ASU gets big-time recruit in linebacker Burfict

Columnist

Feb. 4, 2009 9:03 AM PT

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

For months, linebacker Vontaze Burfict of Corona Centennial was a USC commit. But on Wednesday, he signed with Arizona State, according to a text message from his coach, Matt Logan.

Burfict has some academic issues that need to be resolved, and his family apparently was impressed with the way Arizona State coaches have dealt with those issues.

Burfict is considered the state’s No. 1 linebacker, having led the Huskies to the CIF state Division I bowl-game championship.

USC is hoping that linebacker Manti Te’o from Honolulu signs later this morning to help offset the loss of Burfict.

-- Eric Sondheimer

Sports Now

Eric Sondheimer

Eric Sondheimer is the prep sports columnist for the Los Angeles Times. He has been honored seven times by the California Prep Sportswriters Assn. for best prep sports column.