Why are leading football recruits leaving Arizona?

Gilbert Williams Field defensive back Noa PolaGates, who played in two All-American games in January, was ready to commit to Arizona State before Nebraska coach Scott Frost made an in-home visit.

“I was headed to Arizona State after I decided not to go to Alabama,” said Pola-Gates, one of The Arizona Republic’s eight finalists for Football Player of the Year. “But then I was challenged to step out of my comfort zone by Coach Frost.

“It really made me think deeper.”

That comfort zone was staying home and, as PolaGates put it, dealing with “my own personal distractions.” Pola-Gates wanted to get out of Arizona and spread his wings. “But don’t get me wrong,” he said.

“ASU is going to be a powerhouse and I’m excited for the program. They’re about to do big things.”

When he announced on CBS Sports Network on Jan. 19 during the Polynesian Bowl that he would sign with Nebraska on Wednesday, it broke the hearts of college football fans in Arizona. He was another who got away.

With new coaches at the two in-state Pac-12 schools — Herm Edwards at ASU and Kevin Sumlin at Arizona — coming in last year, the struggle continues to keep the kids with the most stars from leaving the state. There’s a history of them, dating well before the Edwards and Sumlin eras, even before the Todd Graham (ASU) and Rich Rodriguez (UA) eras, of big-time players getting away.

❚ Phoenix Desert Vista defensive end/outside linebacker Devon Kennard to USC, before starting his NFL career.

❚ Avondale Agua Fria defensive end Everson Griffen to USC, before the NFL.

❚ Glendale Apollo defensive back Prince Amukamara to Nebraska, before the NFL.

❚ Phoenix South Mountain wide receiver Kenny Cheatham to Nebraska.

❚ South Mountain defensive back Terry Fair to Tennessee, before the NFL.

And more recently, when Graham and Rodriguez were in charge of the major programs in Arizona:

❚ Scottsdale Desert Mountain wide receiver/tight end Marks Andrews to Oklahoma, before the NFL.

❚ Scottsdale Saguaro WR Christian Kirk to Texas A&M, before the NFL.

❚ Peoria Centennial safety Zach Hoffpauir to Stanford.

❚ Tempe Corona del Sol offensive lineman Andrus Peat to Stanford, before the NFL.

Edwards and Sumlin have now had a year to recruit Arizona.

Before Wednesday’s National Signing Day, ASU and UA got many recruits on Dec. 19 during the early period. Now ASU will have four in-state recruits — Tempe Corona del Sol wide receiver Ricky Pearsall Jr., Chandler Basha offensive lineman Roman DeWys, Tolleson WR Andre Johnson, Scottsdale Saguaro linebacker Connor Soelle — and UA will have two — Marana offensive lineman Jordan Morgan and Desert Vista punter Kyle Ostendorp.

The last top-tier recruits — Chandler defensive tackle Matthew Pola-Mao and Gilbert Perry tight end Kyle Patterson — will announce commitments at their schools Wednesday. Neither are expected to announce ASU or UA.

Pac-12 California has already sewn up six Arizona players. They are: Desert Vista defensive lineman Brett Johnson, Gilbert Higley quarterback Spencer Brasch, Chandler running back DeCarlos Brooks, Peoria Liberty linebacker Ryan Puskas, Liberty defensive end Braxten Croteau and Gilbert Perry offensive lineman Brayden Rohme.

Some players just want to get out of the state to see what the world is like away from family and friends.

“They’re tired of playing in 110 degrees,” Zubey said. “It takes a toll.”