It’s Signing Day: Expect the Unexpected—Even from Vontaze Burfict
By the time you read this, it may be obsolete. That’s how unpredictable signing day can be. But here’s a look at the class of prospects (including Vontaze Burfict!) expected to sign with the Sun Devils today—and a peak at our post-signing day scholarships situation.
The Sun Devils appear to be in for some very good news sometime today. If Riverside Press Enterprise sources are to be believed, a letter of intent from Vontaze Burfict (featured in the video above) is on its way to Tempe.
The jilting of USC by the nation’s top linebacker – who hails fromt heir own backyard – is one of those expect the unexpected moments on the recruiting trail. Expect more such moments today as the letters of intent roll in to Tempe.
Here’s Rivals.com’s Jeremy Crabtree‘s take in the Arizona Republic: “He would instantly become the headliner in an already impressive class. He’s a seek-and-destroy linebacker who competed at the highest level of high school and dominated, then did it on a national stage at the Army (All-American Bowl) game. He’s one of the hardest hitters I’ve seen in 10 years.”
Burfict apparently chose the Sun Devils because he likes ASU’s academic support program and because his Corona Centennial teammates Ryan Bass, Shelly Lyons and Brandon Magee are already in Tempe and current teammate Will Sutton is en route.
Where does this leave ASU in the scholarship department? (If you’re a regular reader, this breakdown will look familiar to you.)
ASU starts with 85 scholarships, and 62 scholarship players from last year’s team are due to return next fall.
- Junior college transfers DE Dean DeLeone and DB LeQuan Lewis and high schoolers QB Brock Osweiler and S Matthew Tucker have already signed and will enroll this spring.
- Walk-ons RB James Morrison, DB Pierre Singfield and SN Thomas Ohmart were expected to earn scholarships.
- And 2008 signees WR Kemonte Bateman, who was academically ineligible, and WR Allante Battle, who’s in school on a track scholarship, will count against the final tally.
That leaves about 14 scholarships and about 17 unsigned recruits. So expect Bateman or high schooler Anthony Rose to come up short academically, a high schooler to grey shirt and come onboard next winter, or our walk-ons to remain without scholarship.
Or, expect the unexpected today. You never know what could happen on Signing Day.
Class of 2009
Burfict’s commitment pushed the number of unsigned Class of 2009 commitments to 17.
| Name | Position | Hometown |
| Corey Adams | DT | Scottsdale, AZ |
| Vontaze Burfict | LB | Corona, CA |
| Chris Coyle | TE | Westlake Village, CA |
| Evan Finkenberg | OL | Los Flores, CA |
| J.J. Holliday | WR | Tucson, AZ |
| Osahon Irabor | DB | Upland, CA |
| Anthony Jones | LB | Chandler, AZ |
| Kody Koebensky | OL | Scottsdale, AZ |
| Cameron Marshall | RB | San Jose, CA |
| Shane McCullen | ATH | Apache Junction, AZ |
| Jamal Miles | RB | Peoria, AZ |
| Anthony Rose | LB | Tempe, AZ |
| Greg Smith | ATH | Perris, CA |
| Max Smith | TE | Scottsdale, AZ |
| Will Sutton | DT | Corona, CA |
| Fred Thornton | OG | Phoenix, AZ |
| Marcus Washington | RB | Phoenix, AZ |
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We may not be getting what we want/need on the Offensive Line but I’m seeing a HUGE push to make us a Defensive Powerhouse. And I’m loving that.
Sure, I’ll miss the 400-500 yards a game shootouts from the past but as I get older I’m enjoying the struggles, and rewards for the struggles, of the Defense.
And I’m loving where this day could end up!
GO DEVILS!!!
With “Taze,” there is incredible potential for this defense, but we REALLY need some highly regarded offensive linemen. I hope D.E. is developing the young guys we already have.
> I hope D.E. is developing the young guys we already have.
You and me both AK47…you & me both.
Vontze Burfict is officially a Sun Devil! Now it’s up to Mr. Burfict to get eligible.
It’s easy to diss Dirk Koetter, but let’s not forget the strides made under his watch in the field of academic support. Recruits truly beleive that ASU will provide them with the best academic support — to the chagrin of Mike Stoops last year and Pete Carroll this year.
Mad props to Jean Boyd for leading the academic support charge.
Offensive line was by far, far, far the weak link of the football team last year. But ASU already has like 8-9 linemen that were freshmen or redshirt freshmen last year. They need to get in game shape and be effective. That is key. This year’s recruiting class would not have helped the 2009 Sun Devils’ on the offensive line.
Oh by the way, is there a way to check if Vontaze Burfict, at No. 9, is ASU’s highest-ranked signee ever? I believe Zach Miller was in the 30s and I think Kyle Caldwell was in the 40s. Not sure after that. Anyone a “National Top 100″ historian out there?
Drexel: I read on rivals.com that Taze is indeed the highest-ranking prospect ever to sign with ASU, sans James Harden I suppose, who would probably make a bull of a fullback.
Fullback?!?!?!
Dude’s 6-5, 215ish… line him up at receiver, got yourself another Boldin.
I’m excited by Taze. Signing day is so much cooler when you have something to be excited about, rather than hearing quotes about random guy X and so-so guy Y.
Taze me, bro!
AWESOME! And it feels so good to take one away from USC
Who else wants to see Taze wear #1, or some other weird low number?
Study up Taze!
Add to the list above one more name: Kipeli Koniseti, a QB/LB from Sacramento. Subtract from the list another name: Anthony Rose, who has apparently not signed.
That leaves the finall tally as 21 new Sun Devils — four who signed in December and 17 who signed today. Go Devils!
Some nice pickups, which lifted the class up to a somewhat respectable level. Still, far too many of Arizona’s best are barely giving ASU the time of day.
I sure hope Burfict can qualify.
I think Burfict’s number in HS is #7. Check out his myspace page. He boldly predicts where only John Cooper has predicted before… ASU and National Titles. Long live the Taze.
[...] you saw the video, right? The professionals also like what they see out of Burfict, a 6-foot-3 245-pound linebacker from [...]