If one would've asked Mililani football coach Rod York where U.S. Army All-American running back Vavae Malepeai was headed for college last week, getting an answer would've taken no time.

The University of Oregon.

But his star pupil's visit to USC recently changed that.

On Tuesday, York confirmed the surprising trip and indicated that, at this point, Malepeai has interest in both programs.

"He'll be choosing between Oregon and USC on signing day," he said.

York went on to explain that he believed the Ducks held an advantage in the race, but "couldn't put a percentage on it."

Malepeai has been committed to Oregon since mid-June and hadn't taken any other trips until this past weekend.

Adding to the surprise is the fact that the 6-foot, 190-pound running back is an Oregon legacy - uncles Silila, Tasi and Pulou all played on Oregon's 1994 Rose Bowl team.

Frankly, the situation is reminiscent of another famous flip, but one that went in Oregon's favor.

In the class of 2011, long-time USC commitment De'Anthony Thomas took a late visit to Eugene and flipped to the Ducks.

That decision haunted Lane Kiffin and the Trojans for several years.

Could the same fate soon befall Oregon?

National Signing Day will provide the answer.

-- Andrew Nemec

anemec@oregonian.com

@AndrewNemec