Nowicki picks up big Pac-10 offer

Ryan Nowicki picked up another big offer this week and now both in-state programs have offered the 6-foot-5, 272-pound offensive tackle from Glendale (Ariz.) Cactus.

Arizona is the latest offer for Nowicki, who also has offers from Arizona State, Colorado State, Duke, Idaho, Illinois, New Mexico, New Mexico State, Oregon State, San Diego State, Syracuse, UNLV, Washington, Washington State and others.

The offer from the Wildcats is a big one.

"It's really good of course because it's close to home but they're a really good powerhouse team, they're on the rise," Nowicki said. "They're starting to be a really big program and that's really good because with them in there they're turning it around and everybody will want to see them play now so that's good.

"It's definitely good because it's nice to have a good team, good coaches with a good background making the program rise. It means they're doing something right and that's always good to hear."

Nowicki knows Arizona's program well. The three-star prospect has been to a junior day in Tucson, went to the spring game and has been in close contact with members of the coaching staff.

Now that the Wildcats offered it takes Nowicki's interest to a new level but he's still being patient with the recruiting process and doesn't plan to rush into a decision.

"I really like them," Nowicki said of Arizona's staff. "They're really nice guys and I have a pretty good friend (Chris Putton) who plays there now. He graduated two years ago so it's really good.

"I really want to see the places in person. I can go online and research as much as I want, I can only get so much off the Internet, but if I go up there it could be key. It could change my mind about stuff."

Rated as the No. 31 offensive tackle nationally and the No. 10 prospect in the Arizona state rankings by Rivals.com, Nowicki said Southern Cal has gotten more involved with him and that Utah is also in the mix. Another trip to Arizona now that it's offered could happen but nothing has been set up yet.

"I might try just to see how everything is again and talk to the coaches again face-to-face instead of being on the phone or e-mailing," Nowicki said. "I think I'm going to try to get out there again to catch up with them again."