Irish extend an offer to Illinois standout

Highland Park, Ill. inside linebacker prospect Scott Smith (6-foot-5, 225 pounds) has added another scholarship offer this summer this afternoon. Smith has also narrowed down his favorite schools listing to four schools.

“I just got off the phone with Coach (Greg) Mattison from Notre Dame," Scott Smith said. “Coach Mattison wanted me to check in with him this week. I called him this afternoon and he told me that Notre Dame was extending me a scholarship offer and that the paperwork was being sent out today."

Smith was very excited about landing an offer from the Fighting Irish.

"Yeah, I'm really happy about getting an offer from Notre Dame. When you grow up in Chicagoland, you can't help but follow Notre Dame. It's a thrilling, awesome feeling to land an offer from Notre Dame. I'm going to add Notre Dame to my Top 4 schools list, no question about it."

Smith has indeed narrowed down his Top 4 favorite schools listing, and besides Notre Dame who else made Smith's early cut?

"My Top 4 schools list includes Notre Dame, Michigan State, Illinois and UCLA."

Smith talked about which factors stood out at each of his final four schools list.

"Michigan State has just great facilities, and the football program gives players a real chance for success on and off the field. The commitment to academic support as well as the coaching staff in general are real pluses at Michigan State. I like talking with Coach (John L.) Smith a lot. He's a great guy as well as a great motivator."

"Illinois has been recruiting me the hardest, no question about it. I have a really good relationship with Coach Mallory and Coach Thigpen from Illinois, and I also get along very well with the head coach Ron Turner. I really liked working with the coaches at Illinois when I went to the one-day camp earlier this summer."

"UCLA also offers a lot educationally, and to get a chance to play your home games in the Rose Bowl as well as playing in the Pac-10 is something I will some serious attention towards this summer. I have a good feeling about the program, and I also like the coaches at UCLA a lot."