Claudia Collins
Just two days after announcing his decommitment from Arizona State University, Desert Mountain two-way player Dylan Tapley has announced his commitment to the University of Arizona.
“Coach Fisch and that whole coaching staff they were the first to offer me in my sophomore year,” Dylan said. “They’ve been consistent throughout the whole process and never gave up on me, which showed a lot and they care for my family too.”
COMMITTED 🐻⬇️. pic.twitter.com/0cGG8EZ99D
— Dylan Tapley (@dylantapley3) November 11, 2023
Tapley wrote in his X (Twitter) post on Nov. 9 that he views himself as an offensive asset at the next level. He was previously committed to ASU as a defensive back.
“I just think Coach Fisch is one of the best offensive minds in the country. And you can see it on the field right now with how the Wildcats are playing. And I just think with the experience on the Wildcats coaching staff right now they, I feel like I could really, you know, reach my full potential.”
please respect my decision❤️ pic.twitter.com/3kbsIM3rsB
— Dylan Tapley (@dylantapley3) November 9, 2023
Tapley has been impressed with the Wildcat’s recruitment of in-state talent and plans to enroll early this January.
“I think it’s just the coaching staff knows how to recruit the state and then they just make really good relationships with these kids, and they know how to connect to them, and then check on them and their families,” Tapley said. “They truly care about them as a person.”
Jedd Fisch and his staff also successfully flipped Demond Williams Jr. earlier this year after he decommitted from Ole Miss. ALA Gilbert North wide receiver, Brandon Phelps is also committed to Arizona.
“If we all just come together and, you know, work hard, and do what we’re supposed to and remember why we chose to come to Arizona, I think we’ll accomplish our goal to win Big 12 Championships.”
Tapley says he’s played in 7-on-7’s with Demond and meshes with him well.
🐻⬇️ @CoachPaopao @CoachJeddFisch @ArizonaFBall @CoachJimmieD pic.twitter.com/JvRfk9qvl6
— Dylan Tapley (@dylantapley3) June 14, 2022
Heading into the first round of the Open Division Playoffs, the 6-foot-4, 205-pound two-way player has been credited with 40 receptions with 592 yards and nine touchdowns. Additionally, on defense, he’s posted 14 solo tackles and 23 total tackles. As the Wolves gear up to play Centennial, Tapley is happy to set his focus on the playoffs after having a week off.
“With the week off I had more free time this weekend. I didn’t want to [commit] next week, because next week, I’m gonna be dialed in.” Dylan said. “I don’t want to have any distractions on any social media. So I think it’s good to get on it now. So then this whole week, I can just focus on beating Centennial which is my main priority.”
Desert Mountain enters the Open Division as the No. 6 seed and will play the No. 3 Centennial Coyotes (9-1) on Friday.
“I think we’ve just got to do what we do against Centennial. Eliminate turnovers, eliminate penalties and play our game and we can win. I’m super excited to go against a powerhouse that, you know, they’re the best of the best in the state. So I love playing against that type of competition, it just brings the best out of me.”
For more detail on Desert Mountain’s upcoming quarterfinals game against Centennial – visit the most recent Bleacher Talk LIVE as head coach Conrad Hamilton discusses his thoughts.
Bleacher Talk: LIVE breakdown of 1st round 4A-6A playoff games
