Another major offer for Hutchings
Michael Hutchings said it was no surprise that Notre Dame offered since the two sides have been talking for a while but that doesn't take away from the excitement as the 2013 linebacker from Concord (Calif.) De La Salle adds another major offer.
"It's not a surprise," Hutchings said. "I've been talking to them for a while and I know both of us have had interest in each other from the start. We built a relationship and I know they didn't want to offer too early. It wasn't a surprise, just part of the process.
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"It's a prestigious program football-wise and academically. They're definitely in my top. They're definitely going to be a contender and I was definitely looking for an offer from them.
"I will almost definitely take an official out there but I still have to discuss things with my parents. I really want to see the place."
Notre Dame has emerged as one of five favorites for Hutchings, who admits the recruiting process might drag on a little longer than first expected.
Early in the process, Hutchings said he would like to have things wrapped up by the start of his senior season but with so many coaching changes and movement across the country the 6-foot-2, 210-pound prospect is going to take a little more time.
"It's going to be a lot later than I first expected," Hutchings said.
"With all the coaching changes I might wait it out to see how the coaches perform the first year and how some freshmen I know on the college teams make impacts. I want to see how everything falls into place."
As for favorites, Hutchings said Oregon, USC, Washington, UCLA and Notre Dame have emerged as a top group. He also holds offers from Arizona, Cal, Colorado, Miami, Oklahoma, Oregon State and Tennessee.
Every time Hutchings thinks he has a grasp on his recruitment another major offer comes in and changes things a little bit.
"When I told my dad about the Notre Dame offer he said it put a new loop into everything," Hutchings said.