Pac-12 Signing Day Recruiting Grades: Southern California Resurgence

Dec 31, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats head coach Rich Rodriguez reacts in the second quarter against the Boise State Broncos in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl at Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

9. Arizona Wildcats 

Rivals Class Rank: No. 41

Rich Rodriguez picked up a pretty decent recruiting class for his Arizona Wildcats, and we know that he does not have to be the best recruiter to win as long as he finds the right guys for his system, but he could have done better with this class given the fact that he just won Pac-12 Coach of the Year and played for the Pac-12 Championships.

Losing the in-state battle to Arizona State is not a good look by any stretch.

Rodriguez’s key pickups were once again skill players, which he loves to build his team around, with a fast defensive end in Timmy Hamilton along with track star secondary players in Shun Brown and Paul Magloire, and a nice, tough 5’9″ back in Orlando Bradford.

The class was still well-rounded with quite a few offensive linemen and two good tight ends in Brion Anduze and Darrell Cloy, but there just is not enough there when you consider all of the hands Rodriguez could have played.

Compared to other recruiting classes and what Rodriguez needs, this is fine. Factoring in the growing divisional competition, the in-state rival Arizona State, and what could have been accomplished, this class was a failure. There is no other way to spin it.

Grade: C

Next: No. 8 Ranked Pac-12 Recruiting Class