Kevin Sumlin is taking recruiting To another level that Wildcats fans might not have never seen before.
As the famous line goes, “You miss 100% of the shots you do not take.” In the past for Arizona Football, one could say that Arizona never took a shot at top-level recruits although Rich Rodriguez did give them offers.
Maybe recent coaches never believed that they could break the stigma of Arizona only being a “Basketball” school. Or they didn’t have an indoor facility to flaunt. The problem was getting the huge recruits to visit, that was one of the only ways Rich Rodriguez said he could get them to bite.
Those times seem to be in the rear view mirror now that Kevin Sumlin is in the driver’s seat and has a firm grip on stirring wheel.
Arizona Wildcats Football
Sumlin seems to have a swagger of college kid that spills over into his recruiting and coaching style. He is not afraid to take advantage of every opportunity to show off his new toy aka “Arizona Football”. It is like opening a present on your birthday and you get a brand new car. Suddenly, the itch you feel to try it out overwhelms you. The same can be said for Sumlin and his staff and they look to put Arizona Football in high gear here soon.
Fresh off being hired, Sumlin was able to take full advantage of multiple Wildcats making it to the NFL Super Bowl, with QB Nick Foles earning the Championship and MVP honors. While many other programs might have stuck to the “Norm” of sending out a tweet or posting a picture on Instagram. Sumlin took it to a whole new level when having a billboard in Minnesota which was the home of the Super Bowl.
Superb Arizona Wildcats: Billboard in Minneapolis touts UA's Super Bowl ties https://t.co/ShrCSgcGi1 pic.twitter.com/NEsc1X1TNS
— Arizona Daily Star (@TucsonStar) January 30, 2018
What could top having a billboard in the same state of the “Super Bowl”? How about some really cool videos of highlights from practice and last year? While these are hip are and all, it seems as if all other programs are doing it also. Arizona Football needed to make a statement! A statement that said, Arizona Football is BACK and is a place that top recruits want to come play at. Who could carry out this task?
Kevin Sumlin has your answer. The answer is taking Arizona Football right into the heart of the valley. This advertisement is bound to be seen as it makes multiple stops and services many locals. Sumlin and his team now have their personalized light rail bus.
Check this baby out!
Arizona Wildcats take over Valley light rail train with giant football ad: https://t.co/w2y0xg7hnT #abc15 pic.twitter.com/8Sk1TVZAcm
— ABC15 Arizona (@abc15) July 4, 2018
To put the topping on the cake, Kevin Sumlin and his staff know the way to Arizona Wildcats fans hearts. That is taking it straight to our rivals and making sure they feel our presence everywhere they go. Sumlin now has a billboard right next to the home of Sun Devils Football.
Arizona recruiting has already seen a significant boost from these new tactics. As they have gained the commitment from four-star QB Grant Gunnell along with three-star running back Michael Wiley. Not mention some extra help up front on offense in three-star lineman Jordan Morgan. As an Arizona Football fan, there is a feeling that this is just the tip of the iceberg. As time goes on, Sumlin and his staff will only continue to bring in more top-level talent to Tucson.
Not only does Sumlin and his staff have a solid group of incoming freshman already. There is a chance to make this class really special. As of now. Arizona has multiple offers on the table including an offer to Jalen Curry a four-star wide receiver from Houston. Texas. Arizona is also hot on the tails of another four-star recruit out of Los Angels, California by the name of Stephon Wright who would definitely help bolster the defensive line. Not to mention the work Sumlin has already paved for the 2020 class. This includes multiple offers to four star and five-star recruits.
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Sumlin and his staff are playing the game of “Risk”. Except instead they are trying to conquer football recruiting. If executed correctly, Arizona football will have an influx of high-level recruits from all over the country. He is truly bringing a #NewEra to Arizona Football in more ways than just being the new face of the program.