Barresi picks up big-time offer

After his twin brother committed to Oklahoma, there were many questions on where Joe Barresi, a 6-foot-5, 304-pound offensive tackle from Edmond (Okla.) North might end up. And his options just grew by one more team after an unofficial visit to the desert this weekend.

“I’m in the airport now in Tucson,” Barresi said. “I just met with coach (Mike) Stoops and they definitely offered me a scholarship.”

For Barresi, an all-city selection as a junior, the Wildcats join the offer list, along with LSU, Wyoming and Louisiana Monroe. Barresi went into the weekend visit with Arizona liking LSU quite a bit, but now it’s time to make room at the top for the Wildcats.

“I had a great time,” Barresi said. “I had breakfast with coach Stoops, and then they put me back in the football officies and I met with the academic guy and then I got to spend some time with Eric Wolford. I also go to talk to the trainer, too, Corey Edmond. He was the assistant strength coach at OU before he came out here, and he actually trained my trainer.”

Coach Wolford made a really big impression, Barresi said.

“I really liked coach Wolford,” he said. “I got a good impression from him. I really connected with him. I think Arizona is going to be a good program coming up. I believe in the whole Stoops family. I think Mike Stoops is really going to make that program great.”

Barresi said at this point, he’s not quite ready to commit, though. He wants to wait until the third or fourth game of his senior season before making a final decision.

“Thank god this was my last visit of the summer,” said Barresi, who has traveled all over the nation this summer camping and attending NIKE Training Camps. “Now I can get focused on my senior season and just go out there and play.”