As the calendar turned to 2021, we’ve seen a lot of developments within the Arizona recruiting scene. A few big-time underclassmen quarterbacks added offers (we’ll talk a lot about that on next week’s Recruiting Roundup), there are big updates with a few 2021 playmakers and a couple 2022 standouts narrow lists and get national recognition.
Let’s get started
Eli Sanders approaches his decision
A majority of the 2021 class in Arizona has already put pen to paper when it comes to their college destination, but the Chandler running back decided to hold off until February. Sanders committed to Boise State in July but added offers from Iowa State and Iowa. After Bryan Harsin took the head coaching job at Auburn, Sanders decommitted and is slated to make his announcement on Sunday.
Commitment coming this Sunday January 17th!!
— Eli Sanders (@Elisanders62) January 13, 2021
He’s in Iowa now checking out both Hawkeye and Cyclone campuses.
Both of the schools Sanders is checking out can offer plenty: Iowa State is certainly run-friendly and touts college football’s leading rusher in Breece Hall. Iowa State is riding a six game winning streak and their only two losses came by a combined five points.
In 10 games this year, Sanders rushed for 1,377 yards and 23 touchdowns, helping Chandler win their second straight Open Division title.
Nicco Marchiol narrows his list
The Hamilton 2022 quarterback Nicco Marchiol holds over 25 offers and has been navigating through the recruiting process. He took that next step on Friday and narrowed his list to four: Arizona State, Florida, Florida State and Rutgers.
TOP 4 @Hayesfawcett3. Can’t thank these programs enough for the support throughout my recruiting process. These will be the final 4 schools I will be focusing on. #GodsPlan pic.twitter.com/zpgTRYeY3a
— Nicco Marchiol (@MarchiolNicco) January 16, 2021
The Sun Devils, Gators and Seminoles all offered Marchiol back in March after he moved from Colorado to Arizona. Rutgers offered in June and has made an impact, making the cut for the top-4 after not being a part of his top-8 earlier this fall.
In his debut season with the Huskies, Marchiol threw for 1,417 and 11 touchdowns in eight games. He also rushed for 535 yards and found the end zone six times on the ground.
Ammon Allen adds a big offer
Highland safety Ammon Allen has been patient in his recruitment. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound athlete has put up big numbers as a senior on both sides of the ball, tallying 89 tackles, four tackles for loss and two interceptions on defense and 596 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
He holds offers from the likes of a few academies, NAU and New Mexico State and received an offer from Arizona on Saturday.
After a great conversation with @FBCoachDBrown @chuckcecil26 I am blessed to announce that I have been offered a scholarship to continue my education & football at @ArizonaFBall @CoachJeddFisch @farrel_brock
@GregBiggins @bangulo @adamgorney @BrandonHuffman @KyleMorgan_XOS pic.twitter.com/I1JkLgJhlE— ammonjallen (@ammonjallen) January 16, 2021
Jedd Fisch and his staff have said time and again they want to prioritize the state and offering one of the top remaining 2021 Arizona recruits can certainly help jumpstart those efforts.
Arizona Continues its All-American trend
Arizona has represented itself very well in recent years at the All-American level, specifically the All-American Bowl in San Antonio.
In the last three years alone, Ty Thompson, Bram Walden, Quintin Somerville, Kelee Ringo, Bijan Robinson, Lathan Ransom, Tosh Baker and Spencer Rattler have all been named to the bowl game.
It looks like that trend is not slowing down for the class of 2022. Chaparral defensive lineman Anthony Lucas and Chandler wide receiver Kyion Grayes both were invited to the 2022 edition and Grayes has already committed to the bowl. Lucas was a top performer at the 2020 All-American Bowl combine.
Added a playmaker from Arizona 🌵
WR Kyion Grayes (@KyiongrayesII) has committed to the 2022 All-American Bowl @NBCSports #AllAmericanBowl 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/7R4L4Zving
— All-American Bowl (@AABonNBC) January 15, 2021
Both players had standout junior seasons. Grayes caught 28 passes in eight games for 556 yards and 10 touchdowns. Lucas lived in the backfield with 15.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks in eight games.
https://twitter.com/Anthonylucas201/status/1349932940298371075
With a talented and deep 2022 class, the All-American invites may not stop with these two.
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Jordan Hamm
Mixing his passions for sports and storytelling, Jordan comes to Sports360az as a multimedia reporter/producer looking to share the best stories Arizona has to offer. You can follow him on Twitter and Instagram @JordyHamm