Fighting Irish land a verbal commitment

Highland Park, Ill., inside linebacker prospect Scott Smith (6-foot-5, 225 pounds) decided to end his recruiting process this morning. Smith called the University of Notre Dame, and gave the Fighting Irish his verbal commitment.

“I called the coaches at Notre Dame this morning and gave them my verbal commitment," Smith said. “Last night I sat down with my parents, and we talked about my different options, and in the end Notre Dame was the most complete fit for me."

Smith, whose 18th birthday is today, talked about why he decided to commit to the Fighting Irish.

"Notre Dame just fits my personality. When I took into account the academics, the tradition, as well as, the coaches and the players, Notre Dame was the clear choice for me. I also gave both Michigan State and Illinois very serious consideration. But, after I received an offer from Notre Dame a few weeks ago, I was pretty set on attending Notre Dame."

So how hard was this decision for Smith?

"It was one of the hardest decisions I've had to make so far in my life. I was really thrilled to have as many college options as I had, but in the end my parents and I really looked hard at the entire picture. We looked at academics, football, as well as, socially at several schools. Notre Dame just offers the complete package. My family and I are very excited about me becoming a part of the Notre Dame program."

Did Smith plan all along to make an early verbal commitment?

"A part of me wanted to make an early verbal, yet another part of me wanted to wait and see how things went in the fall. In the end Notre Dame just felt right, so that's why I gave them my verbal commitment this morning."

"I'm really happy as well as being very relieved. I'm glad that the recruiting process is over with, and now I can focus on my senior year."

"I'm a solid commitment to Notre Dame."

Click here to see exclusive video clips of Notre Dame's latest commitment.