Arizona Wildcats beat out big-name schools, land highest-ranked recruit in program history
Elijah Rushing is a five-star edge rusher from Tucson
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Arizona Wildcats' football program has failed to win double-digit games in a season since 2014, but the Wildcats might be on the rise after a historic day Thursday.
Arizona landed the highest-rated recruit in program history when five-star edge rusher Elijah Rushing committed to the Wildcats.
The Arizona Wildcats enter the field prior to a game against the Washington State Cougars Nov. 19, 2022, at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Ariz. (Christopher Hook/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Rushing, a Tucson, Arizona, native, chose the Wildcats over Notre Dame, Tennessee and Oregon.
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"Being a hometown kid born and raised in the heart of Tucson, this decision holds a special significance for me," Rushing said in a video announcing his commitment. "The opportunity to represent my state, my community and my family on the football field is a dream come true. It is a chance to give back to the place that has shaped me, both as an athlete and as an individual."
Rushing is the No. 8-ranked prospect in the 247 Sports 2024 class.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Wildcats are preparing to enter a third year under head coach Jedd Fisch and look to build on the momentum they made in 2022.
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Arizona went 5-7 in 2022 after a 1-11 finish in Fisch’s first season in Tucson.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Head coach Jedd Fisch of the Arizona Wildcats is drenched with Powerade after defeating the Arizona State Sun Devils 38-35 in a game at Arizona Stadium Nov. 25, 2022, in Tucson, Ariz. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
"Coach Fisch continuously pitched the idea of being a hometown guy, and now I can advocate for my home state," Rushing told 247 Sports. "I’m really excited to be committed and love the trajectory of the program.
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"For me, it’s important to be on the front end of something special. We’re building something big, and it’s a great opportunity, a blessing, really, to have my hometown behind me. If you take care of the city, the city will take care of you, so I’m going to do everything I can to push us forward as a team."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}An Arizona Wildcats helmet sitting on the field during pregame warmups prior to a game between the Wildcats and the California Golden Bears at FTX Field at California Memorial Stadium Sept. 24, 2022, in Berkeley, Calif. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The Wildcats return eight starters on offense from a 2022 team that was 20th in the country in yards per game (461.9).
Arizona was ranked 125th in total defense in 2022.