Casteel ends things early with commitment to Arizona
From the beginning it always felt like Arizona was going to be the spot three-star receiver Brian Casteel landed whenever he decided it was time to make his college choice. The UA offer early in the process certainly grabbed his attention and after he visited Tucson in the spring he quickly said scheduling a return trip - with his family this time - was a priority.
Other programs joined in the recruiting process for the Covina (Calif.) Charter Oak standout, but it was the Wildcats that always made him feel wanted.
"At the time I wasn't thinking about committing at all but as it got closer to the second visit by how much love each coach was showing me and talking with my parents I thought about committing but I wasn't fully sure," Casteel said about his earlier visit and heading into his visit this weekend. "And then today after just being around the whole staff and touring the whole school that's when I knew.
"Just being in the atmosphere felt comfortable to me and by the way the coaches treated me and the other coaches also played a big part. They took me under their wing as if I was one of their own."
Arizona is heading into the summer with some momentum as Casteel joined the recent string of commitments the Wildcats have pulled in including Tucson athlete Drew Dixon and Las Vegas-based offensive lineman Edgar Burrola.
Casteel's commitment is the 12th of the class for UA and moves the program back into the top 15 nationally in the 2017 class. As a junior Casteel caught 57 passes for 913 yards and nine touchdowns.
Like most recruits who make early decisions Casteel is plenty relieved and looking forward now to his final season at Charter Oak.
"It's a huge relief because now I can focus on my senior year and finishing my last year of high school strong," he said.
Casteel said Arizona receivers coach Tony Dews and cornerbacks coach Donté Williams played a big part in final his decision. He built a strong relationship with both coaches throughout the process.
