Arizona's coaching staff helps Young make early decision

Mobile (Ala.) Mobile Christian athlete recruit Troy Young isn't the first in the class to commit to Arizona without ever seeing the school. In fact, it has become somewhat of a trend this summer. The Wildcats have had numerous prospects in the 2017 class commit without ever actually stepping foot in Tucson first. It is a testament to the way the staff has been able to make a connection with recruits and sell them on the program. For Young it was a feeling of comfort with his lead recruiter Calvin Magee and the rest of the staff that made him decide it was time to pull the trigger on an early pledge.

"I talked it over with my family and my coaches, and I talked to coach (Rich) Rodriguez and coach Magee and they made me feel like family," Young said of his decision to pick the Wildcats. "They made me feel like I could come and play and I felt like it was the right move to make."

Young was Arizona's 23rd commitment in the class - a class that has filled up quickly this summer. Because he knew UA was the spot for him he didn't want to risk eventually losing his spot in the class at some point so it was time even though he never had an opportunity to take a trip out to Tucson.

"I felt like it was the time for me to get it done," he said. "I wanted to focus on my senior year and making my team better. I just wanted to get it out of the way, and I love Arizona. I felt like it was the right place to be and so I wanted to commit."

A trip to UA likely won't happen until he can take an official visit later on in the process, but Young said he has been out to the West before so he has no concerns about not being able to see his future home first. A big reason for that is his comfort level with UA's staff.

"Coach Magee is from New Orleans, so I felt like me and him had a connection since we're both from the South," Young said. "He said he can take care of me if I go all the way out there, so I felt like I could have a father figure while I'm out there. Coach Rodriguez is one of the best coaches in the nation right now and I want to play for him."

Young said although he has played running back and safety in high school the expectation right now is that he will come in on defense for the Wildcats and be part of the secondary at any of the safety spots.

As a junior Young finished his season with 83 tackles and three interceptions.