Global Courant
The Arizona Wildcats’ football program has failed to win double-digit games in a season since 2014, but the Wildcats could be on the rise after a historic day Thursday.
Arizona landed the top-rated recruit in program history as five-star edge rusher Elijah Rushing committed to the Wildcats.
The Arizona Wildcats take the field ahead of a game against the Washington State Cougars on November 19, 2022 at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Ariz. (Christopher Hook/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Born in Tucson, Arizona, Rushing chose the Wildcats over Notre Dame, Tennessee and Oregon.
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“As a hometown kid, born and raised in the heart of Tucson, this decision has special meaning to me,” Rushing said in a video announcing his commitment. “Having the opportunity to represent my state, my community and my family on the football field is a dream come true. It is an opportunity to give back to the place that has shaped me, both as an athlete and as an individual.”
Rushing is the No. 8-ranked prospect in the 247 Sports 2024 class.
The Wildcats are preparing for a third year under head coach Jedd Fisch and looking to build on the momentum they made in 2022.
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Arizona went 5-7 in 2022 after a 1-11 finish in Fisch’s first season in Tucson.
Arizona Wildcats head coach Jedd Fisch is infused with Powerade after beating the Arizona State Sun Devils 38-35 in a game at Arizona Stadium on November 25, 2022 in Tucson, Ariz. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
“Coach Fisch was constantly coming up with the idea of being a boy from his hometown, and now I can advocate for my home state,” Rushing told 247 Sports. “I am very excited to be committed and love the trajectory of the program.
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“It’s important to me to be at the front of something special. We’re building something big, and it’s a great opportunity, a blessing really, to have my hometown behind me. If you take care of the city, the city will take care of you, so I’m going to do everything I can to help us move forward as a team.”
An Arizona Wildcats helmet sitting on the field during pregame warmups prior to a game between the Wildcats and the California Golden Bears at FTX Field at California Memorial Stadium on September 24, 2022 in Berkeley, California. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The Wildcats return eight starters on offense from a 2022 team that was 20th in the nation in yards per game (461.9).
Arizona was ranked 125th in total defense in 2022.
Joe Morgan is a sportscaster for Fox News.
