Notre Dame lands McKinley

SAN ANTONIO -- Javon McKinley narrowed his list to three schools including two in the Pac-12 but he found his spot the furthest from home and is thrilled to have his recruitment finished.

The four-star wide receiver from Corona (Calif.) Centennial committed to Notre Dame over Oregon and Washington on Saturday at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

McKinley slipped on the Notre Dame hat in the fourth quarter, leaving Washington and Oregon hats on the table.

A chance to get on the field during his freshman year was definitely a factor for McKinley, who’s rated as the No. 12 wide receiver and No. 59 overall in the 2016 class.

“Will Fuller announced that he’s going into the draft,” McKinley said. “That’s a good opportunity for early playing time.”

Oregon was under serious consideration because McKinley loved the spread offense which mirrored what Corona Centennial has done and Washington was high on the four-star’s list for a long time.

But McKinley found what he was looking for after multiple trips to South Bend, developed a great relationship with the coaches and made his decision on national television.

“The coaching staff does a really good job recruiting,” McKinley said. “Notre Dame is not placed in a big area but you’re not there to have fun. You’re there for business and get the job done.”