Defensive back DJ Brown had been committed to Virginia for a very long time but decided not to sign during the early signing period so that he could take his official visits and make sure he was making the right decision. The Washington (D.C.) St. John’s College High standout took official visits to Cal, Northwestern, and Notre Dame but ultimately decided to sign with the Fighting Irish.

WHAT IT MEANS FOR NOTRE DAME…

Brown gives Notre Dame five defensive backs in this recruiting class and really helps solidify the position. The Fighting Irish were committed to making sure Brown knew he would get the best combination of football and an elite education. That was what Brown had been looking for and it is fairly obvious given the schools he was considering. On the field, Brown’s brings a lot of versatility. He has the skills to play cornerback or safety but he will most likely end up as a safety because he will be able to maximize his abilities to anticipate plays and create turnovers.

WHAT IT MEANS FOR THE PROGRAMS THAT MISSED OUT…

This one really stings for Northwestern because they were the team that thought they had a great chance prior to Notre Dame stepping up their recruiting efforts. The Wildcats held out on offering for a while but Brown always had a soft spot for how head coach Pat Fitzgerald ran his program and the education he could've received at Northwestern. Cal is in the same type of situation but there is still a lot of time left before the end of Signing Day for both of these schools to find a defensive back to fill the spot they held for Brown.