Arizona lands commitment from Memphis DL transfer Jarra Anderson

Arizona has landed a transfer commitment from former Memphis defensive lineman Jarra “Bear” Anderson, he announced on Twitter.

In one year with the Tigers, Anderson totaled 10 tackles, including 2.0 for a loss and 1.5 sacks. He also made Pro Football Focus’ (PFF) Freshman All-America team in 2023.

Anderson tweeted a graphic of himself pledging to Arizona Wednesday morning, which you can see right here:

Only up from here #BearDown pic.twitter.com/Xm3kkyTR9I

— Jarra Bear Anderson (@92k_bear) April 24, 2024

As a recruit, Anderson rated as a three-star in the 2023 class per the On3 Industry Rankings. He was also ranked the No. 891 overall prospect, as well as the No. 97 defensive lineman and the No. 152 player out of Texas for his cycle.

This is an underrated addition for Arizona as they enter another new coaching era. Sure, Anderson doesn’t feature a ton of production and did play at the AAC level, but he was among the flashiest freshmen in the country on the defensive line and should prove to be a strong long-term piece of the puzzle.

Arizona loses its own DL

Well, the transfer portal gives and it takes. First, it took from the Wildcats along the defensive front, as defensive lineman Bill Norton slipped out of the program and wound up at Texas, who’s leaving the Big 12 right as the Wildcats join.

According to On3’s Hayes Fawcett, Texas will be the destination for Arizona DL Bill Norton, who entered the transfer portal with one year of eligibility remaining.

Here was Hayes Fawcett’s report of that news, which he tweeted out:

“BREAKING: Former Arizona DL Bill Norton has Committed to Texas, he tells @on3sports. The 6’6 325 DL totaled 43 Tackles and 2 Forced Fumbles in his college career. Will have 1 year of eligibility remaining.”

In the 2023 campaign, Norton appeared in all 13 games for Arizona. He tallied 32 tackles (14 solo, 18 assists), 2.5 tackles for a loss of five yards, three passes defended, five quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles.

Norton redshirted in the 2019 and 2020 seasons at Georgia. While there, he mostly saw action as a reserve defensive lineman and special teams member. He recorded 12 total tackles over four seasons with the Bulldogs.

Bill Norton played high school football at Christian Brothers (TN), where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 157 overall recruit in the 2019 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.