Four-star commit looking at options
Pio Vatuvei still considers himself committed to USC but after an excellent trip to Cal this past weekend - and more visits on the way - the Patterson, Calif., four-star defensive end said his recruitment has taken an interesting turn.
"I would say it's all equal right now," Vatuvei said.
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The 6-foot-2, 265-pound prospect committed to the Trojans in August but since then has visited Washington and Cal and said he's still considering all his options.
Next month he's going to take trips to Utah and USC and then reach a final decision on where he's headed.
"I would still consider myself committed but I want to take all my visits and see if I'm going to go there or if I'm going to look elsewhere," Vatuvei said.
Cal definitely has a shot to land Vatuvei, rated as the No. 11 weak-side defensive end and No. 139 prospect in the 2012 class by Rivals.com.
It would be a big pickup since he shined at The Opening this summer in Beaverton, Ore., and has proven to be one of the nastiest defensive ends in the class.
The Golden Bears, who had numerous four- and five-star prospects on campus last weekend, thoroughly impressed Vatuvei on his visit.
The coaching staff and facilities stood out the most and the Northern California prospect said he could see himself ending up there.
"It was a really good visit to Cal," Vatuvei said. "I got to see the great facilities out there and talk to the coaches and get a really good feel of the place.
"They are a serious contender. I put them up to the top with USC. I am going to take all my visits and weigh out my options and see if I'm going to stick with USC or not."