Offensive tackle Jack Julsing left the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater 2 1/2 years ago with hopes of one day enrolling at a Division I-A school.
Wednesday, Julsing achieved his dream.
Julsing and former Arizona Western College defensive back Marcus Benjamin were on campus and enrolled in classes when the spring semester began at the UA.
The Arizona Wildcats' newest players are expected to compete for playing time this fall.
Julsing, 20, said he felt a sense of accomplishment.
"A year ago, I was thinking of quitting football," Julsing said. "To get this far is pretty amazing. … But you got to keep working. I get to play football, get my school paid for, and have fun doing it."
Though he doesn't have much of a résumé, Julsing — a transfer from College of the Desert in Palm Desert, Calif. — could compete for the starting left tackle position in spring drills.
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At 6 feet 7 inches and 305 pounds, Julsing has the size to start.
Arizona must replace left tackle Eben Britton, who decided Jan. 2 to forgo his senior season in favor of the NFL draft.
"Whether I'm fifth-string or first-string, I'm going to work hard," he said. "If I'm good enough to start, I'll become a starter. If not, I'm going to work hard and become one."
Julsing started his career at Wisconsin-Whitewater, a Division III school, but left the Warhawks after the 2006 season.
Julsing spent the next year working at a gas station and sandwich shop to make ends meet. He enrolled at College of the Desert in January 2008.
Benjamin, 21, spent the past two seasons at Arizona Western in Yuma.
The 6-foot-1-inch, 200-pound Benjamin initially committed to LSU out of Westgate High School in New Iberia, La.
The UA is expected to sign about 20 high school players on Feb. 4, national letter-of-intent day.
ARIZONA FOOTBALL
Up next
• What: Letter-of-intent day
• When: Feb. 4