ASU steals one from Cal

Pima C.C (Ariz.) linebacker Mickey Pimentel had been a soft commitment

To Cal for the past few months has now found a new home and will be an Arizona State Sun Devil.

We talked with Pimentel earlier this week and he told us that he actually told the Cal coaches last weekend that he was leaning towards committing to ASU.

"They talked about how I should be loyal and a man of my word," Pimentel said. "They also talked about a Cal degree and how much it means. They also came in for a home visit last Tuesday but I pretty much had my mind made up.

"On Tuesday after the visit, I told them it was still ASU for me. I just think they give me the best chance to make it to the next level. ASU came in late last week and I really like the staff there and especially Coach (Bill) Miller. He's the new defensive coordinator and coached a ton of players at Miami including Ray Lewis. I've always idolized Ray Lewis and coach Miller is one of the main reasons I'm going there.

"I think he can best prepare me to get to the next level. I brought my parents with me this past weekend to Tempe so they can check things out and everyone liked it and is excited. I'm excited to get going and looking forward to being a Sun Devil."

Pimentel, 6-2, 220 pounds was his league's Defensive Player of the Year and could come in and play early for the Sun Devils. He said he'll be playing a hybrid safety-linebacker position and has three years to play two in college and will enroll in the fall.