A day after Arizona linebacker Jacob Manu transferred to Washington, reuniting with Jedd Fisch, the Wildcats appear to have found his replacement. And he’s not just a replacement, he’s an All-American one at that. On Saturday, former Northwestern State linebacker Blake Gotcher committed to Arizona, according to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports and 247Sports.
The 6-foot-1, 225-pound linebacker and Little Elm, Texas native had a breakout year during his lone season in Natchitoches, Louisiana. In 12 games this season, Gotcher led the FCS with 162 tackles, including 10 TFL and 4.5 sacks. He also recorded two forced fumbles, an interception, a QB hurry, and two PBU. Gotcher finished with double-figure tackles in 11 of 12 games this season, and had six games with at least 16 tackles. He took home Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors after recording 23 tackles, two sacks, and a fumble recovery in Northwestern State’s contest against Prairie View A&M.
Prior to his time as a Demon, Gotcher spent three seasons at Lamar, where he recorded 83 career tackles, meaning he has one season of eligibility remaining.
After leading the FCS in tackles this season, Gotcher nabbed Associated Press FCS All-American Second-Team honors, as well as Third-Team All-American honors from Phil Steele and STATS Perform. He is also a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award, presented to the top FCS defensive player.
The Wildcats are now up to 11 additions from the transfer portal, including six on defense. Blake Gotcher is also player committed to Arizona from Northwestern State, joining edge rusher Chancellor Owens.
Click here to see Arizona’s full list of transfers with our Transfer Portal Tracker.