Bear Down Takeover Tour stops in Yuma

Arizona Wildcat legends come to Yuma to meet alumni and future Wildcats.

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Bear Down Takeover Tour made its return to Yuma for the second consecutive year, as the University of Arizona continues its mission to unite alumni, future Wildcats, and fans across the state in anticipation of the 2025 school year.

This year's stop in Yuma featured some of the most recognizable names in Arizona football history, including College Football Hall of Famer and current Senior Defensive Analyst Chuck Cecil.

"So great just to engage with the Yuma people," Cecil said. "They're Wildcats and they love their Wildcats. It's just really nice to be able to come down and spend a little time with them."

Also making an appearance was Ricky Hunley, a Wildcat legend in his own right and the highest-ever NFL Draft pick in program history. Hunley was drafted eighth overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 1984 NFL Draft. One spot higher than Tetairoa McMillan's selection to the Carolina Panthers last Thursday.

"I remember the first day we saw [Tetairoa] in practice as a freshman in the spring," Hunley recalls. "There's a ball is thrown over his head. He goes up 10 ft in the air. He pulls it down with one hand, and he didn't only do that on that occasion. He did it on a second occasion within three plays and I said, 'We got a special guy here.'"

Hunley now serves as the Executive Director of Player Relations & External Development. The seven-year NFL veteran shared his optimism about the program’s future, despite a 4-8 finish in the 2024 season.

"We got a tremendous amount of new guys on the roster," Hunley said. "We were very concerned about how well they would gel together going into the offseason, but they did a tremendous job in the weight room. Coach Cullen [Carroll] just beat the crap out of them, so they all came together and it's really just translated over onto the field."

With 25 incoming transfers, the Wildcats' 2025 roster is almost entirely revamped. The coaching staff has been intentional in recruiting players who not only bring talent, but also embrace the program's culture and identity.

"The biggest thing is to recruit guys who want to be here, who want to be coach and developed, and who wear that block A with Pride," Hunley said.

The tour also spotlighted the program’s growing emphasis on in-state recruiting. Brandon Sanders, Arizona's Football Alumni and High School Relations Coordinator, emphasized the importance of building relationships within Arizona's high school football scene.

"You have to start with owning your state," Sanders said. "Phoenix, Tucson, and the surrounding areas are a big part of our recruiting strategy."

Five players selected in the 2025 NFL Draft played high school football in Arizona. However, none of those players chose to stay in-state for college. Sanders believes that engaging local coaches and schools is the key to reversing that trend.

"The number one thing is making sure coaches feel welcome," Sanders said. "They're the first avenue to reaching these young athletes. Building strong relationships with high school coaches, athletic directors, and the AIA can open doors and help keep talent home."

The event also recognized local scholarship recipients, future Wildcats who were officially welcomed into the Wildcat family.