Top recruit Peat says no to Sun Devils

While the weekend brought news of new Arizona State football coach Todd Graham's first high school commitment, Tuesday brought news of a big 'no' from one top recruit. The Arizona Republic reports Tempe Corona del Sol offensive tackle Andrus Peat has eliminated the Sun Devils from consideration, citing the lateness in the process and insufficient time to develop a relationship with the new regime. Scout.com ranks Peat a five-star recruit and the nation's third best prospect. Peat told The Republic he didn't dislike Graham's staff or the ASU program but just felt the process was too far along to build the relationship necessary for a commitment. The 6-foot-7, 315-pound Peat said he has narrowed his list to Stanford, Nebraska, USC and Florida State. Peat's older brother and defensive lineman Todd Peat chose Nebraska over ASU last season, and the brothers' cousin Avery Moss recently committed to the Cornhuskers as well, though he said he would listen to an overture from ASU. ASU losing out on Peat does not come as a surprise, as he has not expressed overwhelming interest in the school. It was important that Graham at least make a run at him, and the response was one Graham maight be familiar with by now. Graham's late arrival to ASU following the firing of Dennis Erickson and a prolonged coaching search has no doubt made this year's recruiting challenges greater. Graham had already asembled a top 25 class at Pittsburgh but suddenly found himself with about a month and a half to salvage the players who had committed to Erickson's staff and add new recruits of his own. That limited window leaves little time to form the relationships Peat spoke of, which can be very crucial for a young athlete make a big decision about his future. Top ASU target D.J. Foster, a four-star running back from Scottsdale Saguaro, also mentioned the need to build a relationship with the new ASU leadership last week at the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl. But he ranked ASU as even with California on the top of his consideration list, so there's still time for Graham to establish that connection. With signing day about three weeks away, Graham and his staff are working under the gun to build and rebuild these relationships that could have a lasting impact on the program.