USC loses four-star commit Redfield

For weeks the rumors swirled about a possible de-commitment from Max Redfield and Sunday night the four-star safety made it official: The Mission Viejo, Calif., star is no longer pledged to USC and will investigate other options.

The 6-foot-2, 195-pound standout announced his decision to reopen his recruitment on social media making this statement:

"Going back on my word is something I never imagined doing and it hurts me to do it but in the end I feel is necessary to do in order to decide what college I want to go to and in the end what path I want to take in life. For many different reasons I am choosing to decommit from USC and re-open recruiting. I am sorry to the people I might let down or hurt in this decision but it is a decision that is crucial for my future athletically, academically, and spiritually. I will not be accepting calls for interviews, quotes etc."

Redfield, rated as the third-best safety and No. 31 prospect in the 2013 class by Rivals.com, had been committed to the Trojans since July but a recent visit to Notre Dame and some other considerations in his recruitment are playing factors.

The top-rated safety in the 2013 class, Murrieta (Calif.) Vista Murrieta's Su'a Cravens, and Redfield established a good connection at USC's camp this past summer and that continued through the fall but the Mission Viejo star apparently wanted to consider other schools through his recruitment.

After visiting Notre Dame in recent weeks, it became apparent that the Irish had become serious contenders. Redfield wanted to visit South Bend for many months and once he got there Notre Dame greatly impressed him.

Redfield, who also apparently is considering Oregon and Washington and will surely be bombarded by suitors from across the country, had only positive things to say about his Notre Dame trip.

Included in the interview with IrishIllustrated.com was a comparison to USC in which he stated differences he saw during his visit to the Midwest.

"I feel like the fans are a lot more dedicated and into the team than USC," Redfield said in the interview.

"The student section was a lot more into the game. As far as the game that's what I noticed, the differences. The campus was a lot different as far as all the trees ... It involved nature in the campus. It's a lot different in the city and L.A."

For weeks, there was talk that Redfield would de-commit to have a clearer look at his options. It happened Sunday night. Now things could get really busy for one of the nation's best safeties.