Big 12 leader for Vanderveen

Brent Vanderveen leaves Sunday for two-day trips to Arkansas, Oklahoma State and Oregon State each and although no decisions have been made the Arroyo Grande, Calif., quarterback said the Cowboys have emerged as a frontrunner.

"I think I'll be closer to my decision after these visits," Vanderveen said. "Oklahoma State has shown a lot of interest and I'm kind of leaning toward them but we'll see how I feel after visiting all the schools. They've been showing a lot of interest and they've really impressed me. The coaches have done a really good job.

"I like the coaches as people. They've been talking to me a lot and they've been straight up and really nice guys and it seems like a good fit. I still have to go to Arkansas and Oregon State though."

Vanderveen, a 6-foot-5, 203-pound dual-threat quarterback, will camp at Arkansas and Oregon State and only take an unofficial visit to Oklahoma State. He worked out at Cal last weekend and had planned to camp at USC and Washington but those trips have been nixed.

These three visits are crucial to Vanderveen, who said he's still open to all programs but that Oklahoma State, Arkansas and Oregon State have emerged as the three serious contenders.

"It's a big deal to take these trips," Vanderveen said.

"I'm not going to verbally commit to someplace I'm blind to. I need to know what the town is like and what the school is like. It's definitely a big factor to take some time out of my summer to visit these places."

In his junior season, Vanderveen threw for 1,402 yards with 11 touchdowns and five interceptions and rushed for 578 yards and eight scores.

Arkansas, Arkansas State, Oklahoma State and Oregon State have offered Vanderveen, who said recently that USC, Northwestern, Cal, Washington and San Jose State have been showing the most interest.