Five-star LB enjoys visit with family to ND

Five-star linebacker Chris Donald was one of many big recruits this weekend in South Bend. The 6-foot-2, 220-pounder headed to Notre Dame with his family and had a good trip.

"The visit went well," he said. "I had a good time with my family up there doing everything. I got there on Saturday around noon and watched the game, spent some time with the coaches and some of the players.

"The game was a good one. They were playing Stanford and pretty much got them, but the fans were good the whole time. It was my first time taking in the game atmosphere up there and it was loud, although not quite as loud as Tennessee. The fans were excited and they got me to do pushups which was a new experience for me. I liked that. I did watch the linebackers and saw that I could probably come in and get playing time as a freshman if I decide to go there."

After the game, Donald spent some time with his host Toryan Smith.

"I felt pretty good with him," he said. "He just talked about the tradition and fan support and everything that comes along with that up there. He was a really good guy to talk to.

"I also spent a lot of time with the coaches, in particular coach Minter. He said the same thing he has since day one and basically said that I could come in and play as a freshman if I keep playing well."

On Sunday, the No. 11 player in the country sat down with Charlie Weis.

"My parents and I were all talking with coach Weis and it was my second time meeting with him," he said. "It was great to talk to him again and I could tell my parents had a great time just like I did."

The visit was a good one for Donald.

"I'd probably rate the trip about a nine," he said. "It was a good experience for me, but I'd still say both (Tennessee and Notre Dame) schools are the same. I haven't scheduled an official to Tennessee yet, but I'll probably just take that one and then decide.

"I like them because I've been there so many times and am very comfortable with the coaches and school. I really like what they have to offer too."