A successor to Josh Baker at center?
Among the many positions of need for Arizona this offseason, offensive line may have been at the top of the list. That unit struggled in 2024 and some of the best blockers have graduated, declared for the NFL Draft or transferred.
The Wildcats signed five prep linemen in December and another five from the NCAA transfer portal, but they were still searching for a center to replace 3-year starter Josh Baker.
They may have found Baker’s successor in former Portland State offensive lineman Isaac Perez, who committed to the UA on Friday. He’ll have two seasons of eligibility.
The 6-foot-3, 325 Perez started 16 games in two seasons for the Vikings, including 11 in 2024. The last nine were at center, and in 274 pass-blocking snaps at that position he didn’t allow a sack while also helping open holes for running back Quincy Craig (who committed to Arizona on Thursday).
Perez was a 3-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class out of Centennial High School in Corona, Calif., where he was teammates with former Arizona receiver Malachi Riley.
He becomes the 24th announced commitment for Arizona from the portal, the sixth on the offensive line and 15th on offense.