DE Trattou selects Notre Dame

Notre Dame headed back to the Garden State for another top prospect in the 2007 class today landing Ramsey (N.J.) Don Bosco Prep defensive end Justin Trattou. The 6-foot-4, 230-pounder picked the Irish over offers from Ohio State, Penn State, Maryland, Boston College, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, North Carolina and others.

"Actually I committed to Notre Dame a couple weeks back," he said. "All the coaches there were really excited when I told them and coach Weis said that I'm a good fit for the program and he can't wait for me to be apart of it.

"Notre Dame stood out to me because of the overall atmosphere. Every trip to the school was great, but the spring game was special because of all the fans there and the football tradition really stood out on that day. I knew from that experience I wanted to be a part of it. I also felt like I got along really well with the coaches and players. Notre Dame looks to be the best fit for me to succeed in football and academically."

A big part of his commitment came down to the coaches.

"Obviously Charlie Weis is already a great head coach that has succeeded on every level in football," he said. "I also was very close with coach Oliver and Latina. They were both upfront guys that were straight forward and told me how it is. I felt like I got along with them really well too."

The defensive end prospect is relieved to have a decision behind him.

"It's a great feeling to be able to get back to work," he said. "Now I can focus on our national schedule this fall and I look forward to getting after these teams."

Trattou believes there is a shot for him to compete immediately next year.

"The coaches have told me there is a shortage of defensive ends after this season," he said. "This season I'm looking to work on every aspect of my game every day, speed, strength and more so that I can compete for the job."

Trattou had a final word to say to the Irish faithful.

"Tell them I'm going to do my best to make Notre Dame as good as they'll be. They don't have to worry about me not giving my all for the team."