3-star Tennessee OL Cole Mabry commits to Notre Dame

Notre Dame's hot start to the 2018 recruiting cycle continued on Tuesday as the Irish picked up another commitment, this time from three-star Brentwood, Tenn. offensive lineman Cole Mabry. The 6-foot-6 prospect picked up an offer from the Irish on his visit to campus over the weekend and didn't waste any time making the decision.

"I loved it and they offered me up there and I was really excited so l I didn't want to make a decision based on emotion," Mabry said. "I waited a few days but the feeling was still there that I really liked it and it hit all the criteria I was looking for so I just closed the decision and made it official. I'm going to Notre Dame."

Mabry said during the trip he spent a lot of time with offensive line coach Harry Hiestand and the two make a quick connection. That only helped make his decision easier.

"We really bonded, both about football and just in general," Mabry said. "They love my height and athleticism and how I play and we got to break down film and go through things that they do that pair up with how I play now. They think I'll be a great fit in their offense."

Mabry is also a standout in the classroom and said Notre Dame offered him the type of educational options as well as football opportunities that he was looking for in a program.

"They have a great educational side plus that winning tradition," he said. "They're going to play for championships, the coaches are awesome and I get a long with all of them."

While in South Bend Mabry said he also bonded with several of Notre Dame's current players, including former Tennessee prep standout Alex Bars.

"Alex was my host and showed me around campus and we hung out a lot," Mabry said. "He loves it up there and he thinks I will, too. He said it takes a little while to get used to the distance and the cold weather but he also said it's worth it and I agree with him."

Several other programs have been working on getting Mabry on campus but once his dream offer came in he made up his mind. Now he's planning on sticking with his decision.

"No this is it for me, I'm done," Mabry said. "I'm committed. It's reassuring and I love it there so I'm glad to be on board."

Mabry is the ninth commitment of the 2018 recruiting class for the Irish and the third this week, joining four-star defensive backs Derrik Allen and Kalon Gervin.