Pitt Football Takes a Hit, Conwell Chooses Arizona

, Dakota Conwell said he received a phone call from the University of Arizona's new assistant coach Tony Gibson.

Gibson, who had been recruiting Conwell to go to Pitt, was then trying to persuade Conwell to consider Arizona.

An official visit to the university this weekend sealed the deal for the linebacker.

"I met with the coaching staff and learned how they wanted to use me," said Conwell, an senior. "There's a good opportunity for me to play. The system best suits me.

"Everything was good there. I think it's where I really want to be."

Conwell issued a verbal commitment to Arizona on Monday, . Pitt recruiters reached out to Conwell after his announcement.

"They want me to talk to them. I might listen, but I'm sold on Arizona," Conwell said.

If Conwell does end up signing with the Wildcats, he will play under their new head coach, Rich Rodriguez.

"I like Rich Rod. He's a good coach. I used to watch Coach Rodriguez at WVU. He's proven he can win BCS bowl games," Conwell said.

Conwell's father, Dane, played football with Rodriguez at West Virginia University.

Living in Pittsburgh, Conwell has received a fair amount of criticism from fans.

"I've gotten negative comments towards me, but my family and I know what's right for me," he said.

Plus, the high temperatures in Tucson, Arizona this time of year are in the 70s.

"Yeah, the weather is an added bonus," Conwell said.

Conwell is recovering from ankle and thumb surgeries and said he is "doing better." He sprained his ankle during a and apparently tore a ligament in his thumb as some point.