Arizona has made a little splash in Louisiana as of late and continued to build on that success on Tuesday when Warren Easton standout defensive end/linebacker Kendal Franklin committed to the Wildcats over offers from Tulane, Louisiana Tech, Boise State, Louisiana-Lafayette and others.

"When I told coach (Rich) Rodriguez he was happy and excited," Franklin said following his phone conversation with the Arizona head coach. "He said I fit in perfectly as far as the defense and he was looking forward to having me out there and rush the passer."

Arizona runs a 3-3-5 system, which allows outside linebackers to come downhill as pass-rushers; something that suits the 6-3, 235-pound Franklin. It was a factor in his decision.

"I really like coming off the edge and getting after the quarterback so I think it's a great fit," he said. "They play in the Pac-12 and they play a fast tempo defense and I really like to use my speed.

"I talked a couple of my teammates like Arthur McGinnis and we talked about Arizona.I talked to Shea Patterson the quarterback at Calvary Baptist that is committed over there and they were giving me good news about them (Arizona)."

Relationships between college coaches and the prospects they recruit are always major factors in a decision. Arizona offensive coordinator Calvin McGee is Franklin's main recruiter, and like many others in and around the New Orleans area, Franklin built a good bond with the trusted Rodriguez assistant.

"Coach McGee is from down here and he went to school with my uncle," Franklin said. "My uncle told me what kind of guy he was and how leaving to play football made him a better man. I know he has my back out there so that pushed it forward a little bit."

The rising senior has yet to visit Arizona, but that appears to be in the works. One thing is for sure, they are the only one he atteds on visiting this fall.

"We're still discussing it and trying to figure out how to get me out there in what looks like may be during the season," Franklin said. "Most likely for the USC game. One thing I do know is that I'm not going to be taking any other visits to other schools."