Important time for Vanderdoes

Eddie Vanderdoes has official visits coming up to Notre Dame and Alabama but USC is also not giving up on the standout defensive tackle from Auburn (Calif.) Placer.

Vanderdoes, arguably the top defensive lineman at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, chatted with USC assistant coach Ed Orgeron in recent days leading up to his official visit with the Trojans next weekend.

The four-star who could be pushing for a higher ranking had been committed to USC until earlier this month. Even after backing off his pledge, the Trojans have not relented in their pursuit of him.

"It went well," Vanderdoes said of his talk with Orgeron. "We talked about what we're going to do on the 18th when I come up there, what they have planned for me and all that. He was talking about the big need they have for me. He broke down the Army game film and he was really excited. He told me he really wants to coach me and I need to come back.

"It's definitely something big when coach Orgeron is pushing for you. I'm definitely grateful for that and when I get up there I can't wait to have him talk to me and really see what goes on."

The following weekend Vanderdoes will be taking his trip to Notre Dame and there is definite interest in the Irish.

The 6-foot-3, 302-pound prospect said he would have been serious about Notre Dame even if coach Brian Kelly left for the NFL. Now that Kelly settled those questions and will return to the Irish, Vanderdoes is a top target to round out the class.

Questions about Kelly's future were asked to Vanderdoes prior to the announcement that Kelly would return.

"I talked to the coaching staff and I don't think he's going anywhere," Vanderdoes said. "He's covering all his bases because it is a business. If he did end up leaving it wouldn't affect me.

"The main reason I'm considering the school is because of the academics and the tradition. I talk to Louis Nix quite a bit. He's a really good dude and I really like talking to him and getting information from him. He tells me it's not just the coaches. As a whole ND is a great place so I want to check it out."

Vanderdoes, who has already visited UCLA and Washington, said his Alabama trip should be the weekend of Feb. 2. That is not solid but it will happen, even if it's a mid-week situation. The Crimson Tide has emerged in his recruitment in the last few weeks.

The Northern California standout said many other programs have attempted to get involved in his recruitment but he's solely focused on those five.