Irish land one of Floridas best

Rivals250 wide receiver Richard Jackson is the 22nd commitment for Notre Dame choosing to verbal to the Irish over offers from Georgia Tech, Miami, Tennessee, Louisville, Pittsburgh and others. The 6-foot-2, 195-pounder told coach Weis, Ianello and others of his decision a week ago.

"I called and told the coaches last Thursday and talked to coach Ianello," he said. "He kept telling me over the last month that their airplane is getting pretty full and they still have a ticket waiting on me. I called him up and told him I want that ticket. Coach Weis called me back later that day and asked if I was sure and I said 100%, that's where I want to play."

What sealed the deal for Notre Dame to land the four-star prospect?

"First thing is that I like that they've got a lot of history there because I want to be a history major," he said. "I also like the fact that they throw the ball everywhere on offense and I feel I can go in and contribute. The coaches have told me there's an opportunity to come in and play as a freshman and that's a big factor for me. Then my experience at the Southern Cal game was also big. USC has been blowing teams out and Notre Dame gave them a run for their money.

"The last thing is just the fact that it's Notre Dame. They play on television every week so my friends and family can watch me play. In my opinion, they play one of the toughest schedules in the nation every year so I get to play great competition."

With a chance to possibly play early, Jackson is looking to prepare himself over the next year to get ready.

"I'm playing basketball for my high school and I'm also going to start running out in the cold to get ready," he said. "I plan to work with my receivers coach more as well to work on basic stuff. I really want to improve my focus between now and August. Occasionally I lose focus on easy catches so I need to work on that. I've also heard cornerbacks are a lot more physical in college, so I want to work on getting off the ball."

The No. 13 wide receiver in the country is relieved to have a decision behind him.

"I feel really good like a load is off my shoulders," he said. "Now I can just enjoy going to school and every day life until I head out there. I'm hoping summer comes quicker because I want to get in my routine so that I know what to expect in August."