Corona del Sol's Cassius Peat torn among UCLA, ASU, Michigan State

While Tempe Corona del Sol senior Cassius Peat works hard to try to help his Aztecs teammates win a fourth boys basketball state championship ring, his home has been open for football coaches from UCLA, Michigan State and Arizona State.

Although he committed to UCLA in mid-October, the 6-foot-4, 235-pound Peat, a first-team, All-Division I linebacker, has kept the door open.

His father, Todd Peat Sr., a former NFL lineman who played for the Cardinals, said Cassius has not de-committed from UCLA, but if his son flips in two weeks and signs to another school, it wouldn't be a surprise.

Todd is there to help Cassius navigate this last stage of the recruiting process, which has been no less difficult than it was for his two older brothers, Todd Jr., and Andrus.

Both Todd Jr., and Andrus waited until the end before becoming totally sold on the school they ended up singing with. Todd Jr., a defensive lineman, signed with Nebraska, while Andrus, an offensive tackle, with Stanford.

Andrus, projected by many to be a first-round pick in the upcoming NFL draft, was torn between Nebraska and Stanford on the last day.

"On Signing Day, Todd talked to Andrus on the phone, and said, 'I'd be proud of you Andrus if you sign with Stanford,' '' Todd Sr., said. "That's what helped him."

It has been the same difficult path, maybe more so, for Cassius, who is very close to family and tied to the community.

That community pull is why ASU has a good shot at finding letter of intent on Feb. 4.

"He's close to family," Todd Sr., said. "That's important to Cassius. We know that and he's close to his community."

The elder Peat said that if Cassius wants to visit Michigan State, UCLA and ASU one more time, he will help him do so just to put his mind at ease.

"We don't tell them where they should go," Todd Sr., said. "In the end, it's up to Cassius."