In less than 48 hours following the conclusion of Arizona’s Spring Game, Brent Brennan and Co. have added three transfers for the 2024 season. Oregon offensive lineman Michael Wooten, Utah edge rusher Chase Kennedy, and Old Dominion wide receiver Reymello Murphy all announced they committed to Arizona following visits to Tucson for the Spring Game.
Michael Wooten
Michael Wooten, a 6-foot-4, 310-pound offensive lineman, spent two seasons in Eugene before deciding to transfer to the Wildcats on Sunday evening. The former three-star prospect from Chatsworth, California redshirted his freshman year in 2022, and did not appear for the Ducks last season due to injury.
He adds some much needed depth on Arizona’s offensive line, and figures to provide another option on the outside of the line behind starters Jonah Savaiinaea and Raymond Pulido. He will have three years of eligibility remaining.
Chase Kennedy
Former Utah edge rusher Chase Kennedy committed to Arizona after spending the last two seasons in Salt Lake City. The Dallas, Texas native appeared in one game in 2022, and saw reserve action in six games for the Utes last season.
Out of high school, the former three-star prospect Kennedy held offers from Boston College, Colorado, Houston, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, TCU, Washington State, and more.
Following departures from a number of defensive linemen, highlighted by Bill Norton, Isaiah Ward, and Taylor Upshaw, who signed an UDFA deal with the Carolina Panthers following the 2024 NFL Draft, Kennedy adds some much needed depth to Arizona’s front seven. He has three years of eligibility remaining.
Reymello Murphy
Old Dominion wide receiver transfer Reymello Murphy is the third player to join the Wildcats following a visit to Tucson over the weekend. The 6-foot, 185-pound receiver appeared in all 13 games for the Monarchs last season. He hauled in 28 receptions for a team-high 502 yards and three touchdowns. His 17.9 average yards per catch was also good for 27th-best in the nation.
Prior to his time at Old Dominion, Murphy spent the 2022 season at the College of San Mateo (JUCO). He has two years of eligibility remaining.
Based on X (formerly Twitter) posts by Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita’s parents, Les and Winnona Fifita, it appears that Reymello Murphy has a connection with Arizona’s quartet of Servite High School alumni; Noah, wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, linebacker Jacob Manu, and tight end Keyan Burnett.
Fifita’s father, Les, posted the following, “My boy @ReymelloM spent Friday of his official visit setting up and taking down tables for our family party…. He said that’s what Family do…. So you know what you’re getting on the field is just as special. And he a #JuiceCounty kid…. #FOE welcome home kid” followed by a juice and Bear Down emojis.
His mother posted, “my babies are reuniting,” with a heart and five juice emojis, indicating each of the five players above.
Even with Michael Wooten, Chase Kennedy, and Reymello Murphy committed to Arizona, the Cats are expected to continue looking for running back, defensive back, and more defensive line help via the transfer portal this offseason.