Derik Calhoun Commits to Arizona State: Sun Devils Land Ex-USC Commit

The Arizona Sun Devils continue to lock down key commitments, building one of the strongest recruiting classes in the Pac-12. Four-star linebacker Derik Calhoun (El Cerrito, Calif.) is the latest 2014 prospect to offer his pledge, per 247Sports.

The 6-foot, 215-pound playmaker is the 18th member of Arizona State's recruiting class, which currently ranks 25th nationally and third in the Pac-12, per 247Sports. Calhoun backed out of a commitment to USC last week.

He initially accepted a scholarship offer from the Trojans in July.

Calhoun visited Tempe for the team's Oct. 19 victory over Washington. A 53-24 win pushed the Sun Devils to 5-2 this season and provided some momentum in the recruiting spectrum.

Offensive tackle Sam Jones (Littleton, Colo.) created a verbal pact with the program on Oct. 22.

Calhoun is the second player in a one-week span to commit to Arizona State after decommitting from a conference foe. Wide receiver Jalen Harvey broke his commitment with California to join the Sun Devils' class last Monday.

Harvey and Calhoun are teammates at El Cerrito High School. Both players were in attendance for the win over Washington.

Arizona State's addition of the duo bolsters its 2014 recruiting efforts, as the pair sit atop the class in terms of 247Sports' composite rankings. Each player is capable of contributing early on campus.

Calhoun is an extremely productive defender, best suited for strong-side linebacker at the next level. His instincts are exceptional and he possesses enough pure strength to power through traffic near the line of scrimmage.

Arizona State and USC were hardly his only options. Calhoun held offers from Miami, UCLA, Washington and Nebraska.

He is listed as the nation's No. 13 outside linebacker prospect and California's 18th-best overall prospect in 247Sports' composite rankings. Calhoun is the eighth California product to commit to Arizona State this year.

He joins 3-star recruit Christian Sam (Allen, Texas) as the Sun Devils' top incoming linebackers.