While Arizona has certainly been on fire in the Pac-10 this season, the Wildcats’ success on the field has yet to transfer to victories in the recruiting realm.
With a 4-2 record in the Pac-10 (6-3 overall), Arizona has taken noticeable strides from last year’s team that finished just 5-4 in conference play. Still, in order to compete on an annual basis with the conference heavyweights, Mike Stoops needs to score some more key recruits that traditionally have chosen to play at more established Pac-10 programs.
To gain some momentum, a few dominoes falling the Wildcats’ way could really trigger a nice flood of difference-makers to Tuscon. Here are eight recruits that would not only be high-profile additions to Arizona, but would also help maintain the Wildcats’ status as Rose Bowl contenders.
1. Marquis Flowers, ATH, Millenium (Goodyear, Ariz.), Class of 2010
Schools throughout the Pac-10 are looking at Flowers as one of their most-wanted recruiting free agents, as the 6-foot-2, 195-pound athlete has excelled at both running back and safety at the high school level. Last year, he recorded 87 tackles on defense while rushing for 932 yards and eight touchdowns offensively. 
Millenium senior Marquis Flowers would be a major
addition to Arizona's recruiting class.
Photo by Jed Strahm
In some respects, Flowers is the low-hanging fruit, because he’ll be graduating in the spring and could step in and immediately aid a Wildcats defense that has struggled to defend the pass in some games (most noticeably against Stanford, in which they allowed 434 yards). However, landing Flowers will be a major challenge itself, as he could follow in the footsteps of many of the top players from the Grand Canyon State in recent years, and spurn Arizona for other Pac-10 options.
2. Christian Westerman, OT, Hamilton (Chandler, Ariz.), Class of 2011
Only a junior, Westerman will likely be the state’s top recruit from the class of 2011. He also has the makings of the nation’s top prospect at tackle. A MaxPreps Sophomore All-American a year ago, Westerman has earned numerous accolades and has captured the attention of college coaches nationwide. Securing a commitment from him would be a major coup by Stoops, as Westerman will be a dominant force on whichever offensive line he becomes a part of at the next level. He's being recruited by schools from USC to Texas.
3. Todd Peat, Jr., DT, Corona Del Sol (Tempe, Ariz.), Class of 2011
Another junior making a name for himself in the trenches, Peat has excelled on the other side of the ball, receiving honorable mention all-state honors as a sophomore. Peat’s father played in the NFL with the Cardinals, so strong bloodlines to succeed on Saturdays certainly exist. Peat’s made 31 tackles so far this season, including two sacks. Last year, he compiled 51 tackles and three sacks. He’s proven he can disrupt the run, and has a great frame (6-3, 280 pounds) to clog running lanes for the Wildcats.
If Stoops can convince Peat to leave Tempe and pass on ASU in favor or Arizona, he’ll benefit from having an inside track on Peat’s younger brother, Andrus, who’s seeing playing time for Corona Del Sol as a 6-5 sophomore with great potential.
4. Ka’Deem Carey, RB, Canyon Del Oro (Oro Valley, Ariz), Class of 2011
Carey has followed up a 10th-grade season in which he rushed for 898 yards and seven touchdowns with an absolutely monstrous junior year for the ages. Thus far in 2009, Carey has exploded for 1,922 yards and 29 touchdowns, leading Canyon Del Oro to an undefeated season.
Last Friday, Carey led an offensive barrage against McClintock, rushing for 188 yards and five touchdowns despite getting rest in the second half. Canyon Del Oro won 47-26. Similarly, Carey’s recruitment has gained steamed as well. Oregon, UCLA, Arizona State and a host of other schools want Carey. Last month, Carey told MaxPreps that he won’t begin thinking about college until his senior year. Bringing Canyon Del Oro teammate Josh Robbins, a 2010 receiver, to Tuscon would probably help the Wildcats’ chances in landing Carey next year.
5. Matt Hegarty, OT, Aztec (N.M.), Class of 2011
New Mexico isn’t known to turn out high-level recruits, but 2011 is a good year for the state. Arizona is hoping to reap the benefits of being located just hours from the New Mexico border by landing Aztec star Matt Hegarty. Hegarty, a member of the MaxPreps 2011 Top 100 Watch List, has helped power the Tigers to a 7-3 record and a current six-game winning streak.
A second-team all-state selection last year, Hegarty would be the key offensive lineman to any class that didn’t feature Christian Westerman. If the Wildcats manage to land both, it’d be the biggest upset for Arizona since Mike Bibby and Miles Simon led an upset over Kentucky on the hardwood.
6. Davonte' Neal, ATH, Chavez (Laveen, Ariz.), Class of 2012
Further down the line, Arizona must try to secure a commitment from rising star Davonte’ Neal. Neal drew consideration for MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year after entering high school with a splash. The one-time grammar school prodigy is living up the hype once again in 2009, scoring five touchdowns in one game against Trevor Browne. He also had a 65-yard touchdown called back because of a penalty in that contest.
A track runner with outstanding speed, Neal may project better at cornerback given his 5-9 frame. Regardless of where he plays, he’ll be a major instate recruit in 2012. Arizona will have to do battle with Arizona State, which offered Neal as a ninth-grader last year.
7. Connor Brewer, QB, Chaparral (Scotsdale, Ariz.), 2012
Another current sophomore who will likely command major recruiting attention is Chaparral quarterback Connor Brewer. Like Peat, Brewer also has some athletic genes; his brother Charles is a pitcher in the Diamondbacks organization and both of his sisters are varsity athletes.
At 6-1, Brewer lacks the size that colleges look for at the quarterback spot, but he’s still got time to grow. In leading the 5A Firebirds this year, Brewer has thrown for 1,582 yards and 16 TDs. His recruitment is still in its infancy, and there’s a chance he may not develop into the franchise signal-caller that some expect him to be. But if early indications are accurate, Brewer will be a blue-chip quarterback recruit that Arizona could absolutely use.
