Lucas Petrullo tries to run through a tackle in last year's state playoffs. Photo by Rob Schumacher/The Arizona Republic
As far as an in-state pipeline, Arizona could do worse than one from Scottsdale Chaparral High School.
It’s a school we’ve heard a lot about lately — and not just because of two-time state Player of the Year Davonte’ Neal.
Coach Rich Rodriguez hired state-championship winning coach Charlie Ragle to his administrative staff as a liaison for in-state recruiting. Chaparral middle linebacker Cody Ippolito has committed to Arizona, while the Cats wait on the decision of Neal, his best friend.
The Wildcats will also be adding Chaparral running back/linebacker/safety Lucas Petrullo — either as a walk-on or on scholarship if one is available — according to Dick Obert of the Arizona Republic.
Petrullo (6-0, 205) had scholarship offers from Air Force, San Diego State and South Dakota State. He likely will be tried first on defense with the Wildcats.
According to Obert, “The chance of going up against childhood friend D.J. Foster in a Pac-12 game appealed to him.” Foster is headed to Arizona State.
“He envisions himself tackling Foster,” his father Ed Petrullo told the Republic. “That’s a cool idea.”
Petrullo missed almost all of his senior season because of broken foot, but returned to help Chaparral win a third consecutive state title. Here’s an Obert story from November about Petrullo’s surprising comeback from a Lisfranc foot injury.
Arizona also is waiting to hear about Chaparral High defensive end Dylan Cozens, who will announce his decision Wednesday.
Here is a feature on his senior year comeback from our Gannett partner, Channel 12 in Phoenix:
Here are some junior year highlights of Petrullo: