Arizona football recruiting: Arizona Western linebacker Patrick Macon says Wildcats are “in the mix”

A mid-year enrollee to keep your eye on

The Arizona Wildcats are down to 26 commitments after they decided to part ways with 2-star defensive tackle Elijah Watson. While a huge concern is the general size and overall talent on the defensive line, it gives the staff more flexibility with that one scholarship freed up.

To get more immediate help on defense, Arizona has been looking at the junior college route, which has been extremely hit or miss.

The staff has looked to Arizona Western College (Yuma, AZ), the No. 2 ranked junior college program in the nation. They have already secured one commitment from the program in 3-star defensive end Matt Leo, and might be looking to add another defensive piece.

Patrick Macon, a 6-foot-3, 235 pound inside linebacker picked up an offer from Arizona on October 25th. Originally from Millington, Tennessee, Macon made his way to Arizona Western College for his first two seasons of college football.

The linebacker holds offers to Oklahoma State and San Diego State, but feels as if Arizona State, Minnesota, and Louisville are leaning very closely towards an offer as well.

Macon is the team-leading tackler for the Arizona Western Matadors, registering 117 tackles (27.5 for loss) and nine sacks this season. He has also forced nine fumbles, recovered two, and picked the quarterback off once this season. He is unranked by all major recruiting services.

Macon came into contact with the coaching staff in late October, with Marcel Yates and Chris Singletary leading the charge on his recruitment.

“I was shocked,” Macon said about his offer. “I didn't think they would offer me so soon.”

The staff offered him after visiting Arizona Western earlier this season.

Arizona’s linebacker depth isn’t necessarily stellar when you look towards next year. The likely starting linebackers could be John Kenny, Delshawn Phillips, and Carrington Vaughn. You’d also think that Kahi Neves, DeAndre’ Miller, and Brandon Rutt could fill the void as well.

“The program, overall, is a good program and even though the season isn’t going so good this year that can change,” Macon said about Arizona. “And I feel that I can make a big enough impact to make that change.”

Macon will be a December graduate, allowing him to enroll this spring at his future school. Arizona will also have Braxton Burmeister, Tony Fields, Matt Leo, and Delshawn Phillips enrolling early from the 2017 class.

Macon plans to commit in late December, but just before Christmas. His main priorities when choosing his future school will be coaching staff first, player relationship, scheme fit, and fan support.

Macon tells me that Arizona satisfies his wishlist so far.

You can watch his sophomore highlights below.

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