With four scholarship running backs in spring practice and another arriving in June, it was surprising to see Arizona make such a strong effort for the top available ball carrier on the NCAA transfer portal.
Now everything becomes sense.
Former New Mexico running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who committed with the Wildcats in February, has reversed his commitment to Ole Miss for the 2024 season.
Croskey-Merritt rushed for 1,190 yards and 17 touchdowns last season for the Lobos. He was set to come in Tucson in June and add to a running back corps that already included San Jose State’s Quali Conley and 4-star freshman Jordan Washington, as well as returning junior Rayshon ‘Speedy’ Luke and redshirt freshman Brandon Johnson.
However, the UA was still looking to add to the position, bringing in former Oregon State rusher Damien Martinez on an official visit on Thursday. Martinez, the Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year in 2022, has rushed for 2,167 yards and 16 touchdowns over the last two seasons and is regarded as the top available rusher on 247Sports’ site.
