2017 California 4-Star RB Nathan Tilford Verbally Commits to Arizona

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Arizona has kept up the hot recruiting pace adding 4-star California running back Nathan Tilford to the 2017 class on Tuesday.

Tilford flashed his talents during the 2015 season rushing for 887 yards off 106 carries with 12 scores in 11 games for Upland High School. Showing his all-purpose abilities, Tilford added 82 yards in the passing attack off six receptions with another score. Tilford formed a one-two punch with senior running back Darreyon Jones. With Jones graduated, a big season is expected from the 6’2”, 190 pound, back during his senior year.

Despite Tilford’s talents and 4-star recruiting status, his recruitment has been under the radar with seven reported offers from Division-I schools. The list might be small but is certainly impressive with Nebraska, Michigan, UCLA, USC, Arizona State, and Tennessee seeking his services at the collegiate level.

Tilford took unofficial visits to Arizona State on March 19 and Arizona on March 20 along with a lot of other top California targets like Darnay Holmes. How Arizona may use Tilford’s athleticism once on campus will be interesting to follow. He could easily play running back, wide receiver or line up on defense at safety or outside linebacker.

During the 2015 season, Tilford helped Upland to an 8-4 season but transferred in the offseason to Colony High School in Ontario (CA).

The Wildcats have picked up the recruiting pace after missing out on a few key recruits in the 2016 class. Arizona signed 18 players but of the 18 just two were considered 4-star talents per Rivals; quarterback Khalil Tate and offensive lineman Michael Eletise. Greg Johnson and Tilford are both rated as 4-star players. Over the last week, Arizona has added four players; Kylan Wilborn, Kurtis Brown, Bryce Wolma, and Tilford.

Arizona Wildcats 2017 Verbal Commitment List

DT Kurtis Brown, 6-3, 260, Liberty HS, Bakersfield, CA

DE Kylan Wilborn, 6-2, 236, Notre Dame HS, Sherman Oaks, CA

TE Bryce Wolma, 6-4, 235, Saline HS, Saline, MI

RB Nathan Tilford, 6-2, 190, Upland HS, Upland, CA

QB Rhett Rodriguez, 6-0, 190, Catalina Foothills HS, Tucson, AZ

ATH Greg Johnson, 5-11, 183, Augustus Hawkins HS, Los Angeles, CA

 

Photo credit: dailybulletin.com; No. 4 Nathan Tilford celebrates a touchdown.