When it comes to recruiting, a couple of ASU coaches have shown some crafty maneuvers.

The first came from men’s basketball coach Herb Sendek.

Back in June 2006, sendek brought on a high school basketball coach named Scott Pera to become ASU’s director of operations.

On the surface it seems like no big deal, right?

Think again.

Pera had just guided his team to a 33-1 record and a California state championship.

Their starting point guard? A senior named Derek Glasser.

Oh, and their star player? Just some junior named James Harden.

On Wednesday, ASU football coach Dennis Erickson officially completed a similar move.

He was able to sign Vontaze Burfict, unanimously rated the nation’s top linebacker, to a letter of intent.

It sure didn’t hurt that Erickson signed three of Burfict’s high-school teammates last season — two of whom he lived with — and another one this year.

So what next?

ASU fans just need to pray for Harden to come back for one more year so Renardo Sidney can don the maroon and gold.

Fat chance.