Barrie impressed by Weis on visit to ND

Four-star offensive tackle Jim Barrie out of Tampa (Fla.) Berkeley Prep took his second official visit of the season last weekend to South Bend. The 6-foot-5, 310-pounder took in the Irish's big victory over Tennessee. What did Barrie think of the win and his trip to Notre Dame?

"I had a great time and they played really well," he said. "I got to sit down with coach Weis and Latina and I came away pretty impressed. They talked to me about how the program would fit me well, that they are really strong academically and it's a good situation for an offensive lineman. I was really impressed with coach Weis and I think Notre Dame is going to be a powerful team the next few years."

The Rivals250 prospect got up to Notre Dame Saturday morning.

"After I got there I went straight to the game and then later on Saturday I met up with my host Michael Turkovich," he said. "I had a lot of fun hanging out with him and he talked about how the offensive line situation is pretty good and he is even playing this year as a freshman. On Sunday, I spent time with coach Lewis, coach Latina and coach Weis in meetings and I got to tour the campus."

What did Barrie think of the Irish's 41-21 victory over the Volunteers?

"Notre Dame is pretty impressive and Tennessee came back, but the Irish held their ground and pulled away at the end," he said. "The atmosphere there was awesome. I was right in front of the student section and they were rowdy."

The No. 14 offensive tackle in the country couldn't rank his visit.

"I don't want to rate the visits, but I can say I had a real good time," he said. "I enjoyed my visit there just like the one to Tennessee. I want to take all five visits and then we'll take it from there. I think all the schools are pretty even still."

Barrie's next visit is Michigan on November 18th.

"I'm hoping just to get to know the program better and see how comfortable I feel there," he said. "Hopefully I'll see a great game between Ohio State and Michigan. I also want to see how I relate to the coaches and fit in with them."

The No. 27 player in Florida also is starting to look at scheduling his final official to Gainesville.

"I'm thinking I'll go for the Florida State-Florida game on November 26th or I'll head over there sometime in December."