Dozier talks about future
C.J. Dozier is planning to enroll early at Arizona State so the Temecula (Calif.) Chaparral outside linebacker is keeping especially close watch on the coaching situation as things unfold regarding Dennis Erickson.
"As of right now I'm still committed, I'm still going there in January so that's where that stands," Dozier said.
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"As far as coach Erickson goes, I really hope he doesn't get fired but we'll have to see who gets the job and go from there. My main focus right now is getting all my stuff done and getting out there."
The 6-foot-2, 205-pound three-star prospect said Sunday evening he's trying to steer clear and not read the mounting reports concerning Erickson's job status but it involves his future so it's difficult to ignore.
"I'm trying to stay away from the stories on the Internet but it is what it is," Dozier said. "I can't just put it out of my mind because it is a factor."
Dozier, rated No. 48 at outside linebacker in the 2012 class and No. 59 in the California state rankings by Rivals.com, said if there is a coaching change it will definitely be something to consider as his recruitment continues.
The one thing that might help the Sun Devils regardless of Erickson's future is Dozier's belief that they provide the best opportunity for him to play as a freshman.
"It does factor in a little bit, who they hire, but at the end of the day I don't think I'll have as good of an opportunity anywhere else as far as a chance to play my freshman year," Dozier said.
"That's the biggest thing I'm looking at right now. There's nobody else that has that kind of opportunity for me."
What makes the situation even tougher for Dozier is that he plans to enroll in January so if Erickson is fired (there were multiple reports stating that Sunday night), the Temecula Chaparral recruit will have to see how things play out with a new coach and then make a quick decision.
Arizona, Colorado, Washington, Washington State and New Mexico have also offered.
"It's a little bit more stressful," Dozier said. "I'm trying to enjoy everything while focusing on football. With our season over I'm just moving forward and trying to focus on the things I can control."