Arizona football season can be purchased at any time online (www.arizonawildcats.com/FB), in-person at the McKale Ticket Office and over the phone at 520-621-CATS during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. MST).
2018 Arizona Football Recruiting Class Name Tre Adams Jailen Bailey Steven Bailey McKenzie Barnes Dayven Coleman Kevin Doyle Jhevon Hill Mykee Irving Issaiah Johnson PJ Johnson Jamarye Joiner Donovan Laie Thomas Marcus Jake Peters Adam Plant Darrius Smith Nahe Sulunga David Watson Zach Williams Christian Young
Pos. WR WR OL CB S QB CB DT LB DL QB OL WR TE DE RB DE OL TE S
Ht. 6-3 5-11 6-2 6-2 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-4 6-2 6-5 6-2 6-6 6-3 6-4 6-5 5-9 6-3 6-5 6-3 6-2
Wt. 190 180 290 170 210 210 185 320 210 315 200 290 180 240 240 170 255 290 230 195
Hometown (High School/Previous School) Frisco, Texas (Wakeland HS) San Diego, Calif. (Lincoln HS) Litchfield Park, Ariz. (Peoria Centennial HS/Glendale CC) Fresno, Calif. (Edison HS) Mesquite, Texas (West Mesquite HS) West Chester, Pa. (Washington [D.C.] Saint John’s) San Bernadino, Calif. (Cajon HS) Calabasas, Calif. (Calabasas HS) Los Alamitos, Calif. (Los Alamitos HS) Sacramento, Calif. (Burbank HS/Sacramento State/City College of San Francisco) Tucson, Ariz. (Cienega HS) Oceanside, Calif. (Oceanside HS) San Diego, Calif. (San Diego HS) Rancho Santa Margarita , Calif. (Santa Margarita HS) Las Vegas, Nev. (Bishop Gorman HS) Pearland, Texas (Dawson HS) Inglewood, Calif. (Calabasas HS) Tucson, Ariz. (Amphi HS) Johns Creek, Ga. (Johns Creek HS) Richmond, Texas (Foster HS)
Meet the #ATeam18
Tre Adams Wide Receiver // 6-3, 190 Frisco, Texas (Wakeland HS) Signed with the Wildcats in December of 2017 … A lengthy receiver with big play abilities … Totaled 1,867 yards and 21 touchdowns on 127 career receptions … Superb senior season with 1,043 yards and 13 touchdowns on 68 grabs … As a junior, hauled in 51 catches for 717 yards and eight scores … Rated the No. 57 prospect in the Dallas-Fort Worth area by the Star-Telegram … Earned three stars and ranked the No. 200 overall receiver by ESPN … 247 Sports ranks him a three-star prospect and the No. 181 receiver … Also a three-star rank on Rivals.com … Helped Wakeland High School to a 7-4 record and playoff appearance in 2017.
Jailen Bailey Wide Receiver // 5-11, 180 San Diego, Calif. (Lincoln HS) Signed with the Wildcats in December of 2017 … A speedy playmaker that competed in track and field in addition to his football career … As a senior, hauled in 37 receptions for 865 yards and nine touchdowns … Added 104 rushing yards and a score on seven carries … Ranked a three-star prospect and the No. 120 receiver nationally by ESPN … Also rated a three-star recruit by 247 Sports.
Steven Bailey Offensive Line // 6-2, 290 Litchfield Park, Ariz. (Peoria Centennial HS/Northern Arizona/Glendale CC) Signed with the Wildcats in December of 2017 … Began collegiate career by playing at Northern Arizona University in 2016 … Transferred to Glendale Community College as a top contributor up front in 2017 … Ranked as a top 100 JUCO prospect by Rivals.com … Played high school football at Peoria Centennial HS … As a senior, Arizona Republic named him in an All-Arizona performer as he helped pave the way to the school’s first state football championship in Division I … Ranked as the No. 1 center in Arizona by Scout.com…Was a two-time First Team All-State, All-Section, and All-District honoree… Named to the All-Division Arizona First Team…Voted as the MVP for the offensive line by his teammates twice…Helped lead team to back-to-back state championships in 2014 and 2015…Participated in the U.S. Army National Combine…Invited to participate in the Blue-Grey All-American game.
McKenzie Barnes Cornerback // 6-2, 170 Fresno, Calif. (Edison HS) Signed with the Wildcats in December of 2017 … Considered a top cover corner prospect … As a senior, totaled 35 tackles and broke up 28 passes. Also caught five passes for 52 yards and two touchdowns … Helped Edison High School to a 7-5 record and playoff appearance … As a junior, racked up 56 tackles, broke up 15 passes and forced two fumbles … Ranked a top 100 corner by 247 Sports, which lists him as a three-star prospect … Also earned three stars from ESPN and Rivals.com, which ranked him the No. 83 overall player in California.
