Despite prolific high school careers, neither Colin Schooler nor J.J. Taylor drew much interest from Pac-12 schools. Schooler had one offer — from Arizona. Taylor had two — from Arizona and Washington State.
Both became Wildcats. Both have proved they belong.
Schooler was named Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year on Tuesday. Taylor was named co-Offensive Freshman of the Year.
The linebacker and tailback are the second and third UA players to earn conference freshman-of-the-year honors, joining receiver Mike Thomas (2005). They’re at the forefront of a youth movement that has Rich Rodriguez and others bullish on Arizona’s immediate future.