Irish lose a big commitment
The firing of Ty Willingham has cost the Notre Dame Fighting Irish the commitment of at least one standout prospect, at least for now.
Akron (Ohio) St. Vincent defensive end Lawrence Wilson did not hesitate when asked if Willingham's dismissal changed his thinking.
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"It changes things a lot," Wilson said. "I'm not committed to Notre Dame anymore.
"It bothered me a lot. Coach Willingham and the whole coaching staff had a lot to do with me picking Notre Dame.
"Basically I'm looking at other schools now. I could still go to Notre Dame. But I'm looking at Ohio State, Pitt, and Michigan.
"I heard from all three today. (Ohio State assistant) Coach Bollman called. I talked to him about what happened. He said he still wanted to have me. It went well.
"(Michigan assistant) Coach Loeffler called and talked to my dad. (Pitt assistant) Coach Junko called and talked to my dad.
"I've already visited Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Pitt. I'll probably visit Michigan.
"It's hard to say who I like best. I have to have a chance to look things over again."
The 6-foot-6 and 225 pound Wilson was a double digit sack defensive end this season and caught seven passes and scored three times at tight end.
Wilson is the No. 13 weakside defensive end prospect in the Rivals.com player rankings and the No. 13 prospect in the state of Ohio.