Gophers Make Top-3 for (Grad-Transfer) Arizona Linebacker
After weeks devoid of any recruiting news, we finally received some over the weekend. Tony Fields II, a graduate transfer from the University of Arizona, announced his top three schools via Twitter on Sunday night. In addition to Texas and West Virginia, the other school in his top three was PJ Fleck and the Minnesota Golden Gophers.ย
Top 3 (no order) pic.twitter.com/blN00jJuA0
โ Tony Fields II (@T_Fields1) July 27, 2020
Fields II, who hails from Desert Pines High School in Las Vegas, Nevada, recorded 94 total tackles this past season for the Wildcats. He was second on the team in that category while also starting all 12 games. Additionally, Fields II totaled five tackles-for-loss, 1.5 sacks, three pass breakups, one interception and one forced fumble.
With those stats, you might wonder why someone as productive and consistent as Fields II decided to transfer. While he didnโt reveal much in that area, he did at least adress it on Twitter.
Dear Tucson: pic.twitter.com/yVssKUcBSE
โ Tony Fields II (@T_Fields1) July 16, 2020
In any case, P.J Fleck and the Gophers were quick to jump on the Fields II bandwagon. They offered him just a day after he announced his plan to transfer. That quickness proved vital too, as Fields turned down subsequent offers from USC, UCLA, Kansas State, and Boise State.
Blessed to receive an offer from the University of Minnesota. @Coach_Fleck @JoeS_Rossi @adamgorney @bangulo @GregBiggins @DHill39 pic.twitter.com/nrzWXdkz96
โ Tony Fields II (@T_Fields1) July 17, 2020
FILLING A VOID
If PJ Fleck lands the 6-foot-1, 220 pound Linebacker would be massive for the Gophers. Fields II would bring tons of experience to the Gophers. He played and started in all 37 games for Arizona in his career. He would also be able to fill the gigantic shoes of Carter Coughlin and Kamal Martin.
Junior Mariano Sori-Marin is the only current linebacker who has starting experience with seven games played in 2019. The Gophers are desperately in need of more help at that position. And to make matters worse redshirt-sophomore Braelen Oliver suffered an injury earlier in the spring.
Fields II also boasts NFL-level talent. But donโt take my word for it, just look at this tweet from NFL draft analyst Jim Nagy.
This would be a massive get for any program. One of the most instinctive, sudden, and productive LBs weโve seen on junior tape. https://t.co/UjT9MLP5gZ
โ Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) July 16, 2020
PJ Fleck has been in a bit of a dry spell recruiting wise over the last two months. But the addition of Fields II would surely make up for that.ย
Carson Ruen | Minnesota Sports Fan
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