Elijah Rushing, nation's No. 1 edge-rusher, commits to Arizona Wildcats over Oregon, others

Keeping top in-state talent home is a priority at nearly every college football program in America.

It's a sign of strength, and for programs who have struggled in that endeavor, it can also be a sign of progress.

Consider the Arizona Wildcats on the rise on the recruiting trail. 

On Thursday, Salpointe Catholic (Arizona) star Elijah Rushing, the nation's No. 8 overall prospect and No. 1 edge-rusher, announced his commitment to Arizona over fellow finalists Notre Dame, Oregon and Tennessee.

In the past two seasons, Rushing has accumulated an astounding 148 tackles, 22.5 tackles-for-loss and 18.5 sacks - with 59 hurries in his junior year alone.

The 6-foot-6, 251-pound defender is the highest-rated pledge in program history by a good distance, easily outpacing Servite (California) wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, the nation's No. 37 overall prospect and No. 4 wide receiver in the class of 2022. 

In both recruitments, the Oregon Ducks were considered the leader until late in the progress before a Jedd Fisch-led coaching staff pulled off the surprise addition.

Here's what 247Sports had to say about Rushing as a prospect;

"Off the edge he displays very nice bend, twitch, and bursts off the ball as a pass rusher. Even though he is a longer athlete he plays with a good pad level and is able to dip and rip around the corner. Also shows the ability to drop his weight and redirect in chase mode on plays away from him. ...Does a nice job of using a variety of pass-rush moves to provide pressure on the quarterback. As a run defender he is stout and has enough strength to disengage and lock out his opponent. ...The position versatility he allows the defense to have can be unique. Whether it is a four-man front or an odd-front defense, he gives the play-caller the ability to maximize the scheme with his tools and traits that he brings to the table. Constantly plays with effort and motor that helps separate him from the pack." 

For Arizona, Rushing's commitment is just the latest bit of evidence of a turnaround.

The Wildcats finished with the nation's No. 22 recruiting class in '22 before falling just outside the top-50 last cycle.

With Rushing in the fold, Arizona's 2024 class jumps from No. 50 to No. 41 with 18 pledges. 

Junior season highlights