Coach Rich Rodriguez and the Arizona Wildcats have started to fill their 2015 recruiting class, receiving their first commitment Saturday before beating Oregon 42-16.
The commitment came from Finton Connolly, a 6-3, 250-pound defensive lineman from Gilbert Campo Verde High School, which just finished its third season of varsity football.
He is the first player from the school to receive a scholarship from an FBS school, and the Wildcats were the first to offer in early October. Connolly was on an unofficial visit to the UA campus Saturday when he committed.
Campo Verde lost 26-20 in the Division II state quarterfinals to Mesquite.
Connolly was credited with 90 tackles, including seven for loss and five sacks during the season.
His commitment was first reported by Jason Jewell of Scout.com.
My oldest baby has committed to U of A today! Couldn't be more excited! Love u Finton Connolly #campoverde
— Kathy Connolly (@KathyConnolly77) November 23, 2013
Saw Connolly play in 1st game this year and he was unblockable. Very good emerging prospect. Dad says Finton has always wanted to be a Cat
— Jason Jewell (@jason247scout) November 23, 2013