The Arizona Wildcats have picked up their second lineman from the Phoenix area in the past week, receiving a commitment Thursday from defensive tackle Dwight Melvin.
Several media outlets reported the news, including the Arizona Republic.
Melvin (6-1, 245) is from Betty Fairfax High School in Laveen, which is the same high school that produced incoming Arizona freshman defensive end Reggie Gilbert, who is expected to report with the other UA newcomers Tuesday.
Melvin, a three-star recruit by Rivals.com, also held scholarship offers from UCLA and Arizona State.
The Republic lists him as the 11th-best prospect in the state, while the newspaper ranks Chandler High offensive lineman Zach Hemmila, who committed to the Cats last week, as the 13th-best player. Hemmila also had a scholarship offer from ASU, among others.
Melvin excelled in May at the Nike Football Training Camp at Stanford, earning MVP honors among the defensive linemen. That’s when UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel saw him and offered him a scholarship.
Wrote Nick Ekbatani for ESPN Rise:
“It was nice to see another true DT take home the MVP crown. Melvin had an outstanding day at Stanford. He has a stout and muscular frame, but it doesn’t slow him down, as he is an athletic tackle. Melvin was almost unstoppable during one-on-ones. He has an explosive first step, and uses his hands and hips very well. What really separated Melvin from the other elites in attendance was his effort. He competed his tail off all day, outworking most of his opponents and his peers. He is a passionate player, and was a lot of fun to watch.”
Arizona has 10 known commitments for its 2012 recruiting class.