Its here at Arizona Stadium where stand-out running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt has decided to play his final season of college football.
Croskey-Merritt will start the season playing against some familiar faces, with his former team, the New Mexico Lobos, traveling to Arizona Stadium for the season opener.
Jacory, if youve seen him at practice, hes special,” Arizona Running Backs coach, Alonzo Carter said.
Croskey-Merritt, a University of New Mexico transfer, was one of the first additions to Arizonas roster after Brent Brennans hiring.
I just felt like it was a great fit and this is where I needed to be,” Croskey-Merritt said.
In April, the Alabama native left for Ole Miss to be closer to home. However, two months later, Croskey-Merritt rejoined the Wildcats.
I was already out west in New Mexico, so one more season wouldnt hurt,” Croskey-Merritt said. “I just feel like there was a great opportunity for me to help the team out.
And because of the Arizona Running Backs Coach, Alonzo Carter, Croskey-Merritt is still getting a bit of home in Tucson.
Hes from Montgomery, Alabama,” Carter said. “My family is from Troy, Alabama so I know what his background is and I know what he stands for.
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Arizona Football: A New Chapter
To have someone thats familiar with down south, got family down south and him being able to relate to me a little bit more on and off the field, it just feels great,” Croskey-Merritt said.
Its the southern hospitality, coming to the Southwest.
Put your arm around him and love him,” Carter said. “Tell him When you came here in February, were the same people you said yes to back then, were the same people when you visited us and fell in love with Tucson, Arizona. But when it boils down to it, hes here now, were focusing on the now. I love that kid, and I love coaching that kid.
The ‘now’ starts for Croskey-Merritt, Saturday, Aug. 31 at 7:30 p.m. in Arizona Stadium, against his former team.
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