Four-star LB makes the final call
The transformation from Hawkeye to Irish is complete for Overland Park (Kan.) St. Thomas Aquinas four-star linebacker Brian Smith.
Rivals.com learned exclusively from Smith's father, Chris Smith, late on Tuesday evening that his son has indeed switched his commitment from Iowa to Notre Dame.
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There were numerous media reports in Iowa that the Hawkeyes had retracted their scholarship, which might have made the decision even easier for Smith to make in the end, but neither Smith nor his father would address the issue.
Instead they wanted to officially let people know where they stand as to the final decision.
"Brian committed to Notre Dame earlier today," Chris Smith said. "We are looking forward to visiting South Bend this weekend."
Smith's father played fullback at Notre Dame and was known mainly as the key blocker for Allen Pinkett. Smith said that he's been a long-time Notre Dame fan and called it his dream school, but his Iowa commitment was about as strong as any could have been until last Friday.
That was when Notre Dame recruiting coordinator Rob Ianello contacted Smith and let him know that he was offering him a scholarship. Shortly after that Notre Dame assistants Corwin Brown, Rob Ianello, Jappy Oliver and Michael Haywood visited with Smith and his family Sunday at his house.
"Needless to say, they presented some very compelling reasons as to why Brian should spend the next four years in South Bend," Smith's father said.
Once the smoke cleared, Smith said he's finally glad the decision is over with.
"Maybe this was meant to be all along," he said. "It's funny how it's all worked out. Everybody thinks it was my dad's decision, when it fact it was my decision. I made my decision, and I couldn't be happier."