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#ATeam18
Meet the #ATeam18
Dayven Coleman Safety // 6-2, 210 Mesquite, Texas (West Mesquite HS) Announced his signing with the Wildcats in the February signing period … An aggressive secondary player that can also play closer to the line of scrimmage … As a senior, totaled 71 tackles, eight tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, two interceptions and four passes defended … ESPN ranks him a threestar recruit and the No. 43 safety nationally … Earned a three-star ranking from 247 Sports, which also listed him as the No. 58 safety … Also a three-star prospect on Rivals.com.
Kevin Doyle Quarterback // 6-3, 210 West Chester, Pa. (Washington [D.C.] St. John’s High School) Transferred to St. John’s High School for senior season where he led program to 9-2 record and the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference championship for the first time 1989 … It was the school’s first undefeated record in the WCAC since 1976 … Team was ranked No. 25 in USA Today Super 25 … Named the All-Met Offensive Player of the Year after completing 61 percent of his passes and throwing for 22 touchdowns … Ranked a four-star prospect and the No. 19 pocket passer by ESPN … Earned three starts and also ranked No. 19 pro style quarterback by 247 Sports … Rivals.com tabs him a three-star player and the No. 6 overall player in the Washington D.C. area.
Jhevon Hill Cornerback // 6-3, 185 San Bernardino, Calif. (Cajon HS) Signed with the Wildcats in December of 2017 … A top playmaker as a corner for Cajon High School, which rolled up a 14-2 record en route to the CIF Southern Section Division 4 title in 2017 … As a senior, totaled 60 tackles, three interceptions and nine passes defended … Also returned 10 kickoffs for a total of 255 yards … As a junior, collected 12 tackles, two interceptions and two passes defended … Ranked a three-star prospect and the No. 75 overall athlete by ESPN … 247 Sports ranks him a threestar recruit and the No. 71 athlete … Rivals.com gives him three stars and considers him the No. 46 safety nationally, while ranking him the No. 72 overall player in California.
Mykee Irving Defensive Line // 6-4, 320 Calabasas, Calif. (Calabasas HS) Signed with the Wildcats in December of 2017 and enrolled in January … A big presence up front that helped Calabasas High School to a 10-2 record as a senior … Totaled 19 tackles, one sack and an interception … Transferred from Chaminade High School where he played as a junior, totaling 28 tackles and a sack … Ranked a three-star recruit and the No. 80 defensive tackled by ESPN … Rated the No. 78 defensive tackle and a three-star grade from 247 Sports … Rivals.com also lists him as a three-star prospect.
“Tell them... tell the team to bear down.” — John Byrd “Button” Salmon, 1926
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Meet the #ATeam18
Issaiah Johnson Linebacker // 6-2, 210 Los Alamitos, Calif. (Los Alamitos HS) Signed with the Wildcats in December of 2017 … A tackling machine that helped Los Alamitos to a 7-4 record and playoff appearance in 2017 … Named All-CIF Southern Section and the Sunset League Defensive Player of the Year as a senior … Racked up 140 tackles and six sacks as a junior after posting 76 stops and eight sacks as a sophomore … Ranked a three-star recruit and the No. 30 inside linebacker by 247 Sports … ESPN ranks him a three-star prospect and the No. 43 inside linebacker … Rivals.com lists him as a three-star and the No. 82 ranked player overall in California.
PJ Johnson Defensive Line // 6-5, 315 Sacramento, Calif. (Burbank HS/Sacramento State/City College of San Francisco) Signed with the Wildcats in December of 2017 and enrolled in January … One of the top JUCO defensive line prospects in the country … Helped team to Capital City Bowl in 2017, totaling 17 tackles, 4.5 sacks and a forced fumble at City College of San Francisco … Ranked a three-star recruit and the No. 20 JUCO defensive tackle prospect by ESPN … Earned three stars and rated the No. 31 JUCO defensive tackle prospect by 247 Sports … Prior to enrolling at City College of San Francisco, he attended Sacramento State … Appeared in all 11 games on the defensive line in 2015 … Recorded five tackles at Southern Utah and four at Weber State for his season highs…Was credited with 2.5 tackles-for-loss, a sack and a forced fumble at WSU…Had at least one tackle in eight of the 11 games … A 2014 graduate of Burbank HS in Sacramento where he was a two-time first team All-Metro League selection … Played on both the offensive and defensive lines for the Titans.
Jamarye Joiner Quarterback // 6-2, 200 Tucson, Ariz. (Cienega HS) Announced his signing with the Wildcats in February … A highly recruited dual-threat quarterback that prepped at nearby Cienega High School … Passed for 2,196 yards and 21 touchdowns while rushing for 1,399 yards and 18 touchdowns as a senior … Led Cienega to a 12-1 record an appearance in the state semifinals … Named first-team all-state by the AIA … Ranked the No. 16 dual threat quarterback and a three-star prospect by 247 Sports … ESPN ranks him a three-star recruit and the No. 24 dual-threat quarterback … Rivals.com tabbed him the No. 3 player in Arizona and No. 22 dual threat quarterback overall.
