Golden setting visits

Fresno (Calif.) Edison defensive back Robert Golden gave an early commitment to Arizona way back in May. His commitment still looks solid but the talented corner will take at least three official visits and possibly more before Signing Day in the fall.

Golden, 5-10, 185 pounds is one of the nation's elite corners and a borderline top 100 player nationally. He hasn't allowed a catch in the Tigers first two games this year and is a true shut down corner capable of playing early when he enters college.

Despite his commitment, Golden does want to take some official visits and has three planned right now.

"I'm still very committed to Arizona, I'm talking 99.9% committed," Golden said. "The only reason I'm taking trips is to just make sure of my decision and also as a backup in case something happens with the coaching staff this year.

"If Coach Stoops is there next year, I'm signing with Arizona, no matter what. Even if we only win a few games this year, it doesn't matter. I'm a Wildcat all the way but only if they keep the current coaching staff together.

"So to protect myself, I want to take these visits and just see what is out there as a fallback. I'm going to Georgia Tech with Brandon (Leslie) in two weeks (Sept. 14), Ole Miss on (Nov. 17) and Michigan but I don't remember the exact date.

"I'm going to visit UCLA as well but I'm waiting on an offer first. I talked with Coach Walker and he said they just need my transcripts and if everything checks out, I'll have an offer. I'm faxing them over tomorrow.

"After Arizona, Georgia Tech would be my No. 2 choice. I'm just really impressed with their defense and how they play their defensive backs. I watched the game against Notre Dame last weekend and their defense just dominated. Plus I like Coach Gailey a lot and it would be fun to play with Brandon if he ended up going there.

"UCLA would be No. 3. I've known Coach Walker forever and used to go to his DB camps all the time. Courtney Viney is there and he's a friend and a great player. I know I could learn a lot from him if I went there.

"Like I said, I'm still committed to Arizona and I want that to be clear. I'm still planning on going there and I'm excited about it. I'm even talking to Brandon about Arizona and hoping he gets an offer from them. If so, I know he would definititely be interested. The trips should be fun though and I think I'll learn a lot from them but I'm still a Cat."