PHOENIX — With the NFL Draft quickly approaching, we look at Arizona’s college football scene and the wealth of talent they have produced, with several players from the University of Arizona and Arizona State University being big names and targets. Here is a rundown of the top prospect to keep an eye out for.
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Nov 30, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) catches a touchdown against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the second half during the Territorial Cup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Tetairoa McMillan — WR, University of Arizona
At 6-foot-5, 212 pounds, University of Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan has emerged from college as one of the most dominant and versatile receiver in college football. McMillan finished this last season with 84 catches for 1,319 total yards and averaging 15.7 yards per carry. His blend of playmaking and hard skills on top of his size has been something scouts dote on, being compared to the likes of Tee Higgins, Drake London, and even George Pickens. McMillan is projected to be a first-round pick, some mock drafts have him going as high as the No. 5 overall pick.
Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats cornerback Tacario Davis (1) against the Colorado Buffalos at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Tacario Davis — CB, University of Arizona
Tacario Davis, a 6’4″ cornerback coming from the Wildcats, shows incredible athleticism as a secondary, making him an absolute nightmare and beast on defense. 28 out of his 43 total tackles were solos, on top of his six passes defended in the 2024 season. He has already proven himself as a notable and highly talented defensive back, being compared to Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner and Jamir Watkins. As of now, Davis is project to go in the early rounds, with mock drafts having him being picked up in the first or second round.
Nov 23, 2024; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Arizona Wildcats offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea (71) blocks in the second quarter against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
Jonah Savaiinaea — OL, University of Arizona
Jonah Savaiinaea is a player that uses his size to his advantage. At 6-foot-4 and 324 pounds, the standout from Arizona ranked top five in the combine. Savaiinaea also shows great ball knowledge, skills and versatility being able to play at both the guard and tackle — exactly what scouts and teams look for in a player of his position. Most mock drafts have him going to the San Francisco 49ers in late first round, or by potentially going later in the second or third.
Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo (4) runs past Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0) and Texas linebacker Liona Lefau (18) during the third quarter of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl in Atlanta on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025.
Cam Skattebo — RB, Arizona State University
Cam Skattebo, a highly talked about running back from ASU, is known for his explosiveness and determination on the field. He finished the 2024 season with 293 carries for 1,711 total yards and 21 touchdowns. He has a dynamic skill set excelling at both a traditional runner and a receiving threat. According to recent mock drafts, Skattebo has the potential to go in the second or third round.
Each of these Arizona-based prospects are making their case to be among the first selected, and have the skills and talent to back up their arguments. From agility, playmaking ability, to pure raw talent, these young men show the talent-producing powerhouse that is within Arizona college football.
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Reporter Reyna Stanley covers the Phoenix Mercury and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on X @rey_stanley776.