Donovan Laie Offensive Line // 6-6, 290 Oceanside, Calif. (Oceanside HS) Signed with the Wildcats in December of 2017 … An athletic lineman that impressed at the Polynesian Bowl following senior season at Oceanside High School … Rated a three-star recruit by Rivals. com, including the No. 52 offensive tackle nationally and No. 80 overall player in California … Ranked a three-star recruit and a top-100 tackle by 247 Sports as well as ESPN.
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#ATeam18
Meet the #ATeam18
Thomas Marcus Wide Receiver // 6-3, 180 San Diego, Calif. (San Diego HS) Signed with the Wildcats in December of 2017 … A talented two-sport player in football and basketball … As a senior, caught 23 passes for 464 yards with nine touchdowns. Also ran 45 times for 424 yards and nine scores, while passing for 175 yards and three touchdowns … Combined junior and senior totals include 1,444 passing yards and 22 passing touchdowns, 821 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns, and 841 receiving yards and 12 receiving touchdowns … Ranked a three-star recruit by ESPN and 247 Sports.
Jake Peters Tight End // 6-4, 240 Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif. (Santa Margarita HS) Signed with the Wildcats in December of 2017 … A prototypical tight end prospect that helped Santa Margarita High School to the playoffs as a senior … Hauled in 13 receptions for 131 yards … Rated a three-star recruit and the No. 38 overall tight end by ESPN … Also earned three stars from 247 Sports, which ranks him the No. 57 tight end nationally … Rivals.com listed him as a three-star prospect.
Adam Plant Defensive End // 6-5, 140 Las Vegas, Nev. (Bishop Gorman HS) Announced his signing with the Wildcats in the February signing period … Totaled 52 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and a blocked field goal in 2017 … Helped Bishop Gorman to a state championship, a 13-2 record and a No. 7 ranking in the USA Today Super 25 … … Rivals.com lists him as a four-star player, including the sixth-best prospect in Nevada and the No. 23 strong side end in the nation … Ranked a three-star prospect by ESPN and 247 Sports, which also tabbed him the No. 40 weak side defensive end nationally.
Darrius Smith Running Back // 5-9, 170 Pearland, Texas (Dawson HS) Signed with the Wildcats in December of 2017 … A shifty back that led Dawson High School to a 6-4 record and playoff appearance in 2017 … Racked up 1,874 rushing yards, 20 rushing touchdowns and 384 receiving yards over sophomore and junior seasons … Ranked the No. 76 overall running back and a three-star recruit by ESPN … Also earned three-star ranks by 247 Sports and Rivals.com.
“Tell them... tell the team to bear down.” — John Byrd “Button” Salmon, 1926
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Meet the #ATeam18
Nahe Sulunga Defensive End // 6-3, 255 Inglewood, Calif. (Calabasas HS.) Signed with the Wildcats in December of 2017 … A key defensive playmaker that teamed with fellow signee Mykee Irving to lead Calabasas High School to a 10-2 mark in 2017 … Totaled 17 tackles and three sacks in seven games played … A three-star prospect by Rivals.com, which lists him as the No. 73 player in California … Also earned three stars from ESPN and 247 Sports, which considered him the No. 45 strong side defensive end recruit in the country.
David Watson Offensive Line // 6-5, 290 Tucson, Ariz. (Amphi HS) Signed with the Wildcats in December of 2017 and enrolled in January … A talented offensive lineman that prepped at nearby Amphi High School … Earned a three-star grade from ESPN and was ranked the No. 65 offensive tackle nationally … Listed as a three-star prospect by 247 sports and two stars by Rivals.com.
Zach Williams Tight End // 6-3, 230 Johns Creek, Ga. (Johns Creek HS) Signed with the Wildcats in December of 2017 … A versatile big receiver that may also project as a tight end … As a senior, totaled 46 catches, 837 yards and four touchdowns in 10 games … Rated a three-star prospect by ESPN, including the No. 209 receiver … 247 Sports rates him a three-star recruit and the No. 146 ranked receiver … Also earned three stars from Rivals.com.
Christian Young Safety // 6-2, 195 Richmond, Texas Signed with the Wildcats in December of 2017 … A versatile defensive back with a nose for the ball … As a junior, totaled 54 tackles, 12 passes broken up, four interceptions and a forced fumble … Was a second team all-district selection … Rivals.com considers him the No. 57 cornerback nationally and the No. 69 player in Texas … ESPN lists him a three-star player and a top-100 safety national … Ranked No. 62 safety and a three-star prospect by 247 Sports.
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