Offensive lineman commits to Arizona

Phillip Garcia from Cerritos (Calif.) Community College, verbally committed late Thursday night.

Garcia, a 6-foot-8-inch, 340-pounder, was among Arizona’s top line prospects. He gave a soft verbal commit to Kansas State two months ago, but continued to show interest in the UA. His friend and teammate, Mike Diaz, committed to the Wildcats earlier this month.

Garcia told the Rivals.com recruiting service that Arizona was “close to home, and I talked to my parents and felt like it was the best thing.”

“I just felt it was a better fit for me because I know the Pac-10 and it was my dream to play in the Pac-10,” he said.

Garcia could become a candidate for fill Arizona’s open left tackle position. Senior Peter Graniello is graduating, leaving the Wildcats a hole on Willie Tuitama’s blind side. Right tackle Eben Britton is a candidate to take over at the vacant positions, as is junior college transfer James Tretheway and Ironwood Ridge High School graduate Daniel Borg.

Garcia is the 14th recruit to commit to the UA. Players can sign national letters of intent in February.