Basha's Nate Phillips claps after a first down against Chandler last season. Photo by Pat Shannahan/The Arizona Republic
Arizona Wildcats coach Rich Rodriguez struck twice in the Phoenix area on Monday, securing the commitments of two high school wide receivers.
Nate Phillips of Chandler Basha High School and Paul Elvira of Tempe Marcos de Niza each accepted scholarship offers, which the UA coaching staff tendered after seeing them at its 7-on-7 camp earlier this month.
Arizona Republic reporter Dick Obert called Phillips “one of the state’s more dynamic receivers” and more the big-play threat” compared to Elvira, who is “the possession receiver with great hands.”
Phillips (5-10, 175) projects as a slot receiver. He caught 72 passes for 1,265 yards as a junior and is also a standout in the return game. Elvira (6-0, 180) made 49 receptions for 800 yards and 12 scores last season.
“We know each other and I’m glad he committed there, too,” Elvira told the Republic.
Elvira is rated as the 19th-best player in the state by 247Sports (and this is considered a strong year for the state’s prospects). Phillips is not yet rated.
Elvira is the second senior-to-be from Marcos de Niza to commit to Arizona. Running back Mauriece Lee said yes in April. Arizona is hoping those two might hold some sway over Marcos de Niza defensive back Priest Willis, who could be the most coveted recruit in the state.
The Monday commitments brings Arizona’s total to 10 for this recruiting class.
| Player | Pos. | Ht. | Wt. | School | Hometown |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Darius Allensworth | CB | 5-11 | 175 | Heritage HS | Brentwood, Calif. |
| Jack Banda | DE | 6-4 | 225 | Grayson HS | Loganville, Ga. |
| Paul Elvira | WR | 5-11 | 175 | Marcos De Niza HS | Tempe |
| Zachary Green | RB | 5-10 | 210 | St. Bonaventure HS | Ventura, Calif. |
| Steven Gurrola | C | 6-2 | 280 | Glendale CC | Glendale |
| Prince Holloway | CB | 5-9 | 160 | Hutchinson CC | Hutchinson, Kan. |
| Mauriece Lee | RB | 5-8 | 185 | Marcos De Niza HS | Tempe |
| Nate Phillips | WR | 5-9 | 165 | Basha HS | Chandler |
| Anu Solomon | QB | 6-0 | 195 | Bishop Gorman HS | Las Vegas |
| Logan Stott | OG | 6-3 | 300 | Pine View HS | Saint George, Utah |