Arizona grad transfer linebacker Tony Fields II narrows choices down to Top 3

Arizona linebacker Tony Fields II, a three-year starter for the Wildcats, entered the portal as a grad transfer last week and has now narrowed his choices down to Minnesota, Texas, and West Virginia, eliminating offers from USC, UCLA, Kansas State, and Boise State. There is currently no timetable for a final decision, but I expect it will come soon, with most Power 5 programs tentatively set to start fall camp next month.

Fields, who would be immediately eligible as a grad transfer, would fill a need for the Gophers, who must replace graduating seniors Kamal Martin and Thomas Barber at linebacker. Junior Mariano Sori-Marin is expected to claim one of the vacant starting spots, but the other is up for grabs, especially after redshirt sophomore linebacker Braelen Oliver suffered an injury at the start of spring practice that could sideline him for most, if not all, of a fall season.

At Arizona, Fields made an immediate impact from the moment he stepped on campus as a true freshman. He was named a 2017 Freshman All-American by ESPN and 247 Sports, and went on to start 37 consecutive games for the Wildcats. Over that span, Fields tallied 287 tackles, including 17 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks. He also defended six passes and recorded two interceptions.

Fields has a connection to Minnesota, as he is originally from Desert Pines High School in Nevada, where head coach P.J. Fleck and co. have had success on the recruiting trail. Cam Wiley and Jordan Howden both graduated from Desert Pines.