Deeb to Notre Dame

Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage three-star inside linebacker Michael Deeb most recently visited Notre Dame. That visit put the Irish over the top for his services.

"I just got off the phone with the last coach that I called on that staff (at Notre Dame)," Deeb said. "It is official. I am done. It was a decision that took a lot of thinking but overall that University is a really special place. They are so dominant in all areas that they can't be matched."

The 6-foot-2, 237-pound linebacker said the visit made it clear that Notre Dame was his future home.

"The visit was great," Deeb said. "Just the fact that you walk in and the facilities and player's apparel is incredible. All of the stuff at the school is great, but every Division I school is going to have that. What set them apart was meeting with the business school advisors, which is what I want to major in, as well as the academic advisors, I knew that was the place for me.

"Also, the faith aspect with visiting the church, and some of the mentors and priest," Deeb added. "It is just a special place in that I think it offers a lot more than just football."

Another aspect of the school that stood out to the South Florida defender was the camaraderie of the team.

"I spent some time with the players and realized they are a really diverse group," Deeb said. "They are all driven with the same goals. They are the epitome of what a team is."

For Deeb though, the coaching staff played the most integral role as he was extremely impressed by his future position coach.

"After camping with Coach (Bob) Diaco in the morning before I took my visit, he matched up exactly with what I look for in a linebackers coach and defensive coordinator," Deeb said. "The energy and just the way he coaches, his intensity throughout, is exactly my style.

"They took me as a 'Mike' linebacker," Deeb added. "I know they are also recruiting a kid named Alex Anzalone also at the middle position, but they are taking four linebackers and they have two spots for the inside. Now that I have committed there is one other spot. He said the way I am vocal, he sees me at the Mike making calls and adjustments. (Diaco) said he sees me more as the Mike linebacker of the defense."

Deeb also formed a bond with Brian Kelly, Notre Dame's head coach.

"Coach Kelly was who gave us the tour when we were there," Deeb said. "He seems like a really great guy. He is laid back, not in the sense that he isn't going to coach you very hard, but in the sense that you are comfortable around him.

"What I really liked and respected about the whole coaching staff is that they were really straight-forward," Deeb added. "They didn't tell me necessarily what I wanted to hear but instead what I needed to hear. Something that stood out with me before I left is that Coach Kelly told me in this decision process, wherever it may be, make the decision that is best for you not just the one that feels good for you."

Notre Dame won out over more than two dozen offers to Deeb. Unlike some prospects who still flirt with other schools, Deeb says that his word is a point of finality in the process for him.

"Once I put out my word it is done and it is over with," Deeb said. "I think I made a great decision. The recruiting process is over for me now. Now I am just going to focus on helping my team get better each day and getting ready for a state championship season with my team. Then it will be signing in February and getting ready for Notre Dame."

As a junior, Deeb recorded 90 tackles and five interceptions.