On Saturday, the Sun Devils learned they could potentially have an extra scholarship spot in the class of 2014 opening up as 3-star offensive lineman Alex Anderson de-committed from Arizona State.
Jay Fielder of O-State Illustrated broke the news on Saturday night that Anderson de-committed from Arizona State and switched his commitment to Oklahoma State.
BREAKING: I can confirm that New Orleans (LA) 2014 offensive lineman Alex Anderson has switched his commitment from #ForksUp to #OkState.
— Jay Fielder (@Fielder29) January 12, 2014
However, it appears as though Fielder's tweet contained an inaccuracy, as ASUDevils.com later reported that Anderson had only opened up his recruiting process. ASUDevils.com reportedly spoke with Anderson who will choose between Oklahoma State and Arizona State after making official visits.
New Orleans Landry-Walker OL Avery Anderson tells us he's decommitted ASU. He will visit ASU and Ok State in next week, decide between two
— ASUDevils.com (@ASUDevilscom) January 12, 2014
Anderson said reports that he has committed to Oklahoma State are premature. He said he was going to do so but instead decided to visit both
— ASUDevils.com (@ASUDevilscom) January 12, 2014
Anderson's commitment was one of the most important the Sun Devils received for the class of 2014 because he's an athletic offensive guard who fits a position of need at Arizona State. Should Anderson decide to renew his commitment after taking visits, he will likely have a chance to compete for playing time early on in his career.
The 3-star recruit from New Orleans, La. becomes the second player from the state of La. to de-commit from Arizona State in this recruiting cycle as running back Darrel Williams did so in December.
According to Rivals.com, Anderson already made visits to both Oklahoma State and Arizona State back in November and it appears as though Anderson will make return visits in the coming week. Anderson has also received offers from other high-profile schools including Florida, Florida State, Ole Miss and Missouri.
The upcoming weekend is becoming increasingly important for Arizona State's 2014 recruiting efforts as the Sun Devils will host a number of high priority targets. Todd Graham will have the benefit of having quarterback recruit Manny Wilkins on campus visiting next week and Wilkins has been extraordinarily successful in luring fellow recruits to join him in Tempe next season.