It’s been a busy day for the Wildcats in the transfer portal. After adding former Oregon State offensive lineman Flavio Gonzalez and ex-Chattanooga wide receiver Javin Whatley, their third addition comes on the defensive side of the ball. On Wednesday, Arizona received a commitment from former Wyoming defensive lineman Braden Siders.
The 6-foot-3, 252-pound Siders is a native of Thorton, Colorado, and played his high school ball at Ralston Valley. He was a two-star prospect, whose lone offer came from the Cowboys. During his time in Laramie, Siders tallied 92 total tackles, including 24 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks. His best season came in 2022, when he started all 13 games for Wyoming. He led the team with 13.5 TFL and was second on the team in sacks with seven. He was also named an Honorable Mention Freshman All-American by College Football News in 2022 following his redshirt freshman season.
Siders has actually suited up in Arizona Stadium twice in his career, once against Ohio in the 2022 Arizona Bowl, and again against Toldeo in the 2023 Arizona Bowl. Against the Bobcats, he had six tackles, including three TFL and two sacks in the Cowboys’ 30-27 overtime loss. Against the Rockets, Siders finished with two tackles, helping Wyoming win 16-15.
With his commitment, Braden Siders is now the third addition to the defensive line room from the portal for Arizona, joining Chancellor Owens from Northwestern State and Deshawn McKnight from UT Martin. He is also the 22nd-overall pickup for the Wildcats, and ninth new player on defense for the UA.