Matt Scott, seen here in the spring, is the only scholarship quarterback on the roster. Photo by David Kadlubowski/The Arizona Republic
Arizona Wildcats coach Rich Rodriguez, in desperate need of quarterbacks, hopes to make an addition in a couple of weeks.
Rodriguez said Wednesday that he would like to add “at least one, maybe two” mid-year junior college transfers to compete in the spring with senior Matt Scott. Scott is the only scholarship quarterback left after freshman Daxx Garman and redshirt sophomore Tom Savage decided to transfer.
Mid-year junior college transfers can begin to sign letters of intent on Dec. 21.
The Wildcats have commitments from two high school quarterbacks — Nate Sudfeld from Modesto, Calif., and Josh Kern from San Antonio.
They were each recruited to a passing spread offense, but are now talking to Rodriguez to see how they fit in his zone-read offense, which requires the quarterback be a threat as a runner.
Kern has indicated that he would still like to sign with the Cats. He is 6-foot-5 and is considered a pro-style quarterback, but he also ran 148 times for 750 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior.
Sudfeld will take his official visit to Arizona this weekend, which will be the only time until January that Rodriguez hosts recruits. Sudfeld told 247sports.com that Rodriguez “assures me he will cater his offense to his quarterback. I really like him and I’m looking forward to this trip.”
USC, Arkansas and Iowa are also pursuing Sudfeld. He had wanted to enroll early in college, but might delay that as he sorts out his decision.
Rodriguez made a scholarship offer earlier this week to Devin Fuller, a five-star dual-threat quarterback from Westwood, N.J., according to 247sports.com. The recruiting service ranks Fuller the nation’s 20th-best overall prospect.
“They said I am a top priority for them in this class,” Fuller told 247sports.com, adding that he needs to learn more about Rodriguez, the school and the offense.
Rodriguez said his preference is to have four quarterbacks on scholarship in the fall, and would like to carry five in most seasons.
“It will take us a couple of years to get our numbers balanced right, and that is usually one of the toughest things in transition,” Rodriguez said.
Savage’s decision to transfer came as a surprise Monday afternoon. Savage, who redshirted in 2011 following his transfer from Rutgers, said family reasons were behind his decision to return closer to home in Springfield, Pa.
“His concern was with the family and some of the things that are going on there,” Rodriguez said.
“It’s not an ideal situation for us, but we’ll find some good quarterbacks to come in and compete with Matt in the spring.”