Following a successful debut season at the helm in Tucson, Rich Rodriguez is preparing to sign his first class of Arizona Wildcats in February. Arizona posted an 8-5 record in 2012, including a 4-5 record in Pac-12 play and a come-from-behind victory over Nevada in the New Mexico Bowl. The Wildcats graduate 19 seniors, including quarterback Matt Scott. The graduation losses come almost entirely on the offensive side of the ball -- there was not a senior on Arizona's defensive depth chart for the New Mexico Bowl -- and Rodriguez is certain to put his stamp on that side of the ball, starting on Signing Day.
Arizona football recruiting: Rich Rodriguez stocks up on offense
With graduation clearing the ranks in the Wildcat offense, the second-year head coach picks up parts custom-made for his scheme.
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Anu Solomon: Rodriguez’s spread option offense relies heavily on the presence of a dual-threat quarterback, and Anu Solomon fits that mold. Solomon, who hails from Las Vegas, received four-star ratings from Rivals and Scout and ranked as Rivals’ sixth-best dual threat signalcaller. He chose Arizona over offers from Arizona State, UCLA, Colorado, Illinois, and UNLV.
Pierre Cormier: The Arizona halfback depth chart is loaded, with rising junior Ka'Deem Carey (1,929 yards, 23 TDs) returning as starter. That wasn't a problem for Cormier, a 5'11, 180-lb. halfback out of San Diego. Cormier had offers from half of the Pac-12, as well as Nebraska, Vanderbilt, and Fresno State, and interest from USC and Oregon.
Logan Scott: Graduation hits the Wildcat offensive line especially hard, with five seniors who were listed in the final depth chart leaving. Scott, a Rivals four-star offensive guard from St. George, Utah, could be a replacement. Scott committed to Arizona in May 2011, before he could take any other scholarship offers, but did have reported interest from Alabama, Georgia, USC, and Nebraska.
Derek Babiash: While the majority of Rodriguez’s top-shelf recruits are on offense, Babiash, a cornerback from Poway, Calif., might be the best of the lot. Babiash received four stars from Scout and held scholarship offers from 14 major programs, including Oklahoma, Boise State, Arizona State, and Nebraska. With three seniors in the projected 2013 two-deep at cornerback, Babiash will be looking for playing time in 2014.
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