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Arizona football recruiting: Signing day is near and we learn why Gronk chose Arizona

We're less than two months away from signing day, and Arizona is looking to make one final splash

By Gabe Encinas
Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

Another big week of recruiting for the Arizona Wildcats. As we get near the dead period of recruiting, the staff is making their final push until mid-January. During this dead period, coaches cannot have any face-to-face contact, or watch student-athletes perform for evaluation. However, coaches are allowed to write or call the student-athlete or their parents during this time.

Gronk's recruiting logic is great

Earlier in the week, Rob Gronkowski's dad revealed why his son chose to attend Arizona. Turns out it was the pool parties that sold him.

Good choice, Gronk.

3-star JUCO linebacker Kapri Doucet on his official visit

Arizona has been hot on Kapri Doucet lately, and they can get an immediate boost at the linebacker position with the No. 12 ranked outside linebacker in the nation.

He was on his visit this weekend, and connected with Philly brother William Parks. Parks has a great connection with a lot of talent from that area, and it will be interesting to see how the rest of Doucet's recruiting process plays out. He's picking up a lot of steam, but he was very excited about the chance to play for a 3-3-5, out west in the Pac-12.

He'll be visiting Louisville on January 16th, and West Virginia on January 30th, so this could be a signing day decision.

Arizona offers 2-star linebacker Kaelin Himphill

The 6-2, 200lb linebacker out of Portland, Oregon finally received his offer from Arizona this weekend, and will try to visit campus after the dead period ends, which means it'll be either January 16th or 23rd.

I get a good feeling about Himphill from talking to him. He was ecstatic when he received his offer, and he had been waiting for that offer for quite some time. He contacted the coaching staff well before the season started, and they've finally come around.

His recruiting hasn't blown up, and with just about a month and a half before signing day, Arizona might be in the clear when it comes to better offers.

Oregon State is hitting him hard, and he could stick close to home with the Beavers, but being so familiar with a 3-3-5 defense, and having the chance to fill in for Scooby Wright III would make him a great addition. I would expect Himphill to commit soon after his visit to Tucson.

Michael Eletise on his offiicial visit with his family

Arizona's highest ranked commit came to town, and was welcomed by none other than Matt Dudek.

He then made his way to practice to hang out with fellow Hawaiian and starting quarterback, Anu Solomon. Maybe Eletise comes in next fall and protects him on the line as a starter.

Lorenzo Burns takes his official visit

Arizona had Lorenzo Burns in for his official visit, and he's been a frequent visitor of Tucson.

Last I spoke to him, he had Nebraska, Utah and Washington in the mix. Given the current situation at corner, and lack of go-to depth, this could be a great fit for Burns. I think Arizona has a pretty good shot here, but definitely not as confident as some other guys.

3-star defensive tackle commit Markell Utsey visits Tucson

Probably Arizona's largest defensive line commit, Markell Utsey, was in town for his official visit as well. He checks in at 6-4 290lbs, and he'll probably gain more good weight once he gets situated in Tucson.

3-star offensive guard prospect Matthew Gutwald was admitted to Stanford

One of Arizona's top offensive line prospects remaining was admitted to Stanford this week. The 6-4 275lb lineman is ranked 66th among all offensive guards. I'm about 90% sure he's headed to Palo Alto, and it's smart given the NFL factory they've become for offensive linemen.

For a while, he said that Arizona was his leader after his visit, and that came after his trip to Oregon, so that's encouraging.

3-star quarterback/linebacker Utah commit in Arizona for the weekend

Arizona has Kahi Neves in on a visit to Tucson this weekend as well.

Neves has been committed to Utah for a very long time, but is now taking a visit to Arizona. He has a very good relationship with Devon Modster and Khalil Tate, but would likely come in as a linebacker.

Jake Burton is a fan of Gronk's mindset

3-star defensive end Jake Burton seems to be happy with his decision.

Arizona offers 2018 quarterback Cameron Rising

He's a 4-star quarterback, ranked No. 7 among all pro-style quarterbacks. Hailing from Newberry Park, California, he led his high school to a 6-5 record, throwing for 40 touchdowns and only one interception. He now holds offers to Arizona State, California, Oregon State and Washington State, among others.

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