Recruiting Trail: Stoops' pitch sways local talent

Stay close to home, play in front of friends and family, be a hometown hero.

Without University of Arizona first-year coach Mike Stoops, this sales pitch probably would have fallen on deaf ears.

But no longer.

Ironwood Ridge High School offensive lineman Daniel Borg and Sunnyside tailback Xavier Smith are both considering an early commitment to the Wildcats.

The change of heart has something to do with the reasons above, but mostly because of Stoops himself.

"I never thought about staying in town and playing for UA," Borg said. "I never thought it was an option. Stoops has changed that. I want to see what happens this season."

Borg is a four-star (out of five) recruiting prospect from SuperPrep.com recruiting service while Smith is a three-star recruit.

"If Stoops was not there I would not be (considering) going to that place," said Smith, who is still deciding between UA, Oregon, Northwestern and California.

Arizona State has fallen far behind on both Tucson standouts' lists.

That is a step in the right direction for an Arizona program that has repeatedly lost the head-to-head recruiting battles for in-state players over the past several years.

"If I was going to an in-state school, I don't consider them as good as UA," Borg said. "Why wouldn't I go to the UA if I was going to stay (in state)?"

Borg has Arizona and Washington tied as his leaders, with Oregon State third and Notre Dame, Northwestern and Utah also under consideration.

Nebraska was hot on Borg's trail throughout the summer, but his summer camp trip to Lincoln changed that.

"I went to a camp in Nebraska, and it seemed like the other schools I am looking at were better places for me," Borg said. "I liked the coaches a lot (at UA), especially coach Stoops. I like his attitude and work ethic. I like the staff he has brought in."

"I like the opportunity to play early. They are in a rebuilding mode, and they have one of the best strength and conditioning programs around."

Better than Nebraska's?

"Way better. Arizona's weight room is newer and bigger," Borg said. "It was more impressive."

The prominent pass blocker likes the Seattle area, the Huskies' tradition and line coach Charlie Dickey, a former Wildcat player and UA coach.

Smith watched UA spring practices intently after leading the Class 4A state champs with 1,806 yards and 26 touchdowns as a junior. The speedster is down to four schools, with a vested interest in how the Wildcats fare in the early going.