Report: ND recruit cleared to play at UCLA
Freshman defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes received the go-ahead from the NCAA to play for UCLA this fall, according to reports.
The heavily recruited Vanderdoes initially signed with Notre Dame in February but backed out of his commitment this spring and opted for UCLA instead.
Notre Dame refused to release Vanderdoes from his national letter of intent. He appealed to the NCAA and was granted immediate eligibility, CBSSports.com reported.
Vanderdoes, ranked by 247Sports.com as the No. 1 defensive tackle prospect in 2013, had cited personal reasons in June for his decision. CBSSports.com reported the personal reasons to be a family illness and a desire to be closer to his California home.
"I am honored and humbled that Note Dame thought enough of me as a person and a football player to offer me a scholarship," Vanderdoes said in a statement then. "They have been very gracious to recognize not only how difficult a decision this was, but also how important it was for me to be near my family at this time. I take my commitments seriously, but as circumstances changed, the most important commitment is the one made to family."
Notre Dame balked at releasing the recruit because of what it called integrity issues and also a concern that Vanderdoes would choose to play for rival USC, according to CBSSports.
If the 6-foot-3, 310-pound Vanderdoes had lost the appeal, he would be forced to sit out the 2013 season and lose a year of eligibility.
UCLA has yet to announce Vanderdoes' eligibility. If he is in fact cleared, there is a possibility that he could see playing time this season.
