Four-star talks about Arizona State

Todd Peat Jr. is already familiar with Arizona State since the Sun Devils have recruited him for years and he lives about 10 minutes from campus but it was valuable for the Tempe (Ariz.) Corona Del Sol defensive tackle to take his official visit there last weekend.

Not only did he get more time with the coaching staff but he got to see all the facilities again, had a chance to watch another exciting game and had an opportunity to just soak in the atmosphere.

"It went great," Peat said. "I had a great time. I liked everything I saw. I love the facilities. They have a great weight room and a great practice field. The dome is awesome. I really enjoyed being around the players and the coaches and getting to spend time with them. I got along with everybody down there, the coaches and the players.

"If I got in my car and drove it would probably be around 10 minutes. I feel like if ASU and another school have the same things to offer me with ASU being so close to home it would definitely give them an edge."

Arizona State is one of many schools being considered by the four-star defensive tackle who will play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl but Peat, a 6-foot-3, 300-pound prospect, wants to take other trips as well.

On Thanksgiving weekend, Peat will visit Nebraska and he also has plans to visit Oregon State for its game against Oregon.

Stanford has also been considered one of his favorites and although he might not take an official visit to Palo Alto he's already been to campus three times.

As for the Sun Devils, they will remain in the picture.

Arizona State has been recruiting Peat for three years and he's convinced that coach Dennis Erickson probably won't be on the hot seat come season's end because ASU has played Wisconsin, Oregon, USC and Stanford all relatively close. The Sun Devils are currently 4-6, 2-5 in Pac-10 play.

"I've been able to build good relationships with (defensive line) coach (Grady) Stretz and coach Erickson and everybody else," Peat said.

"He's doing a good job. They are so close to being one of the best teams in the country. They played Stanford, USC, Oregon, they played them all really tough. It's just a couple plays here and there and they win those games. I don't see this being (Erickson's) last year."

Rivals.com rates Peat No. 13 at defensive tackle, No. 161 overall and fourth in the Arizona state rankings. His brother, Andrus, is a top 2012 prospect with multiple verbal offers.